How To Measure A Necklace?

Necklace size is determined by chain length. While there are some standard necklace lengths, you should consider your own measurements and similar factors when determining the right necklace size for you. To measure a necklace, use a ruler or measuring tape to determine the chain length. Use this measurement to determine if the necklace is right for you or your loved one.

Part 1: Measuring the Length of the Chain

1. Loosen the Chain and Place It Flat

Necklace measurements are essentially chain measurements. If you want to measure the chain, you need to keep it open and as straight as possible. Place it on a table or flat surface for easy measurement.

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 the clasp in the measurements. The complete chain including the clasp should be measured as this determines how long the chain will hang.

- Does not include the length of any charms or pendants hanging from the chain.

3. Pay Attention to the Length

You can make a mental note or write it down. This length is a marketable size for a necklace. If you live in the US, measurements are usually in inches, while most other places in the world use centimeters. However, you can measure in both units if you prefer.

- If your measurement is not exact, round up to the next inch or centimeter.

- If this is the length you want for your new necklace, you can take this length with you when you are looking for a necklace

Part 2: Measure the Right Necklace Length for You

1. Measure Your Neck Size

Neck circumference is probably the most important measurement in determining the best necklace length for you. When measuring, wrap the soft tape measure around your neck and keep the tape measure parallel to the ground while measuring. Then, add 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) to your neck measurement to calculate your minimum recommended chain length.

- If your neck size is between 13 (33 cm) and 14.5 inches (36.8 cm), then 18 inches (45.7 cm) is a good choice for necklace length.

- If your neck size is between 15 (38 cm) and 16.5 inches (41.2 cm), then a 20-inch (50.8 cm) necklace is a good choice.

- If your neck size is between 17 (43.2 cm) and 18.5 inches (47 cm), then a 22-inch (55.9 cm) necklace would be a good choice for you.

2. If the Chain Cannot Be Customized, Please Choose the Standard Length

If you are unable to customize the necklace length to your neck size, simply choose one size larger than your neck size as your minimum necklace size. For example, if your neck size is 17 inches (43 cm), your minimum should be 20 inches (50 cm), not 18 inches (45 cm).

3. Please Consider Your Height when Choosing the Length

In addition to the size of the neck, height also affects the position of the necklace on the neck. Long necklaces will overwhelm shorter people, while shorter necklaces will disorient tall people.

- If you are under 5 feet (1.5 m) 4 inches (162 cm), stick to necklace sizes between 16 and 20 inches (40 and 50 cm).

- For persons between 5 feet (1.5 m) 4 inches (162 cm) and 5 feet (1.5 m) 7 inches (170 cm), any length necklace will fit.

- People who are 1.5 m (5 ft) 7 inches (170 cm) or taller will look best with longer necklaces.

4. Choose the Size That Suits Your Body Shape

Just as different clothes can complement different parts of the body, different necklace lengths can accentuate different parts of the body. Short, thin chains are a good choice if you're on a leaner build. For fuller figures, slightly longer and thicker chains are more flattering.

- If you want to emphasize the bust, choose a necklace that draws attention to the area below the collarbone and above the bust. Typically, a 20 to 22-inch (50 to 55-cm) necklace will do.

- If you have a flatter, less prominent bust, a thin chain around 22 inches (55 cm) tends to look elegant.

5. Balance the Length According to Your Face Shape

Depending on the natural shape of your face, necklaces can subtly make your face appear wider, narrower, longer, or shorter. Therefore, different necklace sizes can flatter some face shapes better than others. Some styles that suit different face shapes are:

- A choker necklace between 10 and 16 inches (25 and 40 cm) can help soften the sharp corners of the chin for those with heart-shaped faces. This strategy also works on people with oblong and oblong faces.

- People with round faces should avoid chokers as these make the face appear rounder. Longer necklaces, between 26 and 36 inches (66 and 91 cm), will elongate the jawline better.

- If you have an oval face, all necklace lengths should be equally flattering.

Part 3: Learning Standard Sizes

1. Understand the Standard Length of Women

Standard necklace chains designed for women come in five basic sizes. For most women, these sizes will fall on the same part of the body. Standard sizes are:

- Collar length is 16 inches (40cm).

- The Princess measures 18' (45cm) in length