Necklace Length Guide: Choker, Princess, Matinee & Opera Chart

A necklace is not chosen by its design alone. The chain length decides where it sits on your body and how it looks with your clothes. In this guide you will learn how to find the right length, where the common lengths sit, and how to layer necklaces.

Why does chain length matter?

The same pendant looks completely different on a 40 cm chain and a 60 cm chain. A short chain sits close to the neck, while a long one falls onto the chest. Your neck circumference and the size of the pendant also affect how the necklace sits, so before buying, decide where you want it to fall.

How to measure your necklace length

1. Take a thin piece of string or a soft tailor's measuring tape.

2. The easiest way is to lay a necklace whose length you like flat on a table and measure its full length, from one end of the clasp to the other, in centimeters. This is your reference length.

3. If you have no necklace to compare, drape the string around your neck where you want the necklace to sit and see where it reaches. Mark the point with a pen.

4. Lay the string flat and measure its length with a ruler in centimeters.

5. Find that number in the chart below and choose the closest length.

Necklace length chart

These lengths are for an average neck. On a slimmer or thicker neck, depending on height and clothing, a necklace may sit one or two centimeters higher or lower.

Where does each length sit?

• Choker (35 to 40 cm): sits around the neck and makes a statement. Great for long necks and open necklines. For comfort, measure your neck and add 2 to 3 cm.

• Princess (about 45 cm): the most popular length, sitting roughly at the collarbone. Ideal for small pendants and everyday wear.

• Matinee (50 to 60 cm): falls just below the collarbone, over the neckline, and works well with high necklines.

• Opera (70 to 90 cm): reaches the middle or lower chest and suits large pendants, worn as a single strand or doubled.

Professional tips

• A larger pendant looks more balanced on a longer chain, while a small pendant looks best on a short or medium chain.

• To layer several necklaces, leave 5 to 8 cm between each strand so they do not overlap or tangle.

• If you are not sure, choose a chain with an extender so you can switch between two or three lengths.

• For a gift, measure the length of the necklace she usually wears. A 45 cm chain is the safer gift choice.

• Avoid stretchy or very soft string, as it gives inaccurate numbers.

If you are between two lengths, choose the longer one for a pendant and the shorter one for a choker, as long as the necklace sits comfortably.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most common necklace length?

45 cm (18 inches) is the most popular choice, as it sits at the collarbone and works with most outfits.

How snug should a necklace be?

A necklace should sit comfortably on your neck. For a choker, you should be able to slide one finger between the necklace and your neck.

Can a necklace length be changed later?

Chains can usually be shortened or lengthened by removing or adding links, or with an extension chain. It is still best to choose the right length from the start.

If you are unsure about choosing a length or designing a custom necklace, get in touch with Aurel Studio and we will be happy to guide you.

You may also like our guides: to find your ring size, read this article, and to find your bracelet size, read this article.