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Necklace Length Chart: Sizes, Measuring and Fit
Use our necklace length chart to see where 14 to 36 inches sits. Learn how to measure, compare 16 vs 18 inch necklaces and pick a length for any pendant.
Nov 4, 2026 · 4 min read · House of Diams
The most popular necklace length is 18 inches, which sits at the collarbone on most women. A 16-inch necklace sits higher, at the base of the neck, and 20 to 24 inches falls below the collarbone and toward the chest. Use the chart below to see where each length sits.
Where a necklace lands depends on your neck, your height and your build, so treat these as a starting point. It's easy to measure at home.
Necklace length chart
14 in (36 cm), collar. Sits close around the middle of the neck.
16 in (41 cm), choker length. Sits at the base of the neck.
18 in (46 cm), princess. Sits at the collarbone. The most popular length for pendants.
20 in (51 cm), matinee (short). Sits a little below the collarbone.
24 in (61 cm), matinee. Sits at the top of the bust.
30 in (76 cm), opera. Sits at the bust or just below it.
36 in (91 cm), rope. Falls to the waist area and can be doubled.
Men's chains usually run longer, from about 18 to 24 inches.
How do you measure the length of a necklace?
To measure a necklace you own:
Lay it flat on a table and undo the clasp.
Straighten it out, without stretching it.
Measure from one end to the other, including the clasp, with a ruler or tape.
To work out what length you need:
Wrap a soft tape measure or a piece of string around your neck.
Let it hang down to where you'd like the necklace to sit.
Mark that point and measure the length. Check the result in a mirror before you decide.
16 vs 18 inch necklace: which should you choose?
16 inches. Sits close at the base of the neck. It's a good choice for open necklines and for showing a small pendant high up. It can feel tight on a larger neck.
18 inches. Sits at the collarbone and suits most people. If you're buying a gift and don't know the wearer's size, it's the safest choice.
The difference is about two inches on the chain, but less than that in how far down the necklace falls, since the extra length is shared between the two sides.
How long should a necklace be for your neckline?
Crew or high neck. Go long, at 24 inches or more, so that the necklace sits over the fabric. Or go short and wear it under the collar.
V-neck. A pendant at 18 to 20 inches follows the line of the neckline.
Scoop neck. 16 to 18 inches fills the open space nicely.
Off-the-shoulder or strapless. 16 to 18 inches keeps the focus around the collarbone.
Button-up shirt. 18 inches sits at the open collar.
Which length suits a pendant?
Small pendant or solitaire. 16 to 18 inches keeps it near the collarbone, where it catches the light.
Medium pendant. 18 to 20 inches gives it room to sit flat.
Large or statement pendant. 20 to 24 inches suits its size, so it doesn't crowd your neck.
Remember that a pendant adds its own drop below the chain, so it sits a little lower than the chain length suggests.
Diamond necklace length: what works best?
For a diamond pendant, 18 inches is the usual choice, since the stone sits on the collarbone and catches the light. A short station or line necklace looks elegant at 16 inches, and a lariat works well longer. You'll see the difference in our guide to diamond necklaces.
How your height and build change the fit
Petite frame. Shorter chains stay in proportion. Very long styles can overwhelm.
Taller frame. Longer lengths balance well, and an 18-inch chain may sit a little higher.
Larger neck. A chain may sit noticeably higher than the chart suggests, so go up about 2 inches.
Planning to wear more than one? Our guide to how to layer necklaces covers the spacing between chains.
More questions about necklace length
What is the most common necklace length for women?
18 inches. It sits at the collarbone and suits most necklines.
What length necklace is a good gift?
18 inches is the safest choice if you don't know the person's preference. See our holiday gift guide for ideas.
Where does a 20-inch necklace sit?
A little below the collarbone on most people. It's a good length for a medium pendant.
Is 16 inches too short for a necklace?
Not at all, but it fits close. Measure your neck first. If your neck measures close to 16 inches, choose 18 instead.
Shop necklaces by length
When you know your length, browse our diamond pendants and necklaces. We also have a bracelet size chart and a ring size guide if you're sizing for something else.
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