Necklace lengths, and how to layer them

The length of a chain decides where a pendant sits: at the base of the neck, on the collarbone or on the chest. It changes the look of a piece as much as the pendant does.

How length is measured

Chain length is measured end to end, with the clasp closed. A pendant hangs a little lower than the chain itself.

Some of our chains come with a 5 cm extender, a short length of chain at the clasp, so they can be worn at two lengths: 45 and 50 cm, for example.

Where each length sits

40 cm: close to the base of the neck.
45 cm: on the collarbone, the most worn length.
50 cm: just below the collarbone.
55 cm: mid chest, a common length for men.
60 cm: over a collar or a sweater.

This is for an average build; on a broader neck or chest the same chain sits higher. A chain you already own is the best guide: measure it and compare.

Which length for a pendant

A small pendant looks best close to the face, at 40 to 45 cm. A larger or heavier one needs room to hang and sits better at 50 to 60 cm. Most women choose 40 to 45 cm, most men 50 to 55 cm.

Layering

Two or three necklaces worn together look deliberate when a few things are right.

Space them at least 5 cm apart. 40, 45 and 50 cm, or 45 and 55 cm, hang separately and do not tangle.
Finest at the top. Wear the finest chain closest to the neck and the heaviest chain or the pendant lowest.
Vary the texture. A smooth chain next to a textured one, such as a box chain with a paperclip chain, keeps each one visible. One metal colour keeps it calm.
One pendant is usually enough. If you wear two, make one clearly smaller.
Fasten them one at a time, starting with the shortest.

For men

A chain on its own looks right at 50 to 55 cm, just below the collarbone with an open collar. With a pendant, 55 to 60 cm lets it hang mid chest, over a T-shirt or under a shirt. Chains of 3 mm and more suit a broad neck. There is more in Jewellery for men.