Despite the fact that I have spent the last 3 months mostly at home the time seems to be flying by! Can you believe it is already June? We are heading into the summer months. I know many of us aren’t yet venturing out a whole lot, thus probably not wearing a whole lot of jewelry either! As we do start to venture out we will once again be wearing jewelry. With warmer temperatures and summer fast approaching, we may not wear as many necklaces as we normally do, but when we do we will want to look our best.
Choosing the “right” necklace length for the neckline we are wearing doesn’t have to be complicated! The jewelry industry has “standard” necklace lengths of 14”, 16”, 18”, 20” 24” 28” and 32”- 36” necklaces. In the US the length is stated in inches and is usually an even number. You will see variations on these “standard” lengths.
There are no steadfast rules and you can certainly find necklaces of all lengths. Many designers myself included, don’t necessarily follow the standard!
With so many neckline styles and virtually any length necklace we want, how do you choose what length looks best? Not only should you consider which length necklace works best with different necklines but one should also take into consideration, neck size, height, face shape and body type. Let’s not forget personal preference! Personally, I don’t wear chokers. I feel a bit like I’m suffocating when I put one on. For the same reason I don’t wear turtlenecks either! I will talk more on these aspects in another blog. Today I’m going to concentrate on matching the length of necklaces to neckline styles.
The three most common necklines are V-neck, boat neck, and scoop neck.
There are many variations on these neckline types and countless additional styles.
A general rule of thumb is that, if you are wearing necklines that expose your neck, you should go for choker and collar length necklaces (usually between 14 and 18 inches long). The more bare skin that surrounds a collar or choker, the more such necklace would stand out. 18” necklaces are the most common and perhaps the most versatile. Most women can wear an 18” necklace no matter their neck size, their face shape or their body type. 18” necklaces are often referred to as princess necklaces.
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ava necklace from CKS jewelry
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An 18” necklace will fall just below the throat at the collarbone. It is a popular length for adding pendants. They work best with collared, sweetheart and crew necklines.
If you have an especially thin neck, if you are rather short or you simply want a necklace that lies closer to your throat opt for a 16” necklace referred to as collar necklace. Collar necklaces fall perfectly around the base of your neck. Keep in mind as with any necklace length it will hit each gal or guy slightly different. On a petite woman it may hit on the collarbone like an 18” necklace on an “average” woman whereas on a full figure woman it may fit more like a choker.
diana necklace from CKS jewelry
16” necklaces look smashing with several necklines, including sweetheart, boat neck and v-neck. Avoid any necklines that “hide” the necklace.
A choker is normally about a 14” necklace. The choker gets its name from you guessed it! It fits high and snug around the neck. It looks spectacular with open necklines. Think strapless and off the shoulder.
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https://www.halsteadbead.com/
Matinee, 20” necklaces fall a few inches below the collarbone. Matinee necklaces are versatile as they work for both business and casual wear and hang beautifully on a variety of necklines. They are perfect for a low, plunging neckline, can be worn over a turtleneck as well as necklines that are collar, scoop, boatneck and crew!
https://www.halsteadbead.com/
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24” inch necklines, referred to as opera length are an excellent choice for evening wear. Which is why they are named opera necklaces! They are also ideal for collar, scoop, boatneck and crew. Opera necklaces fall below the neckline.
fiona necklace from CKS jewelry
cassandra necklace from CKS jewelry
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28” rope necklaces are seen as more formal than shorter necklaces. They will hang right at the bosom. Remember the eye will be drawn to the necklace so if you don’t want to draw attention there, don’t go there! That goes for any necklace length. Rope necklaces are nicely worn with turtlenecks, scoop necks and boatnecks.
https://www.halsteadbead.com/
34” – 36” necklaces are commonly called lariats even though they aren’t necessarily a lariat sytle! These lengths will fall below the bosom. Wear longer necklaces with elegant evening wear or business wear. Match longer lengths to turtlenecks and scoop necks.
The above is a guide. We all know what we like and what we feel good in. Like with all fashion, it’s ok to bend and even break the rules!
Until next time, stay safe, stay well!
ENJOY!!
cheryl