Necklace Length Chart: Choosing Between Necklace Sizes — Borsheims (2024)

Mother's Day Gift IdeasNecklace Ideas

Necklace Length Chart: Choosing Between Necklace Sizes — Borsheims (1)

Length may not be the first thing that comes to mind when shopping for a new necklace, but it happens to be one of the most important factors to consider when looking at necklaces. Determining the right length can become especially tricky when buying a necklace online, since you don’t have the luxury of trying on a necklace to see how it fits like you would in-store. We’ve designed this guide to help you choose the right necklace length so you get the fit and overall look that you want.

Standard Necklace Lengths

Necklaces come in a number of sizes, with standard necklace lengths being even inch sizes such as 16”, 18”, 20”, 22”, 24” and 30”. Whether you are looking for a shorter necklace that hugs the collarbone or a longer necklace that drapes down your chest, our breakdown of the different necklace lengths can help you select the size you need. Read on to learn more about some of the most common necklace lengths, including how they fit and what they pair best with.

Necklace Length Chart: Choosing Between Necklace Sizes — Borsheims (2)

16-Inch Necklace Length

The Fit: Sits gently around the base of the neck on top of the clavicle

Wear With: V-necks, scoop necks, boat necks, and button-up blouses

Also known as a choker or bib, 16-inch necklaces pair well with most necklines and offer a subtle and sweet way to accessorize an outfit.

Necklace Length Chart: Choosing Between Necklace Sizes — Borsheims (3)

18-Inch Necklace Length

The Fit: Falls just below the collarbone

Wear With: Complements most necklines

18-inch, or princess, necklaces are the most popular necklace length. They can be worn with any neckline and outfit – transitioning effortlessly from a chic, everyday look to an elegant, evening ensemble.

Necklace Length Chart: Choosing Between Necklace Sizes — Borsheims (4)

20-Inch Necklace Length

The Fit: Sits a few inches below the collarbone

Wear With: Pairs well with most necklines

“Matinee” refers to necklaces that fall within the 20-24 inch length range and usually hit somewhere between the collarbone and breastbone.

Necklace Length Chart: Choosing Between Necklace Sizes — Borsheims (5)

22-Inch Necklace Length

The Fit: Falls in the middle between the clavicle and bustline

Wear With: Pairs well with low or plunging necklines

This mid-length necklace complements lower necklines especially well.

Necklace Length Chart: Choosing Between Necklace Sizes — Borsheims (6)

24-Inch Necklace Length

The Fit: Hits at or just above the bustline

Wear With: Looks lovely layered with other necklaces

The longest of the matinee necklaces, 24-inch necklaces are a great length to layer with different chain lengths, like a princess-length or opera-length chain.

Necklace Length Chart: Choosing Between Necklace Sizes — Borsheims (7)

30-Inch Necklace Length

The Fit: Falls just below the bustline

Wear With: Higher necklines like boat necks, cowl necks, and turtlenecks

Necklaces that fall within the 28”-36” range are known as opera necklaces. These lengthier styles are a popular necklace trend and help break up an outfit by adding something of visual interest to the middle part of the torso.

Necklace Length Guide

To choose the right necklace size, you should consider your height, neck size and overall body type, as these factors can affect how a particular necklace style or length is going to lay. A necklace is likely to draw attention to the area of the body that it hits, so keep this in mind when shopping for necklaces. The chart below gives an idea of where you can expect different necklace lengths to fall on the average woman’s body compared to other sizes. Remember that everyone’s body is unique, and certain necklace chain lengths may fit people differently.

Necklace Length Chart: Choosing Between Necklace Sizes — Borsheims (8)

If you need help picking out the perfect piece of jewelry, one of our experts would be happy to assist you. Stop into our store or text or call402.391.0400 during store hours to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable sales associates.

As a seasoned enthusiast in the realm of jewelry and accessories, I've delved deep into the intricate details of necklace design and the art of accessorizing. With a wealth of firsthand expertise and a comprehensive understanding of the factors that contribute to a perfect necklace selection, I'm well-equipped to guide you through the nuances of choosing the right necklace length.

Now, let's break down the key concepts explored in the article "Mother's Day Gift Ideas: Necklace Length Guide."

  1. Importance of Necklace Length:

    • The article emphasizes that necklace length is a critical factor to consider when shopping for a new necklace.
    • Shopping online adds a layer of complexity, as the luxury of trying on a necklace to assess the fit isn't available.
  2. Standard Necklace Lengths:

    • Necklaces commonly come in even inch sizes: 16”, 18”, 20”, 22”, 24”, and 30”.
    • Each length serves a specific purpose in complementing different necklines and outfits.
  3. 16-Inch Necklace Length:

    • Fit: Sits gently around the base of the neck on top of the clavicle.
    • Wear With: V-necks, scoop necks, boat necks, and button-up blouses.
    • Also known as a choker or bib, suitable for various necklines.
  4. 18-Inch Necklace Length:

    • Fit: Falls just below the collarbone.
    • Wear With: Complements most necklines.
    • Popularly known as a princess necklace, versatile for both casual and elegant looks.
  5. 20-Inch Necklace Length:

    • Fit: Sits a few inches below the collarbone.
    • Wear With: Pairs well with most necklines.
    • Falls within the "Matinee" category (20-24 inch length range).
  6. 22-Inch Necklace Length:

    • Fit: Falls in the middle between the clavicle and bustline.
    • Wear With: Pairs well with low or plunging necklines.
    • Ideal for complementing lower necklines.
  7. 24-Inch Necklace Length:

    • Fit: Hits at or just above the bustline.
    • Wear With: Looks lovely layered with other necklaces.
    • Longest of the matinee necklaces, suitable for layering.
  8. 30-Inch Necklace Length:

    • Fit: Falls just below the bustline.
    • Wear With: Higher necklines like boat necks, cowl necks, and turtlenecks.
    • Falls into the category of opera necklaces (28”-36” range), adding visual interest to the middle part of the torso.
  9. Necklace Length Guide:

    • Recommends considering factors such as height, neck size, and overall body type when choosing a necklace.
    • Highlights that a necklace draws attention to the area of the body it hits.
  10. Expert Assistance:

    • Offers expert assistance for selecting the perfect piece of jewelry.
    • Encourages customers to visit the store or contact sales associates for personalized guidance.

In conclusion, this comprehensive guide provides invaluable insights into choosing the right necklace length, ensuring that the chosen accessory complements both the wearer's style and the outfit's neckline.

Necklace Length Chart: Choosing Between Necklace Sizes — Borsheims (2024)
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