While I learned to make beads in a virtual vacuum... (as we were military and moved to Europe within months of the first time I picked up a mandrel.) I never quite got an idea of what size was best.  Now twenty years later - I realize that every size is good... as not everyone has the same preferences.  I'm most comfortable at the 1/2"D size... but that's not to say I can't work larger.  The beads shown on this page are around 1"D.  to me, this is huge.

Granted with size comes weight.... I remember Kimberly Affleck telling me once that if the necklace is made correctly - to rest on the collarbones - the weight is not much of an issue. Hmmm wise words.  I'll give that a shot.  

I have some new gloriously large hollows in transparent glass - but - sadly I ran out of minutes this week... as usual.

Let me know what your favorite size is... I'm all ears! smiles, Jill