Necklace length guide: how to choose the right length for a pendant

In this guide

This guide uses the Love Heart Clavicle Pendant Necklace from our shop as its example. Everything said about the piece itself comes from its listing.

Where each necklace length sits, which length suits which neckline, and how to choose for a gift.

Where each length sits

• 14 to 16 inches (35 to 40 cm): choker to collarbone.
• 16 to 18 inches (40 to 45 cm): at or just below the collarbone, the most popular pendant length.
• 20 to 22 inches (50 to 55 cm): above the neckline of most tops, good for layering.
• 24 inches (60 cm) and longer: mid-chest, a relaxed, bohemian length.

Length and neckline

Crew necks suit pieces that sit above the collar or well below it. V-necks suit a pendant that echoes the V. Strapless and off-the-shoulder tops suit shorter lengths that frame the collarbone. High necks suit longer chains worn over the top.

Buying as a gift

If you are not sure, 18 inches (45 cm) is the safest length: it suits most people and most necklines. Extender chains give a little extra flexibility.

About the Love Heart Clavicle Pendant Necklace

The Love Heart Clavicle Pendant Necklace is a gold-tone necklace with a heart motif. It is the kind of piece you put on in the morning and forget you are wearing until someone asks about it.

• Design: a heart motif.
• Material: 925 sterling silver with gold-tone plating.
• What arrives: One necklace.

See the Love Heart Clavicle Pendant Necklace →

Styling any necklace like this

A good rule for any necklace is to look at your neckline first. Crew necks suit pieces that sit above or well below the collar; V-necks frame a pendant; open collars and strapless tops leave room for anything. Keep the metal the same as your earrings and you can hardly go wrong.

If you wear more than one necklace, give each one its own height, about 2 inches (5 cm) apart, and vary the texture: a fine chain, a pendant, a bolder link. Fasten each clasp before you put the next one on and they are far less likely to tangle. For work, one or two quiet layers; for evenings, one standout piece is usually enough.

Wearing gold-tone jewellery

Gold-tone pieces look warm and slightly vintage. They flatter warm and olive skin tones and look especially good with cream, camel, white, olive, black and denim. Keep your other jewellery in gold-tone, or add one silver piece on purpose, such as a watch, so the mix looks intentional.

Choosing a necklace that suits you

When choosing a necklace, check three things on the product page: the chain length (16 to 18 inches, 40 to 45 cm, is the most wearable), the size of the pendant, and the material. A pendant that is a little smaller than you first imagine is usually the one you end up wearing every day.

What to wear it with

Pieces from the shop in the same tone that complete the look: - Geometric Dangle Wear Hoop Earrings: earrings, $21.00. - Asgard Crafted Paracord Hammer Bracelet: bracelet, $21.00. - Pearl Zircon Necklace & Earrings Set: set, $20.00.

Wearing it all year

Through the year: in summer, a necklace is often the only jewellery you need with a vest top or a linen shirt, and shorter lengths show best against bare skin. In autumn and winter, wear it over a fine knit or a polo neck, or let a longer chain sit on top of a jumper so it is not hidden by coats and scarves.

Caring for sterling silver

Sterling silver is 92.5% silver, so it darkens slowly when it meets air and moisture: that is tarnish, and it polishes off. Wear it often, which keeps it bright, wipe it with a soft cloth after wearing, and store it in a closed pouch or bag. For darker tarnish, a silver polishing cloth is all you need; skip toothpaste and baking-soda tricks, which scratch. The listing adds: Keep it dry, wipe gently after wearing and store it flat or hanging so the chain does not knot.

As a gift

A necklace is one of the easiest gifts to get right: no size to guess, and it is seen every day. Check the delivery dates on the product page before you order if you are buying for a date, and add a short handwritten note: it turns a pretty piece into a message.

Buying from Liravelle

The product page lists what the piece is made of, what arrives and the delivery dates before you order, and the confirmation email repeats them. Free US delivery over $50. 30-day returns. Tracked delivery.