These are a nice white and are fairly even but their selling point is their specially drilled larger holes, rare for pearls. They are about 5 x 6mm. We have these drilled specially for us in the Mysterious Orient. No more awkward jamming with an awl or unladylike cussiin'. 15 - 16 inch strands, temporarily strung. The holes on our current ones are as large as what we had 18 months ago but they will take a 20 gauge wire.