Designer Necklaces: How to Choose the Right Length

How to Choose the Right Length Designer Necklace

Are you looking to buy a new designer necklace and don't know which size to pick? Read on to learn how to choose the right (most flattering) length for your neck, face, and body shape.

Keyword(s): Necklace Lengths

It may not seem stressful picking out the perfect designer necklace, but things get tricky when they come in multiple sizes. How do you know which size to pick? More importantly, how do you know which necklace length will flatter you the most?

While it may seem like jewelry is one-size-fits-all, different lengths are suitable for different purposes - and different people.

If you're stressed about finding the right necklace length for you, never fear! We're here to help with some handy tips.

How to choose the right length for your designer necklace

Follow the Standards

Different necklace lengths flatter different people and different necklines. It can be odd to think about your designer necklace in this way when it seems as though jewelry is one-size-fits-all.

The jewelry industry has standard necklace lengths that they follow for most, if not all, pieces produced. Still, that doesn't mean that alterations can't be made by way of an extender or simply by cutting the chain. Custom-made necklaces are always an option.

The standard options include the necklace length and the name for that length, along with proper placement of the necklace. From there, you can gauge what that may look best with.

For instance, the 90s are back in style, which means you're probably seeing plenty of chokers out and about. Proper chokers are 14 -16 inches in length, and you want to wear them tightly against your neck (they're not kidding with that name). The great thing about a choker is that you can wear it with just about anything.

A necklace of 14 inches is known as a collar. Like a choker, you wear it tightly around your neck. However, collar necklaces suit clothing with open necks the best. You'd want to wear a collar necklace with a v-neck or a scoop-neck. Off-the-shoulder styles would work too.

A designer necklace of 18 inches is known as a princess necklace. It's best worn on the collarbone, and it's a versatile piece of jewelry that looks good with just about everything.

Necklaces with lengths of 20-24 inches are called matinee necklaces, 30-inch necklaces are opera, and longer lengths are collectively called ropes or lariats. 

Try an Adjustable Length Necklace

For those times when a standard length isn't quite right, an adjustable chain could be the perfect solution.

With the ability to be fine-tuned to the EXACT length you desire, adjustable chains offer an intriguing option. Most high-quality adjustable chains can be set at any length from 14 up to 24 inches, with some adjusting all the way up to 30 inches! Check out adjustable chains. 

Styling Techniques

After you know the standard lengths, you can move on to mastering styling techniques to figure out exactly what designer necklace length would look best on you personally.

Luckily, the technique we follow is pretty easy. All it really requires is a necklace that you love and looks good on you (we know you have good taste, so we'll trust your judgment on this).

Measure the length of the chain while clasped. Double that. There you go: your magical, custom necklace length!

However, there are more techniques to find the perfect necklace length for you, especially if you're playing around with new jewelry styles. However, to use these, you have to take into account your entire body, including the face shape and body type.

Honestly, the best thing to do might be to start where your necklaces sit: your neck. Get up close and personal. Analyze the length and width of your neck, along with any blemishes or wrinkles that may have accumulated.

That will be a good starting point for determining if a certain necklace will be a good look for you. 

If worst comes to worst, go ahead and try the designer necklace on. That way, you'll be able to form a solid opinion one way or another.

Consider Your Natural Shape

However, all the techniques in the world can't save you from your limits. While sometimes it's good to throw limitations out the window (we fully believe that you can work whatever you'd like), you need to take into account what your designer necklace is best suited for.

Let's take a look back at the choker. It fits tightly around the neck, and the typical width of a choker makes it a great choice for people with long, swan-like necks. If worn on a short neck or a wide one, your neck can look stubby.

A better choice on a short, wide neck would be a long necklace. We're talking 20 to 24 inches long, so a matinee length. These are best worn between your collarbone and bust. They're great for professional and casual outfits, but they can also make a thick neck look long and thin.

Additionally, if your neck is wrinkled, consider staying away from the chokers, regardless of how trendy they are right now.

A choker will draw attention to your neck, so if you're insecure about the state of it, there's nowhere to hide. A long necklace with a beautiful pendant will attract more flattering attention instead.

You may not think so, but your body shape and height are factors in picking a necklace. Long necklaces may look strange on people with short torsos and full-figured.

Additionally, short women can easily be overtaken by long, large necklaces. If you don't have a lot of height, stick to a shorter necklace. One that sits on your collarbone will work perfectly.

Face Shape

Face shape may be a more obvious criterion for choosing the right designer necklace length. If you know your face shape and whether it's oval, square, diamond, heart-shaped, or round, that will help you out.

Oval faces are most versatile and are suited to most designs. Round faces will take to longer necklaces that create V shapes that slim down your face.

However, heart-shaped faces have the opposite problem. If you have a heart-shaped face, stick to short, round necklaces to smooth out your angles.

Closet contents

Finally, take a look at your closet before deciding what designer necklace length is perfect for you.

Remember, different necklace lengths suit different types of clothing. Take account of your personal style and what clothing styles adorn your closet.

Try on different pieces of jewelry with different outfits. It will take some trial and error, but sooner or later, you'll be able to find the perfect necklace length for yourself!

Conclusion

Even if finding the right necklace length is a hellish ordeal full of numbers, it's ultimately a personal decision. If you have a round face and want to rock a choker, by all means, go for it.

However, sticking to the standards and general jewelry rules when it comes to designer necklaces will help you appear elegant and sophisticated. Jewelry can be versatile, so a necklace that's the right length will enhance any outfit you put it with.

Or, say goodbye to fixed-length necklaces completely and opt for an adjustable length chain that can be set at any length you want for the perfect look no matter the situation. Check out adjustable chains. 

ROMA ADJUSTABLE CHAINS - ALWAYS THE PERFECT LENGTH™