Necklace Sizing Guide
Choosing the perfect necklace length is essential for achieving your desired look and ensuring comfortable wear. At HKS Jewellery, we craft personalised necklaces in all styles and lengths to complement every neckline and occasion. Use our guide to find your ideal necklace size and style.
Standard Necklace Lengths & Styles
Women's Necklace Lengths
| Length | Name | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-40cm | Choker | Sits snugly around the base of the neck | High necklines, off-shoulder tops, evening wear |
| 40-45cm | Princess | Classic length, sits just below the collarbone | Most necklines, everyday wear, business attire |
| 45-50cm | Matinee | Falls to the top of the bust | V-necks, scoop necks, layering |
| 50-60cm | Opera | Sits at or just below the bust line | Low necklines, formal wear, can be doubled |
| 60-90cm | Rope/Lariat | Long length, versatile styling options | Statement pieces, layering, wrapping styles |
Men's Necklace Lengths
| Length | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 45-50cm | Short chain | Sits at base of neck |
| 50-55cm | Standard | Falls to upper chest |
| 55-60cm | Medium | Sits mid-chest |
| 60-70cm | Long | Falls to lower chest/stomach |
Children's Necklace Lengths
| Age Range | Recommended Length | Safety Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2-4 years | 30-35cm | Breakaway clasps recommended |
| 5-8 years | 35-40cm | Supervise during wear |
| 9-12 years | 40-45cm | Standard safety clasps |
| 13-16 years | 45-50cm | Adult lengths appropriate |
Safety first: All children's necklaces should have secure, age-appropriate clasps.
How to Measure for Necklaces
Method 1: Measuring Your Neck
- Use a soft measuring tape around the base of your neck
- Keep it comfortable - not too tight or loose
- Add desired drop length based on style preference
- Consider pendant size if adding one
Method 2: String Method
- Wrap string around your neck at desired position
- Mark where it meets with a pen
- Measure the string with a ruler
- This gives you your exact preferred length
Method 3: Existing Necklace
- Lay your favourite necklace flat
- Measure from clasp to clasp with a ruler
- Consider if you'd prefer it longer or shorter
Necklace Style Guide
Chokers (35-40cm)
- Fit: Snug around the neck with minimal movement
- Best with: Off-shoulder tops, strapless dresses, high necklines
- Personalisation: Perfect for nameplate styles, small pendants
- Tip: Add 2-3cm to neck measurement for comfort
Princess Length (40-45cm)
- The versatile choice: Works with most outfits and necklines
- Perfect for: Everyday wear, business attire, medium pendants
- Personalisation: Ideal for engraved discs, birthstone pendants
- Layering: Excellent base length for multi-strand looks
Matinee Length (45-50cm)
- Elegant drop: Falls gracefully to the bust line
- Best with: V-necks, scoop necks, open necklines
- Personalisation: Showcases larger pendants beautifully
- Versatile: Can be layered or worn alone as a statement
Opera Length (50-60cm)
- Classic sophistication: Traditional formal length
- Styling options: Wear long, doubled up, or knotted
- Best with: Low necklines, formal wear, evening attire
- Personalisation: Perfect for statement pendants, lockets
Rope/Lariat Length (60-90cm)
- Ultimate versatility: Multiple styling possibilities
- Creative wearing: Loop, knot, layer, or wrap around
- Best with: Simple necklines that won't compete
- Personalisation: Custom charms, multiple pendants, name elements
Choosing by Neckline
High Necklines (Crew neck, turtleneck)
- Recommended: 50cm+ lengths to show above the neckline
- Avoid: Chokers and princess lengths (will be hidden)
- Style tip: Go for statement pieces that create contrast
V-Necks
- Recommended: Princess (40-45cm) or Matinee (45-50cm)
- Perfect match: V-shaped pendants that echo the neckline
- Personalisation: Engraved pendants sit beautifully in the V
Scoop Necks
- Recommended: Princess to Opera lengths (40-60cm)
- Versatile: Most necklace styles work well
- Layering: Perfect neckline for multiple chains
Strapless/Off-Shoulder
- Recommended: Chokers to Princess lengths (35-45cm)
- Statement opportunity: Bold, attention-grabbing pieces
- Personalisation: Nameplate necklaces look stunning
Button-Up Shirts
- Open collar: Princess to Matinee (40-50cm)
- Closed collar: Opera length or longer (50cm+)
- Professional: Subtle, elegant pieces work best
Pendant Considerations
Pendant Size vs Chain Length
- Small pendants (under 2cm): Any length works
- Medium pendants (2-4cm): Princess to Opera lengths
- Large pendants (4cm+): Matinee to Opera lengths for proper showcase
Pendant Weight
- Delicate chains: Only suitable for lightweight pendants
- Medium chains: Can support most pendant weights
- Heavy chains: Necessary for substantial pendants, statement pieces
Multiple Pendants
- Charm necklaces: Add 5-10cm to accommodate pendant weight and bulk
- Layered pendants: Stagger lengths by 5-10cm between layers
- Custom combinations: Consult our team for optimal lengths
Layering Necklaces
Two-Layer Look
- Lengths: 40cm + 50cm or 45cm + 55cm
- Style mix: Vary thickness and pendant sizes
- Personalisation: Mix plain chains with personalised pendants
Three-Layer Look
- Lengths: 35cm + 45cm + 55cm (10cm gaps)
- Balance: Vary chain weights and textures
- Focal point: Make one layer the statement piece
Advanced Layering
- Four or more: Keep 5-8cm between each length
- Texture mixing: Combine different chain styles
- Colour coordination: Mix metals thoughtfully
Custom Sizing Options
Bespoke Lengths
- Any length available: From 30cm to 100cm+
- Perfect fit guarantee: Tailored to your exact preferences
- Personalisation: Custom lengths ideal for specific pendants
Adjustable Options
- Extension chains: Add 5-8cm flexibility
- Perfect for gifts: When exact size is unknown
- Growing children: Adjustable lengths accommodate growth
Professional Consultation
- In-person fitting: Try different lengths with your wardrobe
- Style advice: Our experts help choose the perfect combination
- Personalisation planning: Plan custom elements with proper sizing
Special Considerations
Body Type Considerations
- Petite frames: Shorter lengths (35-45cm) often most flattering
- Taller frames: Can carry longer lengths beautifully
- Fuller bust: Opera lengths (50-60cm) create elegant lines
- Individual preference: Always trumps general guidelines
Lifestyle Factors
- Active lifestyle: Shorter, secure lengths prevent catching
- Professional dress: Princess to Matinee lengths most appropriate
- Evening wear: Opera lengths add glamour and sophistication
Age Considerations
- Young adults: Trendy chokers and layered looks
- Professional years: Classic Princess and Matinee lengths
- Mature elegance: Opera lengths and statement pieces
Material-Specific Advice
Metal Chains
- Precise sizing: Metal doesn't stretch, so exact measurement crucial
- Weight consideration: Heavier metals may need shorter lengths for comfort
- Durability: Can support heavier pendants
Leather Cord
- Allow for stretch: May lengthen slightly over time
- Comfort fit: Softer against skin, can wear slightly longer
- Casual styling: Perfect for relaxed, bohemian looks
Beaded Necklaces
- Bead size matters: Larger beads may need longer lengths
- Drape consideration: How beads fall affects overall length needed
- Weight factor: Heavy beads need strong clasps and careful sizing
Gifting Necklace Guidelines
When You Don't Know Their Size
- Safe choices: Princess length (40-45cm) suits most people
- Adjustable options: Extension chains provide flexibility
- Gift consultation: We can help select based on their style
Personalised Gift Necklaces
- Name necklaces: Consider name length when choosing chain length
- Birthstone pendants: Factor in stone size and setting
- Engraved pieces: Plan text placement with necklace length
Surprise Measurements
- Discretely observe: Notice their current necklace lengths
- Ask friends/family: They might know preferred styles
- Gift voucher option: Let them choose perfect size and personalisation
Contact Our Necklace Experts
Need help choosing the perfect length or planning personalisation?
- Email: support@hksjewellery.com
- Phone: +44 7540 064069
- Address: 4, Castle Road, Southall, Middlesex UB2 4QE, UK
At HKS Jewellery, every necklace is crafted to complement your unique style and story. Whether you're choosing a delicate everyday piece or a bold statement necklace, getting the perfect length ensures your personalised jewellery will enhance your look and be treasured for years to come. Our expert team is always here to help you find the ideal fit and create something truly special.