You buy the necklace online. Then, when you put it on, you discover it’s not the length you thought.
We all have a personal style and taste when it comes to necklace lengths. Especially if you like to layer multiple necklaces around your neck, it pays to know how different lengths will look on you.
So, how can you find out your necklace size?
There are a few things to note before and after you measure, like your style, the outfits you want to wear, and even your face shape!
Let’s dive in.
Necklace Lengths and Names
What type of necklace are you looking for?
Different jewelers will have different names associated with the lengths of their necklaces, but here is a handy guide of standardized sizes and names:
- 14” Collar – This is a necklace that will wrap around your neck or throat.
- 16” Choker – You’ll sometimes see this necklace type named a Bib. It will fall close to the base of your neck.
- 17-18” Princess – Disney or not, these necklaces usually fall against the collarbone
- 20-24” Matinee – This style usually falls in between your collarbone and the top of your bust.
- 28-36” Opera – If you like lengthier necklaces, opt for the opera style which will fall slightly below your bust line.
- 36-42” Rope – These are the long ones. They’re meant to wrap around your neck at least twice and can be adjusted to fall on the same level or different ones.
While this is all handy-dandy, it can all change based on how tall you are and the way your body is constructed and even your body posture. Fun stuff!
Note that these names are typically associated with women’s necklaces. Men and children may find that they’ll just have to go off of the number of inches they desire. Men typically like necklaces between 18 and 30 inches, whereas necklaces between 10 and 16 inches tend to work better for the little ones.
Here’s a chart to help you visualize your size.
How to Measure Necklace Length at Home
Measure yourself at home before going necklace shopping–online or in-store, it’s a good to know your numbers!
Measuring Tape
The easiest way to measure necklace length at home is to grab a measuring tape and simply wrap it around your neck. Adjust it to the length of necklace you desire and voila! You’ve got it figured out now.
Make sure you are noting inches and not centimeters, FYI.
Necklaces You Own
Are you thinking of getting a necklace of similar length to one you already have? Then lay out the one you own and measure it! Makes sense, right?
Ask the Jewelry Company
If you’re out shopping already, just ask your sales rep for help.
They should have a measuring tape on hand to help you figure out the right necklace length for you.
Try Necklaces On
This one is exactly what you think it is. Try a bunch on while you chat with your BFF about the history of the necklace.
Factors to Consider for the Length of a Necklace
So now that you know your necklace length, you’re good to go, right? Not quite.
Other factors you’ll want to consider before buying a necklace include your face shape, your outfits, your height, and pendants.
Your Face Shape
For face shapes, consider:
- Medium-length necklaces for rounder faces;
- Shorter-length necklaces for more pointed faces (diamond, triangle, square, etc.);
- Choose your fave if you have an oval-shaped face!
Your Height
If you’re a shortie, you may want to stick to shorter chain lengths so the necklace doesn’t overwhelm your aesthetic. Or you can get a longer chain and wrap it. Taller women have it a little easier. You can really just pick and choose what you want without affecting your overall look too much.
Your Outfit
You’re going to most likely buy a necklace with a length that matches what you’re putting on. For example, if you are going to the office in a button-up blouse, you may want to consider a necklace that falls above the first button you use.
If it’s cold outside and you’re wearing a sweater or a turtleneck, consider a longer chain that will cause people to notice your shiny piece.
Here are some other suggestions:
- Wear a princess length with a sweetheart neckline.
- Try out a collar length with tops that have a square outline.
- If you have a strapless dress or blouse, you can stand out by wearing a choker.
It’s all up to you! You can also just break all the rules. No need to stay in line!
Your Pendants
Are you thinking of getting a pendant or disk for your necklace?
Smaller pendants and charms pair well with shorter chains. They won’t overwhelm the necklace and will just look adorable.
If you are a fashionista who likes bulky charms and pendants, consider putting it on a longer necklace chain.
Or, if you say “screw you” to tradition, mix it up! Larger accessories on a shorter chain can actually look great on you if you do it right.
If you’re buying for someone else, you can try sneaking around their house to measure the length of a necklace they already have. iPhone users can pull up the Measure app and get an accurate measurement without carrying around a measuring tape. Or get their roommate to measure one for you.
Consider their style as well. If they normally wear deep v-neck tops, for example, you may want to go with a matinee or opera length.
Easy Ways to Adjust Necklace Length
Okay, so you bought a necklace and it’s a little too long.
If it is a chain necklace, you may be able to re-clasp the necklace on a chain further down. While this isn’t ideal, it’ll do the job. You’ll have a little tail that you can tuck into the back of your shirt.
While not recommended, if you or your boo are handy and the chain is not very thick, you may be able to take a pair of pliers and remove some links until you find the desired length.
If your chain is a little too short, you may be able to have additional length added to your necklace.
The easiest way to get around these issues is to find a company that offers adjustable necklaces with necklace extenders. Hm… maybe like Rellery? Adjustable necklaces are honestly so cool. You can buy a necklace within a range of inches so you can adjust it accordingly. And, that means it will pair well with multiple outfits so you don’t have to buy a billion different sizes!
Finding Your Necklace Size is Easy
If you like quality necklaces that won’t fall apart, you’ll love Rellery’s rotating selection of necklaces.
Not only are you getting amazing pieces at a fair price, but you’re supporting an ethical work environment where products are U.S. made and sold.
And, our customizable necklace pendants are awesome. They’re made from a thicker gauge material so you won’t have to worry about them breaking or bending.
So skip those hassling salespeople who are going to charge you an arm and a leg. Shop from our evolving collection of rings, necklaces, and bracelets. We only make meaningful jewelry that lets your story shine.
SOURCES:
https://www.ehow.com/how_8165479_shorten-necklace.html
https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/types-of-necklaces-and-styles-4114789
https://www.girltalkhq.com/a-fascinating-look-into-the-history-of-necklaces/