Are you struggling to choose the perfect necklace length? Whether you're looking for a necklace with pendant, a chain necklace, or a layering piece, getting the right size can make a huge difference to your overall look.
Choosing the right necklace length isn't just about aesthetics — it's about proportion, styling, and what works best for your neckline and body shape.
It can be tricky to figure out. As an Australian jeweller, I have created hundreds of different necklaces for women going back 30 years (true story!), so I know a thing or two about necklace lengths.
I've written this guide to help you figure it out and also to give you some ideas about how to style and wear necklaces to suit you and your clothing, whether from our Australian jewellery range or elsewhere. In this guide, you'll find:
- A necklace length chart (with cm and inches) to help visualise how different lengths sit on the body.
- Tips on how to measure for a necklace to ensure the best fit.
- Guidance on which necklace length works best with different necklines and outfits.
- Information on adjustable necklace designs and how to make your jewellery collection work for you.
Ready to find your perfect necklace length and style? Let's dive in!
Necklace Length Chart
Necklaces come in a variety of lengths, each sitting at different points on the body.
Our necklace length chart shows most standard necklace lengths you'll encounter when shopping online. It's a visual guide to indicate how each length sits on an average woman's body.
However, remember that not many people are 'average' in reality: everyone's proportions are different. To find the best fit for you, we highly recommend measuring yourself or comparing the length with existing necklaces that work for you (more on that below).
The most common lengths you'll encounter when shopping for necklaces online are:
- Choker (40cm / 16"): Sits snugly around the neck. Best for open necklines and layering.
- Standard / Princess (45-50cm / 18"-20"): The most versatile length, sitting just below the collarbone.
- Matinee (55-65cm / 22"-26"): Falls mid-chest and is great for business or casual wear.
- Opera (70-85cm / 28"-34"): Long and elegant, perfect for layering or formal outfits.
- Rope (85cm+ / 34"+): Can be worn as a long strand or doubled up.
These length measurements are the circumference or the total length of the necklace. In the case of a chain necklace, it would be from the tip of the clasp to the opposite end of the necklace. Any clasp findings on either end of the necklace are included in the overall length.
Do Necklace Lengths Include a Pendant?
The short answer is: no. The length given is only the circumference of the necklace. A pendant will almost always hang below this, most often suspended from a bail finding.
Reputable online jewellery stores should indicate both the size of a pendant as well as the necklace length for each design they sell. This means you can work out where both will sit on your body (see below for tips).
How to Choose the Right Necklace Length
Each necklace length suits different necklines, outfits, and styling preferences. Below is a detailed guide to help you pick the best option for your wardrobe.
Remember that the 'where it sits' notes are indicative: I recommend you measure yourself to get a clearer idea of where each length will sit on your body (keep reading for measuring tips).
Choker
- Length measurement: 40cm / 16"
- Where it sits: Close against the base of the neck.
- Best for: Off-the-shoulder, crew, and boat necklines.
- Style tips: Chokers are a timeless and bold choice. They draw attention to the neck and collarbone, making them great for layering or wearing solo.
- Considerations: If you have a larger neck or prefer a looser fit, a longer necklace is likely to be more comfortable.
Standard / Princess
- Length measurement: 45-50cm / 18"-20"
- Where it sits: Around the collarbone — the most popular length for women.
- Best for: Most outfits, especially V-necks, sweetheart, and scoop necklines.
- Style tips: If the necklace has a pendant that forms a V-shape, it will work beautifully with V-neck outfits.
- Considerations: If you're taller, have a longer neck or prefer a looser fit, you may prefer a matinee length.
Matinee
- Length measurement: 55-65cm / 22"-26"
- Where it sits: Between the collarbone and bust.
- Best for: Work and casual wear, especially over collared shirts and higher necklines.
- Style tips: A versatile length that layers well with shorter necklaces or statement pendants.
- Considerations: If you're tall or have a larger frame, this might be your best go-to size over the Standard / Princess length.
Opera
- Length measurement: 70-85cm / 28"-34"
- Where it sits: On or just below the bust.
- Best for: High necklines, turtlenecks, boat necks, and evening wear.
- Style tips: Can be worn as one long dramatic strand or doubled to create a layered choker effect.
- Considerations: For maximum versatility, look for an opera-length necklace with a clasp, allowing you to adjust or wrap it for different styles.
Related Reads:
Rope
- Length measurement: Any length over 85cm / 34"
- Where it sits: Varies depending on how it's worn.
- Best for: Layering, creating multi-strand looks, or styling as a lariat necklace.
- Style tips: A rope-length necklace can be wrapped around multiple times for different layered or knotted effects.
- Considerations: This length works well for statement pearls or beads, adding luxury and drama to any outfit.
Layered Necklaces
- Where they sit: Varies depending on your selection.
- Best for: Any neckline - it's all about your personal styling choices.
- Style tips: Mix different lengths and styles to create a custom layered look. Try pairing a shorter pendant necklace with a long chain.
- Considerations: Experimenting is key! See our guide to How to Mix, Match & Stack Jewellery for tips. Also be sure to explore our layering necklaces collection for inspiration.
When to Skip a Necklace
Sometimes, not wearing a necklace is the best choice. If you're dressed in a very low plunge neckline or a high halter neck, then statement earrings or cocktail rings may be a better focal point for your outfit.
Also if you're wearing a dramatic pair of earrings as your focal point, then a necklace will often be a distraction.
Final Thoughts on Styling Necklaces & Lengths
Choosing the right necklace length is about balancing proportion, neckline, and personal style. Whether you're layering, making a statement, or keeping it simple, knowing how different lengths sit on your body will help you find the perfect fit for every occasion.
Are you not really clear on what your personal style is, how to truly choose jewellery that suits you or how to make the most of your collection? Check out our must-read Jewellery Styling Guide to refresh and elevate your jewellery collection.
Want a shortcut? Most people opt for Standard / Princess necklaces, but experiment with different lengths and extension chains to find what works for you.
How to Measure for Necklaces & Pendants
Although a necklace chart like the one above can give you a rough idea of where a necklace length will sit, it really is just an indication. Everyone is different and it pays to go to the effort to check how a necklace length will work for you personally. Here's a few ways you can go about doing it:
1. Measure an Existing Necklace
- Find a necklace you already own that sits at a length you love.
- Use a soft measuring tape or ruler to measure its full length, including the clasp.
- Compare this length to our necklace length chart and measurements above to find the closest match.
2. Use a String or Soft Measuring Tape
- Stand in front of a mirror.
- Wrap a piece of string, ribbon, or something similar around your neck so that it sits at the desired length.
- Mark the point where it meets and measure it against a ruler or measuring tape.
- Compare this to the necklace length chart and mesurements above and see what it most closely matches.
3. Factoring in a Pendant
- Use one of the methods above to see where a necklace length will sit.
- You could optionally use eyeliner or similar to mark the spot on your neck where a pendant will be attached.
- Using a tape measure or ruler, factor in the length of the pendant you're looking at online (which should be provided by the seller) by adding it to the bottom of where the necklace will sit.
- This will give you an approximate idea of how low the pendant is likely to sit below the necklace. Be sure to adjust for different styles of pendant (eg. if the pendant is attached to the necklace in the middle rather than from the top).
(Reading this on a website that isn't simonewalsh.com? Be aware that the content has been stolen, infringing the copyright of a small business. ABN: 65108844126)
4. Consider Layering & Adjustability
Looking for versatility? Consider adjustable necklaces or layered necklaces.
An adjustable necklace often has a length of chain at one end which can be clasped at any point, adding a lot of flexibility. Necklace extenders will add even more.
Our Necklace Lengths
In our Jewellery Shop Australia, we use adjustable chains for almost all of our necklaces and pendants, giving you extra flexibility in how you wear them because the chains can be clasped at any point. Here's the lowdown:
- Most of our necklaces are adjustable between Standard / Princess (45cm / 18") and Matinee (55cm / 22"), so both most popular lengths are covered.
- We also have extender chains in gold and silver, allowing you to add an extra 15cm (6") to most clasped chains.
For something unique, we have a very special handmade silver chain necklace, available in two lengths (50cm / 19.5" and 80cm / 31.5"), both of which can be clasped at any point for ultimate versatility.
Final Thoughts: Finding Your Perfect Necklace Length
Choosing the right necklace length can enhance your style, complement your outfits, and make your jewellery collection more versatile and wearable.
Need inspiration? Explore our full Necklaces & Pendants collection to find your perfect necklace.
