What length necklace actually suits you
Most people buy a necklace, put it on, and find out where it sits. Then it is either perfect, or it slides under a neckline, or it fights with the one already there. A little measuring first saves the guesswork.
Start with one you already own
Lay your favourite necklace flat, clasp open, and measure it end to end. That number is the length that already works for you, and everything else is a step up or down from it. No necklace to hand? Run a piece of string around your neck to where you want a pendant to land, then measure the string.
16 inches: close to the base of the neck
The shortest length sits just above the collarbone on most people. It suits a single small stone or a delicate chain, and it shows best with an open neckline. On a broader neck it sits closer, almost like a choker.
Try the Camille Solitaire Necklace, a single created white sapphire on a fine cable chain, adjustable down to 15 inches.
18 inches: the everyday length
Just below the collarbone, this is where most pendants are designed to sit, and the safest choice if you are buying for someone else. It works over a t shirt and under an open collar.
Try the St. Christopher Octagon Necklace, on an 18 inch box chain with a 2 inch extender, so it moves to 20 when you want it lower.
20 inches: a few inches lower
Clears the collarbone and lands on the chest. This is where a chunkier chain looks right, and it is a common length for men, since it sits comfortably on a wider neck and shoulders.
Try the Coleman Chunky Cable Link Necklace, 20 inches, fixed, with links that hold their shape.
22 inches: room to layer
The longest of our lengths sits mid chest, below most necklines. It is the anchor for a layered look, and on its own it reads relaxed rather than formal.
Try the Alva Mixed Chain Necklace, curb and snake chain joined by a toggle clasp, 22 inches.
Layering without the tangle
Leave about two inches between each necklace, so 16 with 18, or 18 with 20 and 22. Mix the weights too: one fine chain, one with presence. Two necklaces of the same thickness at almost the same length will always find each other.
When in doubt, choose adjustable
The Sutton Oval Locket, Bowie Heart Locket and Cameron Double Heart Necklace all adjust from 18 to 20 inches, which makes them the easy choice for a gift.
Every necklace is made from recycled 14K gold vermeil or recycled sterling silver, and the length is listed on every product page.