You’ve finally found the necklace of your dreams. But before you head to the register, there’s one important aspect of the jewelry to consider: the chain length.
Identifying the perfect necklace length is crucial for choosing the investment piece you’ve always wanted that you’ll be thrilled to wear with a variety of outfits. While you can find the perfect necklace length by trying different sizes on, there are other factors to consider, like face shapes, body framing, and chain styles.
In this guide, we’re breaking down all you need to know about finding the perfect necklace size from understanding the different types of lengths available and the exact process to measure for your ideal length.
Understanding Necklace Lengths and Their Names
Determining how to choose the right necklace length starts with knowing what you’re looking for. There are different types of necklaces with different lengths that look best with certain ensembles.
There are also different chain colors like white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold that can appear differently based on lengths and chain styles.
Here are the four most common necklace chain lengths and what tops or dresses they pair best with.
Collar and Choker Necklaces (12-16 inches)
Necklaces with the shortest chain lengths are called collar or choker necklaces. These necklace chain lengths measure anywhere between 12 to 16 inches, and do not have any droop. These necklaces stay wrapped around your throat, like a collar (but a comfortable one).
Collar or choker necklaces look best with any necklines that expose the collarbone and neckline. Think sweetheart, off-the-shoulder, or strapless necklines.
Where these necklaces do not fall down your chest, they draw attention to the base of your neck and keep the exposed areas visually balanced.
Princess and Matinee Lengths (17-24 inches)
Every day or dainty special occasion necklaces are called princess or matinee pieces. These two necklaces have longer lengths than collar and choker necklaces, and do have the length that falls lower on your chest.
If you’re wearing a top or dress with a crew, scoop, or V-neck neckline, then these necklace lengths work best. They’re not too long or too short, and rest perfectly against your collarbone to keep the look balanced without overtaking the ensemble.
Opera and Rope Necklaces (28-36+ inches)
The longest necklace chain lengths are known as opera or rope necklaces. Spanning anywhere from 28 to 36+ inches in length, these necklaces fall dramatically low, sometimes all the way down to the top of your stomach.
Opera and rope necklaces are excellent for high necklines. Because these necklaces are so long, they don’t overwhelm the neckline and can be used with other lengths for a layered look.
Layering Different Necklace Lengths
One of the best ways to get creative with personal looks is to mix and match necklace lengths for a layered look. Creating a layered necklace design is fairly simple. All you need to start with is a choker or small princess length followed by a matinee length and ending with an opera or matinee length.
Layering different necklace lengths keeps the neckline from appearing too cluttered while elongating your face or torso from the illusion. It’s also a great way to design a custom look with some of your favorite pieces to express your style.
Choosing the Right Necklace Length for Your Body
Necklines aren’t the only way to determine the right necklace length to wear. It’s also important to determine necklaces sizes for face shapes, too.
Necklace Lengths for Different Face Shapes
Believe it or not, necklace length can impact that way you look based upon your face shape. Depending on the length of your necklace chain, the fine piece of jewelry can either sharpen or soften the angles along your jaw and chin.
Choosing a necklace length that best matches your face shape also helps to keep your outfit visually balanced. Here are the typical face shapes and the best pairing necklace sizes to have a beautiful fit.
- Oval: Any necklace length.
- Round: Princess length or matinee length.
- Heart-shaped: Choker or princess length.
- Oblong or rectangle: Collar or choker necklace.
Finding the Most Flattering Length for Your Neck Type
While these are generic considerations for the perfect necklace length with face shapes, finding the ideal fit comes down to experimentation and personal preference!
In order to find the necklace length that truly flatters you and what you wear, try experimenting with different lengths to see what looks best.
If you want to identify your face shape as a starting point, start by looking at the widest part of your face. Move down to the overall shape of your jawline and then your chin to determine which angles are the most prominent or soft.
If the widest part of your face is your forehead, then you have an oval-shaped face. Wide cheekbones usually indicate round face shapes, and sharp jawlines are rectangle or oblong shapes.
Body Frame Considerations for Necklace Selection
While you’re studying your face shape, don’t forget to consider your body frame as well. It’s important to choose a necklace that complements your silhouette.
People with average or taller heights can get away with nearly any length, but longer lengths tend to be the most appealing. Those on the shorter scale should stick to necklaces with chain lengths up to 20 inches since this length doesn’t overwhelm a smaller stature.
Measuring for Your Perfect Necklace Size
Yes, you can try on the necklace before you buy it! Technically, you’re measuring the length for your perfect size, but it gives you an idea as to how different chain lengths will sit against your chest or collarbone.
To measure, you’ll need either string or flimsy measuring tape. Wrap the string or tape around your neck to the length you want the necklace to sit against your check. Mark the string or record the measurements, the add the following inches based on the type of necklace you want:
- Princess length or matinee length: 2-4 inches
- Collar or choker length: 1-2 inches
Matching Necklace Lengths to Necklines and Outfits
Going out? Whether you’re headed out for a casual night on the town or a special, formal event, here are the best necklace lengths to complement your neckline and attire.
Complementary Lengths for V-Necks and Scoop Necklines
V-necks or scoop necklines are already commanding attention down the front of your chest, so they pair best with princess length necklaces.
Necklaces with chain lengths measuring 16-18 inches sit just above the neckline to keep the chest visually balanced and draw attention upwards to the exposed skin.
Necklaces for High Necks and Collared Shirts
If you’re wearing a high neck or collared shirt, pair it with an 18 to 24-inch necklace. These lengths are ideal to keep the high neck area from looking cluttered or overwhelmed while still adding interest and sparkle.
Statement Lengths for Evening and Special Occasion Wear
To really up the drama and elegance of your special occasion ensemble, you can’t go wrong with an opera or rope statement necklace. These long necklaces accentuate your attire, especially when embellished with a beautiful pendant.
But if you want to keep your jewelry on the minimal and dainty side, a matinee length necklace is the perfect choice.
Professional Settings and Workwear Necklace Lengths
Princess length or matinee length necklaces are the safest choices for everyday jewelry in the workplace. They aren’t as short as collar or choker necklaces, but not as long as the opera length.
Pendant and Chain Considerations
If you’re adding extra embellishments to a white gold necklace with pendants or large diamonds, this alters your chain length even more for proportion matters. Large and heavy pendants look best with longer chains while smaller and lighter embellishments can handle a smaller chain.
But, you should also consider the type of chain your necklace has, such as its thickness and style, to find the length that flatters your body style and outfit.
Chain Thickness and Style Related to Length
Like all jewelry designs, there’s a variety of chain styles to select from that can alter the necklace’s appearance along your neck.
Necklace chains vary in thickness and styles, like the traditional cable chain, link chain, solid chain, and more. The chain’s thickness and style go hand-in-hand for creating a design that looks best for certain lengths.
For instance, thicker chains create more of a statement and look more flattering in longer lengths, especially when accompanied by a pendant. Thinner chains are more dainty in appearance and are perfect for smaller necklace lengths that can be worn as everyday jewelry or minimal special occasion pieces.
Adjustable Length Options and Their Benefits
As you shop around for your lifelong necklace, consider looking for one that has an adjustable chain. These chains are usually made with several holes you can choose to clip your chain’s hook onto to alter the length of the necklace.
This option gives you the benefit of creating your own look depending on how long or short you want the necklace to be. This feature makes your necklace more versatile to fit a variety of occasions while showcasing your beloved diamond or gemstone.
Custom Length Solutions at Ferkos Fine Jewelry
While there are general necklace length sizes, that doesn’t mean jewelry is a literal one-size-fits-all option. If you’re looking for a special piece that doesn’t fit the inches that are typically on the market, create your own design!
At Ferko’s we understand that no two necklaces are alike in terms of their meaning and use. That’s why we strive to create unique and personalized pieces that span beyond the embellishments.
We can help you design the necklace chain length of your preference for a size that’s truly custom to you and your style so you have a special piece you’ll cherish forever.