Are you considering a designer necklace? Whether you’re buying jewelry for yourself or as a gift, the first step is deciding which necklace lengths will look best on you, or the lucky recipient. From there, you can choose from a wide variety of chain styles, precious metals, and optional features such as pendants, beads, or gemstones. To get you started, here are six necklace lengths that are sure to please.
It’s All In The Name
Collar: 12 to 14 inches
A necklace measuring 14 inches or less is known as a collar or high neck. This necklace is placed tightly around the neck and best worn with open-neck clothing (e.g., scoop necks, V-necks, off-the-shoulder, and strapless).
Choker: 14 to 16 inches
Necklaces with lengths between 14 and 16 inches are called chokers. Chokers rest at the base of the neck on the neck bone. They can be work with almost any fashion style. Chokers may be custom designed with adjustable chains.
Princess: Usually 18 inches
One of the most popular sizes, princess necklaces feature an 18-inch chain that hits just below the collarbone; it’s best for attaching a diamond or gemstone pendant. This necklace is versatile; it can be worn with every outfit.
Matinee: 20 to 25 inches
A 20- to 25-inch chain that is a popular length for layering, created by wearing two to four necklaces at a time for a look that draws attention. Matinee necklaces fall below the collarbone. They are great for business and casual wear.
Opera: 26 to 36 inches
Hangs below the bust and is long enough to wear as a single strand, or wrapped or knotted to create the illusion of a double-strand, can also be used for layering. Beautifully accentuates business and evening wear.
Rope: 37 inches and longer
The rope length can be worn in several ways (e.g., wrapped, layered or knotted) for a sophisticated, yet elegant look. The beauty of this necklace length is that it can smoothly go from the office to the restaurant.
A Perfect Match
Consider the shape of your face when choosing necklaces. Like necklace lengths, there are six main types of face shapes: round, square, diamond, heart, oval, and rectangular. Of the six, oval and diamond face shapes perfectly complement all necklace lengths, allowing for a wide variety of style choices. Heart and rectangular are best paired with collars and chokers and round face shapes to operas and ropes.
Are you ready to shop? Cornelis Hollander Jewelry has been in the business of making memories for more than 30 years. Our award-winning designer jewelry is flawlessly engineered with bold, beautiful, sharp lines that either you or, if gifting, the lucky recipient is sure to love. Create something unique by scheduling an appointment to speak with a Cornelis Hollander Jewelry Designer today at (480) 423-5000 or sales@cornelishollander.com.
Sizing Your Perfect Necklace
Preference for a necklace length may be as varied as the style of necklace you choose to wear. You may prefer GURHAN’s one-of-a-kind pendant necklaces or a 24k gold double strand or a hand-hammered paper clip chain necklace. Whichever suits your style, you’ll want to size it right. Here are some easy tips to find which length will be your perfect fit.
Already have a favorite?
If you already have a necklace at the desired length, lay it straight on a flat surface. Measure the distance from one clasp to the other and use that length. You may also measure it from end to end when it’s clasped.
Seeking a new look or don’t already have a prototype to use as a guide? A measuring tape or string will help you determine your desired length.
Tape Measure Method
Wrap the tape measure around your neckline to the preferred placement on your chest and note the length.
Measure full length
Lay the necklace on a flat surface in a straight line. Using a ruler or tape measure, measure it from one end of the clasp to the other.
Measuring when fastened
With the clasp fastened, lay the necklace down on a flat surface. Measure its length from end to end, and double the measurement to find the full length of the necklace.
Simple String Option
Use a piece of string to emulate the desired length of your necklace and then measure the size of the string.
Using a flexible tape measure
Place a flexible tape measure around your neck. To find your necklace size, meet the ends of the measure where you would like the pendant to fall on your chest (as pictured above), and note the length.
Using string
Place a piece of string around your neck. Meet the ends of the string where you would like the pendant to fall on your chest (as pictured above). To find your necklace size, measure the length of the string using a ruler or tape measure.Place a piece of string around your neck. Meet the ends of the string where you would like the pendant to fall on your chest (as pictured above). To find your necklace size, measure the length of the string using a ruler or tape measure.
Choker Sizing
Contrary to the name, a choker should not be too tight. You want it to rest around your collar for optimal comfort.
Use a flexible tape measure
Place a flexible tape measure comfortably around your neck to find your neck size. To find your choker size, add 2 inches or 5 centimeters to your neck size.
Using string
Place a piece of string comfortably around your neck. To find your neck size, mark where the ends meet and measure the length using a ruler or tape measure. To find your choker size, add 2 inches or 5 centimeters to your neck size.Place a piece of string comfortably around your neck. To find your neck size, mark where the ends meet and measure the length using a ruler or tape measure. To find your choker size, add 2 inches or 5 centimeters to your neck size.
Again, using a tape measure or string you will want to measure your neckline, but not too snug. If using a tapeline, note the length and add 2-4 inches (5-10cm) to the measurement. For string, note where the ends of the string meet and add 2-4 inches (5-10cm) to determine the proper sizing for a choker necklace.
14" Necklace
In most cases this length achieves a choker necklace.
16" Necklace
This length will envelop the collarbones on a petite woman. On a broader-boned woman this length may be more suitable as a choker necklace.
18" Necklace
The princess necklace length is the most common and falls just under the collarbone.
20" Necklace
Referred to as a matinee necklace, this will fit between the collarbone and the bust.
24" Necklace
Also falling under the classification of a matinee necklace, this will fall a bit longer than the collarbone and closer to the bust.
30" Necklace
Known as an opera necklace, this style will fall atop the bust to slightly below.
36" Necklace
Often called a rope necklace, this may be worn singularly as a strand of pearls hanging below the bust or may be doubled to give the semblance of a double-strand necklace.
Please contact Concierge with any questions.
"
40.50 CM 18"
45.75 CM 20"
50.75CM
24"
61.00CM
30"
76.25CM
36"
91.50 CM