Determination of the size of the necklace is based on the length of the chain. While there are standard necklace lengths, you should consider neck and body measurements and other factors when deciding on the right necklace size. To measure a necklace, determine the length of the chain with a ruler or measuring tape. From the measurement results, you can find out the right size for you or your loved ones.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Measuring Chain Length
Step 1. Remove the hook and stretch it straight
Basically, the size of the necklace is the size of the chain. If you want to measure a chain, you need to stretch it as straight as possible. Flatten it on a table or flat surface so that it is easy to measure.
Step 2. Measure the length with a ruler or measuring tape
Extend the tape measure from one end of the chain to the other. Don't forget to measure the hook as well. The entire length of the chain, including the hook, must be measured because it determines how far the chain hangs.
Do not include pendulums or pendants hanging from the chain
Step 3. Record the length
You can just memorize it in your head or write it down. This length is the standard necklace size in the market. Indonesia uses centimeters, but in other parts of the world it uses inches.
- Round the number up if the measurement result is not round.
- If that's the length you want, keep the size in mind when looking for a necklace.
Part 2 of 4: Measuring the Right Necklace Length for You
Step 1. Know your neck size
Neck size is probably the most important in determining the necklace length that will best suit you. To measure, loop a tape measure around your neck, trying to keep it parallel to the floor. Then, add 5–10 cm to calculate the minimum chain length.
- If your neck size is around 33–37 cm, a suitable necklace length is 45 cm.
- If your neck size is around 38–41 cm, a suitable necklace length is 50 cm.
- If your neck size is around 43–47 cm, a suitable necklace length is 55 cm.
Step 2. Choose a standard size if the chain cannot be adjusted
If you can't match the length of your necklace to your neck size, choose a size that's either shorter or longer than the recommended size. For example, if your neck size is 43, choose one that is 50 cm long instead of 45 cm.
Step 3. Consider your height
In addition to neck size, height can also change the position of the necklace falling around the neck. Long necklaces can sometimes drown out short stature, and short necklaces can be invisible on tall people.
- If you are under 160 cm tall, choose a necklace between 40 and 50 cm long.
- For people with a height of 160–170 cm, any necklace length will still be suitable.
- People with a height of more than 170 cm look best if they wear a long necklace.
Step 4. Choose the size that suits your body shape
Just like clothing styles can make your body look better, different necklace lengths can also highlight certain body parts. If your body is slim, thin and short necklaces are the right choice. For a fuller figure, a more fitting necklace is a longer and slightly thicker chain.
- If you want to accentuate your chest, choose a necklace that draws attention to that area with a necklace that falls just below the collarbone and above the chest. Usually, the most suitable length is 50–55 cm.
- If your chest is a bit flat and not so prominent. A thin chain with a length of 55 cm will create an elegant impression.
Step 5. Balance the length of the necklace with the shape of the face
Necklaces can make your face appear slightly wider, smaller, longer, or shorter than your natural face shape. So, the size of the necklace also contributes to making the face shape better. Here's an example:
- Choker necklaces with a size of 25–40 cm can soften the sharp corners of the heart-shaped chin. The same effect will also be obtained on square and long faces.
- People with round faces should avoid short necklaces as short chains tend to make the face rounder. Long necklaces measuring 65–90 cm can make your jawline appear longer.
- For oval faces, any necklace length will always fit.
Part 3 of 4: Knowing Standard Size
Step 1. Know the standard length for women
There are five standard necklace chain sizes designed for women. For most women, this size will fall in the same area of the body. The standard sizes are:
- The length of the choker is 40 cm.
- The princess is 45 cm long, but in reality this size ranges from 43–48 cm. This length usually falls on the collarbone.
- The matinee is 50 cm long, which usually falls slightly below the collarbone.
- If you need a chain that falls in the middle of your chest, choose one that's 55 cm long.
- For necklaces that fall around the chest, choose a chain that is 60 cm long.
Step 2. Know the chain length for men
Necklace chains designed for men come in four basic sizes. Like women's necklaces, men's necklaces also usually fall in the same area of the body. The standard lengths for men's necklaces are:
- Men with a rather small neck size can opt for a 45 cm chain. This length falls at the base of the neck.
- The most common necklace length for an average man is 50 cm, which falls on the collarbone.
- Choose a chain that is 55 cm long if you want a necklace that falls just below your collarbone.
- For necklaces that fall above the breastbone, choose a chain that is 60 cm long.
Step 3. Remember, children's standard sizes are different
Children's bodies are usually shorter and smaller. So, the standard necklace size is different from the adult standard size. Most necklaces made for children range from 35–40 cm.
Part 4 of 4: Considering Other Factors
Step 1. Adjust the length of the necklace according to the occasion and the outfit
Jewelry is supposed to complete an appearance, and appearance usually depends on the occasion. As a general rule, long necklaces are appropriate for high-necked garments, such as turtleneck sweaters. Shorter chains usually work best with formal wear, especially if the chain is short enough that it falls above the neckline of the shirt.
The right necklace size for a casual blouse may not be suitable for a formal dress
Step 2. Wrap a double chain for another style option
Many necklaces are much longer than the standard. For long necklaces, you'll need to loop the chain two, three, or four times. The goal is for style, not for having to.
- Necklaces that are 70–85 cm long that fall just below or below the chest usually need to be wrapped around twice.
- Necklaces that are 100 cm long or longer fall just below or below the navel may need to be wrapped two to three times.
- Necklaces that are 122 cm or more in length usually need to be wrapped three to four times.
Step 3. Choose a shorter size when choosing a pearl necklace
Usually, pearl strands are not just a choker or too long. The ideal size for a pearl necklace is to fall just above the collarbone or below the neckline. The ideal length is 45 cm.
However, if you want to wear pearls for a less formal occasion, long strands of pearls are still appropriate. You can buy pearl necklaces up to 250 cm. For a long necklace like this, loop it three to four times so that the pearl strands don't extend beyond your lower belly
Step 4. Consider that the pendant will increase the length of the necklace
Pendants can increase the length and weight of a necklace. When the pendant is attached to a chain, the bottom of the pendant, and the necklace as a whole, will go further down according to the height of the pendant. In other words, if you wear a 5cm pendant attached to a 45cm chain, the necklace will fall 5cm below the collarbone.
