Fit & measurement

Necklace Length Guide

Compare common lengths and choose where you want the necklace to sit.

The right necklace length depends on where you want the chain or pendant to sit. Neck size, height, neckline, pendant size and layering can all change the final look, so use the placements below as a practical guide rather than an exact promise.

Common Necklace Lengths

Length Metric Approximate placement
14 in 35.5 cm High on the neck
16 in 40.5 cm Near the base of the neck
18 in 45.7 cm Around the collarbone
20 in 50.8 cm Below the collarbone
22 in 55.9 cm Upper chest
24 in 61 cm Farther down the chest
Necklace length diagram showing 16, 18, 20 and 24 inch positions
Illustration only. The same chain length can sit differently depending on the wearer, pendant and neckline.

Measure a Necklace You Already Own

  1. Open the clasp and lay the necklace flat without stretching it.
  2. Measure from one end to the other, including the clasp.
  3. Record the full length in inches or centimeters.
  4. Compare it with the necklace you are considering.

For a necklace without a clasp, lay it in a straight doubled loop, measure from one end to the other, then double that measurement.

Choose a Length for Layering

Leave a visible difference between each chain length so the necklaces do not sit directly on top of one another. Pendant dimensions and extender chains can also change the final placement.

Check the product details. Confirm whether the listed length includes an extender and whether a pendant adds extra drop. Placement varies with neck size, height, neckline and layering.