You should only use 2 on such a short island, however.........................

I would recommend one fixture instead and not a fixture with a glass shade.

I don't think an 8 1/2 foot island is particularly short, and I would use 3 lights over it. Or as Bev pointed out, one fixture with multiple lights.

We prefer individual lights , if we go with 3 what diameter/size would you recommend? or if 2 what size?

Just swapped out similar pendants with clear glass for ones with frosted glass. Much better light over our island.

Here's a picture I found below, in case it helps. (I added the 'or' sizing in between pendants because I've seen varying advice.) On your size island I think two large pendants would look nice, but you could go with 3 smaller (10" maybe) if you find some you love. If you went with 3 10" lights, hung 12" from the sides of the island, you'd have 24" in between each which seems like it should be fine. (12" from side + 10" light + 24" space + 10" light + 24" space + 10" light + 12" to side of island = 102".) Your ceiling height matters too; I wouldn't go with oversized lights if you have an 8' ceiling.

I'd recommend mocking up your pendants with either balloons on a string or posterboard that you cut to size and hang. If the kitchen is under construction and you can't do a mockup, I'd recommend drawing out some options on graph paper to get a feel for sizing.

Using these light fixtures, you can use 3 pendants since they are narrow and the clear glass does not take up much visual space. If you wanted only 2, these would also look good, but you can even go a little larger if you wanted.

Id probably use 3 but i like odd numbers. my Island is 75” and i used three but my pendants are only 2.5” wide.