Buying a necklace online is easy, until you have to choose a length. A few centimetres can decide whether a pendant sits neatly at your collarbone or disappears under your top. This guide explains what each length looks like, how to measure yourself at home, and which lengths suit different necklines.
Necklace length chart
Necklace length is measured end to end, including the clasp. Here's where each length typically sits:
- 35–38 cm, choker: sits close around the base of the neck.
- 40–42 cm, collarbone: rests just at or above the collarbone. A classic everyday length.
- 45 cm, princess: falls just below the collarbone. The most popular length and the safest choice for a gift.
- 50–55 cm, matinee: sits above the neckline of most tops, a few centimetres below the collarbone.
- 60–70 cm, opera: falls around the chest, great over knitwear and higher necklines.
- 75 cm and longer, rope: long enough to wear single or wrapped double.
Where a necklace actually sits depends on your height, build and neck size, and on the weight of the pendant, which pulls the chain slightly lower. Use the chart as a guide, not a rule.
How to find your length at home
- Take a piece of string or a phone charging cable.
- Drape it around your neck and let it fall where you'd like the necklace to sit.
- Mark the point where the two ends meet, then measure it flat with a ruler or tape measure.
If you already own a necklace you love the length of, simply lay it flat and measure it from end to end.
The safest length if you're unsure
Around 45 cm suits most people and most outfits, which is why it's the go-to length for gifts. The Polaris Month of Love Necklace sits at around 45 cm, neatly along the collarbone.
Even better, choose a necklace with an extender chain. It lets you adjust the length to suit each outfit. The Stella Oval Pendant Necklace is 48 cm with a 10 cm extender, and the Fortuna Bead Necklace is 46 cm with a 10 cm extender. The Astra Star Pendant Necklace has an adjustable chain of up to 49 cm.
Match the length to your neckline
- Crew neck or T-shirt: go short (40–42 cm) to sit above the neckline, or long (60 cm+) to sit over it.
- V-neck: choose a pendant that sits at the point of the V, usually 45–50 cm.
- Scoop neck: 45–50 cm fills the open space beautifully.
- Square neck: a short 40–42 cm chain echoes the clean line.
- Strapless or off-the-shoulder: 40–45 cm pendants or a statement collar-length piece.
- High neck or turtleneck: skip the short chains and go long, 60 cm or more.
- Button-up shirt: 45 cm sits inside an open collar; a long chain works over a buttoned shirt.
Lengths for layering
When layering, leave around 5 cm between each necklace so they don't tangle. A simple formula is 40 cm + 45 cm + 50 cm. The Aurora Equestrian Pearl Layered Necklace has the spacing done for you, with four layers at 37.5, 41, 45 and 53.5 cm. For more tips, read our guide on how to layer necklaces.
Long necklaces for knitwear season
A long chain is the easiest way to dress up a jumper or a simple dress. At 68 cm, the Starlight Pearl Necklace falls over a knit beautifully.
Buying a necklace as a gift?
- When in doubt, choose 45 cm, or a necklace with an extender chain.
- Look at the necklaces she already wears for clues about her favourite length.
- Pendants with meaning make gifts even more personal. See our guide to jewellery symbols and their meanings.
Quick summary
- 40–42 cm sits at the collarbone; 45 cm just below; 50–55 cm above most necklines; 60 cm+ over the chest.
- Measure with a piece of string, or measure a necklace you already love.
- An extender chain gives you flexibility.
- Match the length to your neckline, and leave 5 cm between layers.
Browse all necklaces to find your length.