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Necklace Size Chart in Inches and CM – The Right Length for Your Neck

    In this guide, I will be going over the basics of necklace size and how they affect your neckline. In addition, it is important to know the different types and how they look. Because only in this way you buy and wear the perfect necklace for years of pleasure. Therefore, this article is for anyone who wants to know the fundamentals about jewelry sizing. It will also provide a table of necklace lengths for reference.

    Best Necklace size length for men and women

    In this article we look at:

    Explore the different sizes and types of chains to find the right length for you. Then we give tips to help you choose, because no person is the same.

    Necklace size chart inches cm for men women length types

    Necklace Size Table in Inches and CM

    Necklace typeSize in InchSize in CMSuitable for
    Collar13 – 15 Inch33 – 38 cmOpen-neck
    Choker15 – 17 Inch38 – 43 cmLong, thin neck
    Short or Princess18 – 20 Inch45 – 50 cmPearls, Pendants
    Medium or Matinee20 – 24 Inch50 – 60 cmSuits always
    Long or Opera28 – 36 Inch70 – 90 cmHigh neckline
    Very long or Rope36 – 42 Inch90 – 110 cmBe worn doubled

    Styles and types of necklace explanation

    Let’s take a look at the types mentioned above and their various advantages and disadvantages.

    Collar

    All sizes used to be called a collar. Nowadays, a collar necklace is arond 13 to 15 inches (33 – 38 cm). So this type is typically worn high on the neck. A collar can be made of any material but it is most commonly made with leather or string, as well as other materials such as metal (gold, silver, titanium), plastic and beads. Especially on a longer neck, the collar necklace fits perfectly.

    collar example

    Choker

    Many people confuse a choker with a Collar. However, it is slightly longer and has a slightly wider fit. A choker is normally between 15 – 17 inches long (38 – 43 cm). It is a very stylish necklace with an open neck. However, a choker worn on a short neck can make it look like the neck is also short. In addition, rounder faces are better off with a longer chain.

    choker example

    Short or Princess necklace

    The pearl necklace is a good example of the princess type. The length usually ranges from 18 to 20 inches (45 – 50 cm). Furthermore, this model is also ideal for combining with a stunning charm.

    short princess necklace example

    Medium or Matinee necklace

    The length of a matinee necklace is usually between 20 and 24 inches (50 to 60 cm). This is also ideal for a beautiful pendant, because it falls elegantly between the collarbone and the bust.

    Medium Matinee Necklace Example

    Long or Opera

    The opera necklace is a lot longer and usually has a size between 28 and 36 Inches (70 to 90 cm). For example, as you can see in the photo below, it usually falls on the bust or just below. Therefore, this chic necklace looks great on calm-looking clothes. Also good to combine with other shorter types of necklaces.

    Medium Matinee example

    Very long or Rope Necklace

    Finally, the extra long or rope chain. This model falls to the belly button and is usually between 36 – 42 inches (90 – 110 cm). Many people therefore wear this necklace double or triple.

    opera long necklace example

    The right necklace size length for men and women

    The right necklace size is determined by the length of your neck and the type of jewelry you want to wear. In addition, necklace sizes are measured in inches or centimeters, and they vary depending on the type of jewelry you’re looking for. In summary, the average necklace length for men is 20 Inch (50 CM). However, for women is the necklace length 18 Inch (45 CM) on average.

    Necklace Length For Men

    Necklace length for menLength in CMHow it fits
    18 Inch45 cmTight at base of the neck
    20 Inch50 cmAverage necklace length for men
    22 Inch55 cmFalls a bit below the collarbone
    24 Inch60 cmFalls on the chest

    Best Necklace Length For Women

    Necklace length for womenSize in CMSuitable for
    14 Inch35 cmTight around the neck
    16 Inch40 cmAround the base of the neck
    18 Inch45 cmAverage necklace length for women
    20 Inch50 cmFalls a bit below the collarbone
    22 Inch55 cmFalls above the top of the bust
    24 Inch60 cmFits lower in the décolleté

    However, longer necklaces are also becoming more and more popular these days.

    The Difference in Widths Between Different Types of Jewelry Chains

    Other than the length, the width of chains is often calculated in millimeters. This can vary from 1 to 25 mm. Because, less than 1 millimeter thickness is at the expense of strength.

    On average, most men choose a chain of 2 to 6 mm. Certainly if it has a pendant, you will quickly opt for a thicker version (4 to 6 mm). Still, women prefer a thinner chain of 1 to 4 mm on average. If you wear a 6mm thick chain, it really is a big statement chain.

    Therefore, the thickness is certainly decisive for the appearance of the design. However, few websites have this filter built in unfortunately. So below is an overview of the average thicknesses per type. Also keep in mind that the thicker the chain is, the more expensive it is to purchase.

    Chain thickness in CM and Inch

    Necklace chain typesThickness in MMThickness in Inch
    Anchor Chain1 – 8 mm0.04 – 0.31 inch
    Ball chain1.8 – 2.4 mm 0.07 – 0.09 inch
    Belcher chain0.6 – 5 mm 0.02 – 0.20 inch
    Box chain1 – 10 mm0.04 – 0.39 inch
    Byzantine Chain2.3 – 17 mm0.09 – 0.67 inch
    Cable chain0.6 – 6 mm0.02 – 0.24 inch
    Curb chain1.2 – 20 mm0.05 – 0.79 inch
    Cuban Chain 1 – 25 mm0.04 – 0.10 inch
    Franco Chain1 – 10 mm0.04 – 0.39 inch
    Figaro chain1.3 – 16 mm 0.05 – 0.63 inch
    Herringbone Chain1 – 22 mm0.04 – 0.87 inch
    Mariner Chain1 – 10 mm0.04 – 0.39 inch
    Rope chain1 – 14 mm0.04 – 0.55 inch
    Rolo Chain1 – 12 mm0.04 – 0.47 inch
    Singapore Chain1 – 6 mm0.04 – 0.24 inch
    Trace chain1 – 4 mm 0.04 – 0.15 inch
    Wheat Chain0.6 – 8 mm0.02 – 0.31 inch

    Other body factors that affect the measurement

    The right measurement enhances your style and appearance. That is why it is important to also take the following body factors into account:

    1. Neck size
    2. Face shape
    3. Body type and height

    Let’s briefly explain these below, so that you make the best choice.

    Neck size

    The size of your neck is especially important for short necklaces, such as a collar. Add 5 CM (2 Inch) to your neck size, so that it is comfortable to wear. Would you like to wear a charm or pendant? Then it is better to add at least 10 CM (4 inches).

    Face shape

    Do you have a round face? Then wear a slightly longer necklace. Otherwise your face will look even rounder. In contrast to a long neck and narrow face. In that case it is interesting to wear a shorter necklace, so that your neck gets extra volume.

    Body type and height

    In addition to neck and face, your height also has an impact on length. For example, it is better to wear a shorter necklace if you are shorter than average. Long necklaces match well with longer postures. Finally, you can also take your body type into account. The accessory draws attention from the eyes, so make sure to accentuate what you like.

    Last but not least, do you find this article informative? Please share!

    Furthermore, you can also read more about other jewelry sizing.

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