Buying a necklace online means choosing a length without trying it on – and length changes everything about how a piece sits and looks. This guide walks you through the standard necklace lengths, where each one falls, how to measure at home, and which suits your neckline and layering plans.
Standard necklace lengths (UK)
Necklace lengths have traditional names. Here’s where each one typically sits on most people:
| Style | Length | Where it sits |
|---|---|---|
| Choker | 35–40 cm (14–16") | Snug around the base of the neck |
| Princess (most popular) | 45 cm (18") | On or just below the collarbone |
| Matinee | 50–60 cm (20–24") | Top of the bust |
| Opera | 70–85 cm (28–34") | Over the bust, or doubled up |
| Rope | 90 cm+ (36"+) | Long; lovely layered or knotted |
If you’re unsure, 45 cm (18") is the most universally flattering everyday length – it sits right around the collarbone and suits almost everyone and every neckline.
How to measure your ideal length at home
It takes two minutes:
- Take a piece of string or a soft tape measure.
- Drape it around your neck where you’d like the necklace to sit.
- Mark the spot, lay it flat and measure the length in centimetres.
- Compare it to the chart above to find your style.
A quick tip: if you already own a necklace you love the length of, measure that (clasp to end, then double if measuring half) – it’s the easiest reference of all.
Choosing a length for your neckline
- V-neck: a princess-length pendant echoes the neckline beautifully.
- Crew or high neck: longer matinee or opera lengths sit cleanly over the fabric.
- Open or scoop neck: chokers and princess lengths frame the collarbone.
- Strapless or off-shoulder: a choker or short length draws the eye up.
Choosing lengths for layering
The trick to layering is spacing: choose necklaces roughly 5–7 cm (2–3") apart so each one sits on its own and they don’t tangle. A classic trio is a choker or short chain, a 45 cm pendant, and a longer 55–60 cm piece. We cover this fully in our guide to how to layer gold necklaces.
A note on quality
Length is only half the story – what the chain is made of decides whether you’ll still be wearing it in ten years. Solid gold chains don’t tarnish, fade or turn your skin green, so they stay beautiful at any length. If you’re investing, choose solid, hallmarked gold (how to check) over plated.
At Larisa Beaumont, our necklaces are solid 14ct and 18ct gold, hallmarked and made to be worn every day – and layered for years to come.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular necklace length? 45 cm (18"), known as princess length. It sits on or just below the collarbone and flatters almost everyone and every neckline.
How do I measure my necklace length at home? Drape a piece of string around your neck where you’d like the necklace to sit, mark the spot, then measure it flat in centimetres and compare to a length chart.
What necklace length is best for layering? Choose necklaces about 5–7 cm (2–3") apart – for example a choker, a 45 cm pendant and a 55–60 cm chain – so each sits separately without tangling.
Explore solid gold necklaces in every length, ethically made in Britain, at Larisa Beaumont.
