What is the most popular necklace length?

Eighteen inches is the most common. It sits at the collarbone and suits most outfits.

What length is best for a pendant?

Sixteen to 20 inches for a small pendant. A larger statement pendant usually looks best on a longer chain, 20 inches or more.

Can I shorten or lengthen a necklace?

Many of our pieces come with an extender chain. If you need a different fit, message us before you order.

Necklace Length Guide: Which Length Suits You

Necklace lengths come in a handful of standard sizes, and each one sits in a different place on your body. Once you know where they land, choosing one gets easier. This guide covers the standard lengths, which necklines suit each, and how to measure at home.

The standard lengths

Most charts agree on the basics. A few brands differ by an inch, so check the chart from the seller you're buying from.

| Length | Name | Where it sits | |---|---|---| | 14 to 16 inches | Choker or collar | At the base of the neck | | 18 inches | Princess | At the collarbone | | 20 to 22 inches | Matinee | Just below the collarbone, to the upper chest | | 24 inches | Long matinee | At or just above the bust | | 28 to 36 inches | Opera or rope | Mid-chest to below the bust |

If you're unsure, 18 inches is the safest. It suits most necklines.

Which length suits which neckline

Scoop, V-neck, boat neck, off the shoulder: 14 to 18 inches. A shorter necklace fills the open space.
Crew neck: 18 to 24 inches, so the necklace sits just below the collar.
Plunging or deep V: 22 inches or longer, or a pendant that follows the line.
Turtleneck, cowl and other high necklines: 28 inches or longer, worn over the top.
Sweetheart neckline: a pendant that echoes the curve.

For a closer look at the shortest style, see how to wear a choker necklace. For the longest, read how to wear a lariat necklace.

Pendants add length

A pendant hangs below the chain, so the necklace sits lower than the chain length alone suggests. A large pendant can add around 2 inches to where the piece falls.

How to measure your own neck

Take a piece of string or a flexible tape.
Wrap it around your neck at the point where you want the necklace to rest.
Mark where the ends meet and measure the string against a ruler.

Body frame matters too. The same 18 inches will sit a little differently on different people. If you're between sizes, choose the longer one, which you can wear doubled.

Lengths of some of our pieces

Every necklace length on our site is measured end to end, laid flat. A few examples:

The White Bone Bead Three-Strand Necklace measures 34 inches (86 cm), or 40 inches (102 cm) with the extender.
The Carved Buddha, Rudraksha & Orange Agate Necklace measures 40 inches (102 cm).
The Hematite & Chalcedony Lariat Necklace measures 40 inches (102 cm).
The Agate & Rhodochrosite Lariat Necklace measures 31 inches (79 cm).
The Multi-Colour Gemstone & Pearl Twist Necklace measures 26 inches (66 cm).

Multi-strand and lariat pieces change length as you wear them, since you can double them up or wrap them. The listed length is how long they are when laid out straight.