In this guide, I will be going over the basics of necklace size and how they affect your neckline. In addition, it is important to know the different types and how they look. Because only in this way you buy and wear the perfect necklace for years of pleasure. Therefore, this article is for anyone who wants to know the fundamentals about jewelry sizing. It will also provide a table of necklace lengths for reference.
Best Necklace size length for men and women
In this article we look at:
- Necklace size table in inches and cm
- Necklace types explanation
- The right necklace size length for men and women
- The difference in widths between different types of jewelry chains
- Other body factors that affect the measurement
Explore the different sizes and types of chains to find the right length for you. Then we give tips to help you choose, because no person is the same.
Necklace Size Table in Inches and CM
| Necklace type | Size in Inch | Size in CM | Suitable for |
| Collar | 13 – 15 Inch | 33 – 38 cm | Open-neck |
| Choker | 15 – 17 Inch | 38 – 43 cm | Long, thin neck |
| Short or Princess | 18 – 20 Inch | 45 – 50 cm | Pearls, Pendants |
| Medium or Matinee | 20 – 24 Inch | 50 – 60 cm | Suits always |
| Long or Opera | 28 – 36 Inch | 70 – 90 cm | High neckline |
| Very long or Rope | 36 – 42 Inch | 90 – 110 cm | Be worn doubled |
Styles and types of necklace explanation
Let’s take a look at the types mentioned above and their various advantages and disadvantages.
Collar
All sizes used to be called a collar. Nowadays, a collar necklace is arond 13 to 15 inches (33 – 38 cm). So this type is typically worn high on the neck. A collar can be made of any material but it is most commonly made with leather or string, as well as other materials such as metal (gold, silver, titanium), plastic and beads. Especially on a longer neck, the collar necklace fits perfectly.
Choker
Many people confuse a choker with a Collar. However, it is slightly longer and has a slightly wider fit. A choker is normally between 15 – 17 inches long (38 – 43 cm). It is a very stylish necklace with an open neck. However, a choker worn on a short neck can make it look like the neck is also short. In addition, rounder faces are better off with a longer chain.
Short or Princess necklace
The pearl necklace is a good example of the princess type. The length usually ranges from 18 to 20 inches (45 – 50 cm). Furthermore, this model is also ideal for combining with a stunning charm.
Medium or Matinee necklace
The length of a matinee necklace is usually between 20 and 24 inches (50 to 60 cm). This is also ideal for a beautiful pendant, because it falls elegantly between the collarbone and the bust.
Long or Opera
The opera necklace is a lot longer and usually has a size between 28 and 36 Inches (70 to 90 cm). For example, as you can see in the photo below, it usually falls on the bust or just below. Therefore, this chic necklace looks great on calm-looking clothes. Also good to combine with other shorter types of necklaces.
Very long or Rope Necklace
Finally, the extra long or rope chain. This model falls to the belly button and is usually between 36 – 42 inches (90 – 110 cm). Many people therefore wear this necklace double or triple.
The right necklace size length for men and women
The right necklace size is determined by the length of your neck and the type of jewelry you want to wear. In addition, necklace sizes are measured in inches or centimeters, and they vary depending on the type of jewelry you’re looking for. In summary, the average necklace length for men is 20 Inch (50 CM). However, for women is the necklace length 18 Inch (45 CM) on average.
Necklace Length For Men
| Necklace length for men | Length in CM | How it fits |
| 18 Inch | 45 cm | Tight at base of the neck |
| 20 Inch | 50 cm | Average necklace length for men |
| 22 Inch | 55 cm | Falls a bit below the collarbone |
| 24 Inch | 60 cm | Falls on the chest |
Best Necklace Length For Women
| Necklace length for women | Size in CM | Suitable for |
| 14 Inch | 35 cm | Tight around the neck |
| 16 Inch | 40 cm | Around the base of the neck |
| 18 Inch | 45 cm | Average necklace length for women |
| 20 Inch | 50 cm | Falls a bit below the collarbone |
| 22 Inch | 55 cm | Falls above the top of the bust |
| 24 Inch | 60 cm | Fits lower in the décolleté |
However, longer necklaces are also becoming more and more popular these days.
The Difference in Widths Between Different Types of Jewelry Chains
Other than the length, the width of chains is often calculated in millimeters. This can vary from 1 to 25 mm. Because, less than 1 millimeter thickness is at the expense of strength.
On average, most men choose a chain of 2 to 6 mm. Certainly if it has a pendant, you will quickly opt for a thicker version (4 to 6 mm). Still, women prefer a thinner chain of 1 to 4 mm on average. If you wear a 6mm thick chain, it really is a big statement chain.
Therefore, the thickness is certainly decisive for the appearance of the design. However, few websites have this filter built in unfortunately. So below is an overview of the average thicknesses per type. Also keep in mind that the thicker the chain is, the more expensive it is to purchase.
Chain thickness in CM and Inch
| Necklace chain types | Thickness in MM | Thickness in Inch |
| Anchor Chain | 1 – 8 mm | 0.04 – 0.31 inch |
| Ball chain | 1.8 – 2.4 mm | 0.07 – 0.09 inch |
| Belcher chain | 0.6 – 5 mm | 0.02 – 0.20 inch |
| Box chain | 1 – 10 mm | 0.04 – 0.39 inch |
| Byzantine Chain | 2.3 – 17 mm | 0.09 – 0.67 inch |
| Cable chain | 0.6 – 6 mm | 0.02 – 0.24 inch |
| Curb chain | 1.2 – 20 mm | 0.05 – 0.79 inch |
| Cuban Chain | 1 – 25 mm | 0.04 – 0.10 inch |
| Franco Chain | 1 – 10 mm | 0.04 – 0.39 inch |
| Figaro chain | 1.3 – 16 mm | 0.05 – 0.63 inch |
| Herringbone Chain | 1 – 22 mm | 0.04 – 0.87 inch |
| Mariner Chain | 1 – 10 mm | 0.04 – 0.39 inch |
| Rope chain | 1 – 14 mm | 0.04 – 0.55 inch |
| Rolo Chain | 1 – 12 mm | 0.04 – 0.47 inch |
| Singapore Chain | 1 – 6 mm | 0.04 – 0.24 inch |
| Trace chain | 1 – 4 mm | 0.04 – 0.15 inch |
| Wheat Chain | 0.6 – 8 mm | 0.02 – 0.31 inch |
Other body factors that affect the measurement
The right measurement enhances your style and appearance. That is why it is important to also take the following body factors into account:
- Neck size
- Face shape
- Body type and height
Let’s briefly explain these below, so that you make the best choice.
Neck size
The size of your neck is especially important for short necklaces, such as a collar. Add 5 CM (2 Inch) to your neck size, so that it is comfortable to wear. Would you like to wear a charm or pendant? Then it is better to add at least 10 CM (4 inches).
Face shape
Do you have a round face? Then wear a slightly longer necklace. Otherwise your face will look even rounder. In contrast to a long neck and narrow face. In that case it is interesting to wear a shorter necklace, so that your neck gets extra volume.
Body type and height
In addition to neck and face, your height also has an impact on length. For example, it is better to wear a shorter necklace if you are shorter than average. Long necklaces match well with longer postures. Finally, you can also take your body type into account. The accessory draws attention from the eyes, so make sure to accentuate what you like.
Last but not least, do you find this article informative? Please share!
Furthermore, you can also read more about other jewelry sizing.