Standard Necklace Lengths


Many of the pieces I have created can be either lengthened or shortened depending on the customers’ needs and preferences.  In addition to necklaces, this also applies to earrings and bracelets.  It is important to keep this in mind while searching my online gallery.

What is the Most Popular Necklace Length?

14â€-16â€Â  Chocker against the base of the neck

17â€-18†  Princess on the collarbone or just below

20â€-24†  Matinee between collarbone and bust

28â€-36†  Opera just below the bust

36†+      Rope waist length or below the waist 

The right necklace length depends on your outfit and on your body shape.

The Choker typically measures 16 inches and usually falls on the clavicle.  It is a classic and highly popular necklace length that is universally flattering and versatile. Chokers can be worn in a wide range of occasions and successfully paired with daytime and nighttime ensembles.

The Princess, one of the standard necklace lengths, usually sits at or right below the collar bone and it typically measures 18 inches. It is well suited for a wide range of women’s attire, which includes everything from button-up shirts to evening gowns, and is also suitable for a wide range of day to night outfits.

The Matinee necklace length usually falls 2-4 inches below the collarbone and above bust.  It is suitable for both casual and business attire and is a favorite when layering necklaces at multiple lengths.

Opera length necklaces, perfectly suitable for formalwear, fall on the lower half of the bust or just under, depending on body shape and height.

Rope-length necklaces, the longest type of pearl necklace, offer high versatility.  They can be wrapped around multiple times, knotted in a lariat-style or worn on their own extra-long until the waist, or they can  layered with other pendants and neckpieces.