When picking out a pendant necklace, the chain length is one of the most important things to consider. This will determine how the chain will hang on your neck and whether or not it’s a good fit for you.
Pendants look best with chains between 20 and 24 inches in length. Depending on your neck size and face shape, it may be better to go shorter than this.
Neck Size
Necklaces come in a wide range of lengths, so choosing the right one for your neck size and body shape is important. Lengths of longer chains with pendants elongate the body and create a taller frame, whereas shorter ones can make your neck appear short.
Round faces look their best with medium-chain lengths, about 20 to 24 inches. These elongate the face, flatter the angular features and provide further length to the neckline, whereas shorter chains make a face appear wider.
Oval faces look great with any chain length, although they will usually sit higher on the neckline than other face shapes. A longer necklace will also highlight the curved features of these faces.
The easiest way to judge the correct length for your neck is by measuring yourself, both at home and online or in-store. You can use a soft tape measure or ribbon to get this number and buy a chain that fits that length.
Pendant Length
Several factors play into deciding the right chain length for your pendant necklace. First, you should consider the neck size and shape of the wearer.
Women with shorter necks will look best in 18 inches (45 cm) or longer chains to help elongate the neckline and create a more flattering shape. Men should choose chains that fall a few inches below the collarbone to allow more room for their torso, which will help balance the neckline.
If you are shopping for a friend, finding out what necklaces they already have and which ones they prefer are important. Measure one of their existing necklaces, then shop for a length similar to the length of the necklace they love.
Pendant Width
Choosing the right chain length for your pendant necklace is crucial. This is because the chain needs to be long enough to cascade down your neck without looking too tight.
First, measure the width of your neck to determine the correct chain length for your pendant. Then choose a chain length at least the second size up from your neck measurement.
Short chains like collars and chokers look best on people with long, slender necks.
They also look best on people who are taller than average or have a wider body frame.
For those with a narrower torso, shorter chains may feel too constricting.
For these reasons, it’s best to stick to longer lengths for the most flattering look. These longer chains can be worn with various outfits, from casual to dressy.
Pendant Weight
The right chain length is the key to ensuring a necklace fits properly and looks great. It can be difficult to know which length to go for, especially if you’re shopping for the first time.
Luckily, there are a few easy ways to figure out the perfect length. For example, you can use a flexible tape measure or a piece of string to emulate the desired length.
You can also try on a few pieces to get a feel for the most flattering length. By knowing your body and its unique features, you can avoid buying a necklace that harshens the angles of your face, shortens your torso, or makes any other unnecessary changes.
50 cm (20″) is a good average length for most pendant necklaces. It falls at the collarbone between the top two buttons of a shirt and looks good either inside or outside.
