Necklace Size Guide
How to find your perfect necklace length
The perfect necklace length is personal. It depends on your neckline, your build, and how you like to wear your jewelry. Use the guide below to find the length that suits you best.
Not sure where to start?
Measure a necklace you already love, or use a piece of string to see exactly where a new length will sit. Then compare it against the chart below.
Necklaces
| Inches | Centimeters | Style |
|---|---|---|
| 14" | 35.6 cm | Choker |
| 15" | 38.1 cm | Choker |
| 16" | 40.6 cm | Choker |
| 17" | 43.2 cm | Princess |
| 18" | 45.7 cm | Princess |
| 19" | 48.3 cm | Princess |
| 20" | 50.8 cm | Matinee |
| 21" | 53.3 cm | Matinee |
| 22" | 55.9 cm | Matinee |
| 24" | 61.0 cm | Matinee |
| 30" | 76.2 cm | Opera |
| 36" | 91.4 cm | Opera |
Necklace styles by length
| Style | Length | Where it sits | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collar | 12–13" 30–33 cm |
Fits closely around the middle of the neck | Off-the-shoulder, boat and strapless necklines |
| Choker | 14–16" 35–41 cm |
At the base of the neck | V-necks, open collars and a delicate everyday look |
| Princess Most popular | 17–19" 43–48 cm |
Just on or below the collarbone | Pendants, tennis necklaces and almost any neckline |
| Matinee | 20–24" 51–61 cm |
Between the collarbone and the bust | Crew necks, business attire and layering |
| Opera | 28–36" 71–91 cm |
At or just below the bust | High necklines, evening wear, or doubling as a choker |
| Rope | 36"+ 91 cm+ |
Below the bust | Knotting, wrapping, or wearing long as a statement |
Tennis necklaces
Our tennis necklaces are available in 16", 17", 18", 19", 20", 21" and 22" in white, yellow and rose gold. Simply select your length on the product page.
Pendants & fancy necklaces
Chain lengths vary by piece. Contact us for the exact length of any necklace, or to request a different chain.
How to measure
1Measure an existing necklace
If you already own a necklace that fits the way you like, it's the easiest way to find your size.
- Unclasp the necklace and lay it flat in a straight line on a table.
- Using a ruler or tape measure, measure from the end of the clasp to the end of the last link on the other side.
- Include the clasp in your measurement — necklace lengths are always measured end to end.
- Find the closest length in the chart above.
2Measure with string
No necklace to measure? A piece of string or a soft measuring tape shows you exactly where a new length will fall.
- Wrap a piece of string around your neck and let it hang to where you'd like the necklace to sit.
- Look in a mirror and adjust until it falls just right, then mark the point where the ends meet.
- Lay the string flat and measure it against a ruler.
- Compare your measurement to the chart above to find your length.
Wearing a pendant? Measure with the string a little shorter. A pendant adds weight and drop, so it will sit about ½"–1" lower than the chain alone.
3Find your choker size
Chokers and collar necklaces sit close to the neck, so an accurate neck measurement matters most.
- Wrap a soft measuring tape (or string) around the base of your neck, where you'd like the choker to sit.
- Keep it snug but comfortable. Don't pull it tight.
- Note the measurement, then add 1"–2" for comfort and movement.
- That total is your ideal choker length.
Helpful tips
- Not sure? Choose 18". It sits right at the collarbone and flatters almost everyone, which makes it the most popular length.
- Tennis necklaces drape. A diamond tennis necklace has more weight than a plain chain and will rest slightly lower than the same length in a fine chain.
- Layering? Space your necklaces about 2" apart, such as 16", 18" and 20", so each piece shows clearly without tangling.
- Consider your build. Taller people, or those with a broader neck or shoulders, may prefer to go up one size for the same look.
- Match the neckline. Shorter lengths frame open necklines, while longer lengths sit beautifully over higher, closed necklines.
Need a custom length?
Our jewelers can size most necklaces to your exact measurement. Reach out and we'll help you find the perfect fit.
Contact Us Shop Necklaces