What is the Ideal Necklace Length?

A 14” necklace length is known as a choker. Caution, this is a very small measurement and will fit most adult women “like a choker” - hence the name. If you are creating for someone, and want to achieve a smaller fit, it is better to go a size up to the “princess” length necklace which is 16”. Many high-end retailers, such as Tiffany’s, will sell this size as their shortest available measurement. On a plus size woman, this will mostlike fit as a choker. However, I am a 5'5" female with aspirations to stay around 135lbs. and I love the 16" length. I prefer this length to wear with many of my clothes and make most of the designs that I create (those featured on the Potomac Bead Company YouTube Channel) 16 inches (40cm) long. For many this is too short and the shortest length they will wear is an 18” or what is commonly referred to as “the standard” necklace length. An 18” necklace is a great option if you are adding or considering to add a pendant. This length fits nicely over most crew neck shirts, but is not so long that a pendant will get lost at the base of a V neck shirt -- between the ladies ;). At potomacbeads.com, most of the pre-finished necklaces we stock are available in the 18" length since that is the most popular necklace length.

In addition to the standard sizes listed above for woman, there are also standard necklace lengths for men. Keep in mind that men, just like woman, will vary in size. Your male model (wearing the piece) maybe average, small, or more the size of Fabio or better yet, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson which will affect the fit of the necklace. Below is a chart like the one above to help create the perfect male jewelry fit!

Before testing the length for a male neck, also ask if the male will actually wear the necklace. There are very few designs that men, my husband included, is willing to sport around town. Most male jewelry and specifically necklaces, tend to include leather and metal and are geared to fit at the collarbone. If you want to see some "male approved supplies" you can check them out here!

We have covered women and men but I thought, being a mom, I would also take a look at average kid size suggestions. If you thought men and women were hard to size, try sizing a necklace for a child. Children vary soooo much in size that these are just as stated above, suggestions. I used my 4 children to test these lengths which hit below the throat.

Also, it is no surprise that kids grow quickly! You may want to add chain at the end of the design to make an extender so the necklace can grow with them. Also, keep in mind that stretchy string may be a good option!

Above all else, make and wear what feels comfortable and is a compliment to your current fashion status. If you are still struggling, make a couple samples to get the look and feel of the different lengths. In our Ocean City, NJ location they have samples ready to try on to get a better idea of the desired measurement before beginning a design. Additionally, if you are creating your own piece, a bead board with measurements may aid in your length making decision.

Also, fashions change. When I was 16, chokers where all the rage. If you looked at a runway model or even a mom with 4 kids hustling to get out of a grocery store, they were wearing chokers. But that was 1999. For the last 15 years only teenagers and goth enthusiasts seemed to wear necklaces tightly around their necks. But like all things fashion, the trends come back! I currently writing this while wearing a 14” natural turquoise necklace that I love and only took minutes to make since it is short!

-Allie Buchman