Pendant and Necklace Length Guide

A pendant in the right spot looks natural. In the wrong spot, it can feel off. The key is chain length, which is measured in inches in the jewellery trade.

The standard lengths

• Choker, 14 to 16 inches: sits snugly around the base of the neck.
• Princess, 17 to 19 inches: falls at or just below the collarbone. The most popular length for pendants.
• Matinee, 20 to 24 inches: falls to the upper chest.
• Opera, 28 to 36 inches: falls to the chest or the waist, and can be doubled.

Exact fit depends on neck size and height, so a 18-inch chain looks different on different people.

How lengths look

• 16 inches: a pendant sits at the base of the throat. Good with open collars and round necks.
• 18 inches: the pendant sits at the collarbone. A reliable everyday choice.
• 20 inches: the pendant sits a little lower, for V-necks and layering.
• 24 inches and longer: the pendant falls to mid-chest. Good over knitwear and high necks.

How to measure your own

Use a soft tape measure or a piece of string. Place it around your neck at the point where you want the chain to sit, then measure it. Or lay a necklace you like on a flat surface, and measure it from end to end.

Matching length to neckline

• Round neck: 16 to 18 inches, so the pendant sits above the neckline.
• V-neck: 18 to 20 inches, to follow the V.
• Collared shirt: 16 to 18 inches, or longer, hanging over the shirt.
• High neck: 24 inches and longer.
• Off-shoulder: a choker or princess length.

Layering

Leave two to three inches between layers. See how to layer necklaces and pendants.

Adjustable chains

Many chains come with an extender, offering two or three lengths in one. It is practical if you wear the same pendant with different outfits.

Choosing for the pendant

A small pendant looks best on a finer, shorter chain. A larger pendant can carry a longer chain. A pendant that is wider than the chain looks proportionate when centred and lies flat.

Chain thickness

A fine chain suits a small pendant. A heavier chain suits a bold pendant. For daily wear, choose a chain strong enough for the pendant's weight, with a secure clasp.

Bridal necklaces

See bridal choker or long necklace with diamonds? for wedding looks.

Common questions

What length is most flattering? Many find 16 to 18 inches the easiest. Try a few.

Can I shorten a chain? A jeweller can often shorten or lengthen a chain.

Do pendants hang the same on every chain? No. Chain type and weight change how a pendant sits.

A worked example

Suppose your neck measures about 13 inches around. A 16-inch chain will sit a few inches below the base of the neck, while an 18-inch chain will fall near the collarbone. If you add a second, 20-inch chain, there will be a two-inch gap between the two, which is the spacing that makes layers look deliberate. This example is only to show how the numbers work, and your own measurements will differ.

Choosing length for the pendant's size

A small pendant of around 8 to 10 mm sits well on a 16 to 18-inch chain. A pendant of 15 mm or more can handle a 20-inch chain, where its size is better balanced. If a pendant has a loop that is too small for a chain, ask the jeweller whether the loop can be adjusted.

Thinking about the clasp

A clasp should be easy for you to open and close without help. Lobster clasps are secure and easy to handle. Spring-ring clasps are common on fine chains. Check that the clasp is not too small for your fingers, particularly if you plan to wear the chain daily.

Chains and pendants bought separately

Some people buy a pendant and a chain separately. This lets you choose the length and the weight, but check that the pendant's loop fits the chain, and that the chain can bear the pendant's weight. A jeweller can advise on the match.

Find your length

Browse our pendants and necklaces, or book an appointment to try different lengths.