To choose the right necklace length, it’s essential to know the standard measurements for the different styles: the choker (30–33 cm), the choker-style necklace (35–41 cm), the princess necklace (43–45 cm), the morning necklace (50–61 cm), the opera necklace (70–90 cm), and the long necklace (90 cm and longer). Each style complements a variety of necklines and outfits, allowing you to find the perfect necklace based on your preferences and the occasion.
Do you want to make a fashion necklace but aren’t sure what length of chain you need? And what exactly is the size of a choker? How do you calculate the length of a necklace? These are the kinds of questions you face when you want to choose or make a necklace.
It’s not always easy to choose the right necklace length. That’s why we’ve put together this handy summary chart:
On our website, you’ll find a wide selection of chains in various sizes and materials: 925 Sterling Silver, gold-plated, stainless steel, Gold Filled, and gold-plated brass.
Types of Necklaces | Dimensions | Necklace placement | Composition | What to Wear It With? |
Choker | 30 to 33 cm | At the base of the neck | May feature a single row or multiple rows, possibly with a pendant. | A very elegant necklace that looks great with a V-neck, boat neck, or off-the-shoulder dresses. |
The straight necklace or choker | 35 to 41 cm | Sits at the collarbones | May consist of a single row or multiple rows, possibly with a pendant. | This necklace suits all neckline styles and any outfit. |
The Princess | 43 to 45 cm | Falls to the upper chest | May consist of a single row or multiple rows, possibly with a pendant. | This necklace complements all neckline styles and outfits. Can be worn over a sweater. |
The Matinée Necklace | 50 to 61 cm | A mid-length necklace that falls to the base of the bust | One or more strands. You can double it by wrapping it around your neck several times. | This necklace complements all neckline styles and outfits. It can be worn over a chunky turtleneck sweater. |
The opera necklace or long necklace | 70 to 90 cm | Reaches the upper abdomen | Single or multiple strands. You can double it by wrapping it around your neck several times. | This necklace complements all neckline styles and outfits. |
The long necklace, or “Rope” necklace, also known as a long necklace | 90 cm and longer | Falls to the navel | Single or multiple strands. It can be doubled by wrapping it several times around the neck. | Often worn by Coco Chanel in 1930. |
Here’s a picture to give you an idea of the length to aim for in your future creation.
The same pendant can appear subtle or very prominent depending on where it sits on the neck. The length of the chain directly influences the silhouette: it can elongate the neck, highlight a neckline, or, conversely, weigh down an already busy outfit. That’s why it’s essential to measure your neck circumference carefully before you start making a piece of jewelry, whether it’s a simple design or a creation made with seed beads.
Before settling on a standard length, take two minutes to measure your neck with a flexible measuring tape, leaving a little room for comfort. This basic measurement will serve as a guide for all your future creations.
There’s no hard-and-fast rule, but a few guidelines can help you make the right choice:
Also consider how the necklace pairs with your outfit: a turtleneck naturally calls for a matinee or opera-length necklace, while a low-cut neckline pairs very well with a choker or a close-to-the-neck style.
Both terms actually refer to very similar lengths, around 70 to 90 cm. The term "sautoir" is simply more commonly used for very long necklaces that exceed 90 cm.
Yes, there are several methods depending on the chain:
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