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Chain Length

Necklace Sizing Guide

Necklaces and pendants are a beautiful, focal form of personal expression. They gently hug the wearer’s neckline or gracefully slide down to accessorize an outfit that accentuates features with every move you make! Necklace length can be one overlooked detail in style choice, but should not be taken lightly because it impacts how other elements will interact. First, some Glossary Terms. Did you know that words like “choker,” or “opera length” have specific measurements?

 

Chain Length

Where it falls on Body

14”

Collar: Wraps around neck

16”

Choker or Bib: Against base of throat or neck

17-18”

Princess: By collarbone (most common standard length)

20-24”

Matinee: Falls along neckline: From collarbone to top of bust

28-26”

Opera: On or slightly below bustline

36-42”

Rope: Doubles or wraps to sit at or below bustline

There are many different ways to measure neck size. If you don’t have a soft measuring tape, use ribbon and mark where ends meet as your guide for determining size in inches or centimeters. Make sure not to measure it tightly, but just snug enough so it doesn’t slide. Measure at the base of the neck. The average American woman’s neck size is 13 to 14 inches.  Let’s look at some tips and tricks for finding a length that fits you and your personal style!

Factors to Consider

Just because a necklace fits does not mean it will look good or be versatile enough for you. When choosing a necklace length, the surest way is to try them on in front of a mirror. Nelson Coleman carries dozens of chains in stock for you to try on.

Here are some common factors what will help determine which chain length is best suited for you.

Size of Pendant: The pendant is the slide that goes on the chain. The necklace is the resulting combination OR a single piece with the focal point being attached at one or two points. Some pendants are dainty and appropriate for smaller chains. But some pendants are heavy, chunky, long or bold and require a thicker or longer chain.

Face Shape: Round, fuller faces pair well with longer chains while square jaws, heart shaped and diamond shaped faces benefit from a 14-to-18-inch chain.

Neck Size: Obviously, larger necks need to adjust for length. A 16” choker becomes a collar, an 18” Princess becomes a choker, and so on.

Body Type: Long Neck? Short Neck? Broad Shoulders? Large Bust? All of these things play into consideration when choosing the right size necklace.

Outfit: Probably one of the most important of all the factors are the outfit and neckline you will wear with your necklace.

Necklines and Necklace Length

Choosing Necklace Lengths

As you can see, necklaces come in many different lengths to accommodate dress styles and neckline shapes. Choosing the perfect chain length is dependent on what you plan to wear it with, facial structure, neck size and more.  So, what are your options when choosing a personalized style?

Adjustable Length Chains

One of the easiest ways to make your chain multi-task for you is to purchase an adjustable length chain. This allows you to choose the appropriate length depending on your outfit of the day.

There are two kinds of adjustable chains: those with jump rings and sliding (or bolo style) chains.  Necklaces with jump rings have small rings located at various stations at the end of the chain, usually one to two inches apart. The downside of this is that the adjustments are fixed to where the jump rings are located.  The second kind of adjustable chain is a slide or bolo style. One of the benefits of this style is that you can adjust the chain to multiple lengths with precision—the possibilities are endless. However, slide or bolo chains use a rubber stopper that may wear out over time, or come out entirely if pulled too hard.

Chain Extenders

What if you already have enough chains but still crave some versatility? Ask your jeweler about a chain extender. They come in all metal finishes, varying chain types and clasps and can be easily ordered by your jeweler to match your chain.

Special Order Desired Length

We have discussed how personal and customized chains, necklaces and pendants are. In fact, there are SO many combinations of length, clasp type, metal, finish, thickness, links, etc that no jeweler could carry every possible combination!  Fortunately, these variations can be ordered for you at no additional charge, and usually with expedient delivery.

You never knew there was so much to choosing the right chain length did you? As they say, knowledge is power, and now you have the tools to make the best choice for you!

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