I ordered three of these as Bridesmaids gifts. One of the three that came was the full 8-9mm as stated. The other two were closer to 7-8 mm but they were all beautiful and almost perfect. You really don't notice any imperfections unless you take them off your neck and study them. I think they are the perfect gift beacuse they look expensive and real with a nice luster without paying a fortune. I'd say they look like they cost at least $100 if not closer to $150. I'd buy them again in a heartbeat. Just keep in mind that while all the pearls on a necklace match almost perfectly in size and color and luster, if you order multiple necklaces, every necklace varies in size by up to 1.5mm pearl size. This difference wasn't really visible on the bridesmaids.