Hi Kaywal,
The pearls average about 9.5mm. (Inge, this IS the perfect size for me)
Didnīt I say so?
However, if you are doing a regular strand you can knot it yourself but if the mistery clasps are involved you should leave it to an expert like Terryīs company or PP or some other of our vendors.
I think you should play around, I donīt think it will be impossible to match different shades of a certain colour. The finished strand will have a life of its own because of the different shades, I think.
The strands really look lovely with an outstanding luster that even outshine the Freshadamas!
Let us know once you have decided and go and buy yourself Henriettas book over Amazon. it will come in handy for many other reasons...