Necklace Style Guide

Necklaces can come in a lot of different shapes and lengths, and be styled for either every day or special occasions. Finding the right necklace for your lifestyle can take some searching to see what looks best, from shorter choker styles to long, draping chains.

Necklace Lengths & Styles

Necklaces Near the Collar

Collar - 12”-14”
Sits above the neckbone, directly against the throat.

Choker - 14”-16”
Rests at the base of the neck on the neckbone.

Princess - 17”-19”
Hits below the neckbone.

Necklaces Near the Bust

Matinee - 20”-25”
Falls from below the collarbone to the bust.

Necklaces Near the Navel 

Opera - 26”-36”
Hangs below the bust and is long enough to wear as a single strand or wrap as double strand, or knot at the neck.

Rope - 37” and longer
Longest necklace length, when unwrapped or tied these will fall below the navel.

When necklace shopping for necklaces with beads, gemstones or pearls, consider a uniform style, where all stones are about the same size, or graduated, where the size changes uniformly (usually increasing) from the ends to the center.

See our Chain Guide to see the different types of chains, perfect for layering or every day wear.

Select the Right Necklace for Your Body

While jewelry styles come down to personal preference, there are some styles that can flatter certain body features.

Face Shape
Heart: 12”-16” necklace lengths, especially chokers and collars.
Round: 26”-36” lengths, especially those that form a lengthening V- shape. Avoid necklaces that sit close to the collar (choker, collar, bib).
Long/Rectangular: 12”-16” length, shorter necklaces will create the illusion of a shorter jaw.
Oval: all necklace lengths will flatter this face shape

Figure
For wide necks or broad shoulders, avoid chokers that can make the neck look wider and out of proportion.
To accentuate the bust, look for 20”-22” necklace lengths.
For full-figured bodies, necklaces that sit higher, notably 22” or shorter, will be the most flattering.

Height
Short (below 5’4”) – 16-20” necklace lengths will be the most flattering. V-shaped necklaces will also elongate your neckline and add the appearance of height.
Tall (5’7” and above) – any necklace length will be flattering, but longer styles will accentuate your height.

Shop with Confidence

A Jewelers of America jeweler can help you find the perfect necklace. Visit a retailer near you or shop online with a Jewelers of America Member so you can shop for necklaces with confidence from a reputable jeweler.