No neck is created equal, so there are variations with necklace lengths. For instance, princess necklaces may range between 16 to 18". However, each necklace type looks best when positioned on very specific points of your body.
Standard Necklace Lengths
Collar - 12-14"Choker - 14-16"Princess - 16-18"Matinee - 20-22"Opera - 30-36"Rope - 36" +
Average length: 14 inches Body position: Sits just above the collarbone Style tip: Thick contemporary collar necklaces look best when worn without other necklaces and paired with low necklines or off the shoulder tops. The choker necklace can either sit very high on the neck or just below the collarbone. The later style dangles more freely and is slightly longer in length. Chokers can incorporate other necklace styles on this list by adding a pendant, graduating beads, or even adding festoon-like drops. While necklaces have always been a staple, chokers have gone in and out of fashion for centuries. When necklines on garments were lower, the choker necklace made a great statement. Chokers would even be layered one on top of the next until the entire neck was filled with diamonds, pearls, and other luxurious materials. Average length: 16 inches Body position: Sits high on the neck or rests on collarbone Style tip: Pair a thin choker that sits high on the neck with a longer opera length necklace for a nice contrast. Chokers look good with v necks and scoop necks. Princess style necklaces look much like you might expect. They are encrusted with glistening rhinestones and have fanciful shapes usually with one central drop. Average length: 18 inches Body position: Sits just below the collarbone Style tip: This necklace style should be reserved for more formal attire. Pair a princess necklace with a v-neck and a blazer for work. Average length: 22 inches Body position: Sits just above or at the center of the bust Style tip: Use this length necklace when you’re layering with other jewelry so that the only focal point isn’t the center of your bust. These necklaces look best with a high neckline or turtleneck since they tend to draw the eye directly to the bust area. Average length: 30 inches Body position: Sits just below the bust or near the belly button Style tip: Since the necklace falls so low, a variety of necklines are suitable. Consider layering a long opera length necklace with a choker necklace and a v neckline to add some contrast. Lariat necklaces don’t have a clasp. The chain or beads form a long rope that is either tied or pulled through a circular finding like the one pictured here. Average length: 34 inches Body position: Sits at or below the belly button, but can be adjusted Style tip: Lariat necklaces are very versatile because the long rope can be fashioned in a number of ways. Depending on the exact length, the rope can be wrapped around the neck a few times and worn as a choker. They can also be tied off at any length, making them work for whatever neckline you’re wearing. Depending on the occasion, you may opt for a simple pendant style necklace, or you may want to go all out and wear a decked out festoon style necklace.
Common Necklace Styles
BibFestoonGraduatedLavaliereLocketMulti StrandNegligeePendantRivièreSautoir
The majority of these styles have origins that date back at least 100 years. These necklaces have withstood the test of time by coming back into fashion more than once. Antique lavalieres are popular to pair with minimal jewelry. Bib necklaces are bohemian and festive. Lockets are timeless and perfect for gift giving. Learning more about these necklaces styles will come in handy when buying fine jewelry. They will be especially helpful if you’re shopping for vintage or antique jewelry because many of these styles have been around for centuries. Though the bib necklace has ancient origins, modern-day versions are worn as statement pieces, usually with formal wear. For the necklace to sit properly, the main chain should be choker length and rest on the collarbone. This style looks best with off the shoulder formal wear. Other higher necklines could twist and distort the drops. Pearl necklaces are often graduated and can come in any of the lengths we mentioned previously. Coral, ivory, bakelite, and turquoise are often incorporated into this necklace style. This necklace style was popular during the Art Nouveau, Edwardian, and Art Deco jewelry eras. These delicate pendants look best with light, feminine, and even bohemian fashions. They are usually princess length and will sit right below the collarbone, so any neckline will work well. Lockets look best with opera length chains but usually come standard with an 18" princess chain. Pair a longer locket with a minimal necklace that is choker length. A multi-strand pearl necklace will look best in either a choker or collar length. This way, the strands will lay flat and not twist. The main focus of the necklace is two irregular, asymmetrical drops that are connected to the central pendant. These necklaces are generally longer in length. Pendants are easily personalized. Initial pendants make great gifts and are often worn close to the heart. Looking for something simple? Consider a solitaire diamond pendant or birthstone pendant for a necklace that won’t overpower your wardrobe. These necklaces are so long that they’ve been worn in a number of different ways. You might find them worn as a headpiece, double into two, or even wrapped around an arm and worn as a bracelet.
