The Art of Choosing the Right Necklace
The jewelry industry has standard necklace lengths measured in inches, which are more often even numbers than odd. However, MY custom-designed pieces are whatever I decide suits the pattern repeat.
Many factors such as neck size, height, body type, face shape, and the neckline of clothing are all factors in choosing the perfect necklace.
Neck Size
If possible, take the time to measure your neck before purchasing any necklace and most importantly a choker. The easiest way to measure your neck is to gently take a soft measuring tape and wrap it closely around your neck. Whatever your neck measurement is, add two inches to that and that’s a comfortable length for chokers which are usually sized at 16 inches. Chokers work best for people with long necks while short-necked individuals are better off avoiding them.
Height
Your height is another factor to consider when choosing the perfect necklace chain to flatter your body type. People below 5’4” look best in 16 to 20-inch necklace lengths. A long necklace tends to overwhelm a smaller frame. People who fall between the height of 5’4” to 5’7” can wear a necklace of any length. Taller individuals who are 5’7” or above can wear any length necklace. Longer chain-style necklaces look best on taller people as they accentuate a tall frame.
Body Type
In terms of necklaces, remember that people’s eyes will stop at the point where your necklace ends so if you don’t want them looking at that part then avoid necklaces that end there. For those with a smaller bust, a long thin chain or long layered chains would look great on you. The kind of necklace that sits below the breast line should be avoided by full-figured individuals as this length necklace will not hang properly. Instead, try a necklace that sits slightly higher on the body, such as an 18- to 22-inch necklace.
Pear shaped – As your body is smaller on the top than it is at the bottom, look for necklaces that help broaden your shoulders. Necklaces that are 18”-24” work well as they draw attention to your upper body.
Athletic – Those that have an athletic shape can typically wear any type of necklace, although longer necklaces can help elongate your body.
Hourglass – For an hourglass shape, try a necklace length that just sits on your décolletage to help accentuate your curves.
Inverted Triangle – With broader shoulders, longer-length necklaces will help bring the eye down to your waist, highlighting the smallest part of your body.
Face Shape
Another purpose of necklaces aside from being an accessory is that it actually helps frame your face. As with the body type, a necklace can help you accentuate your strongest facial features and alter the way your face is perceived by others.
Round/Oval – Look for necklaces that elongate the face such as those that are between 20”-24”. This will help frame the face effortlessly, creating a v-shape that brings the eye down.
Square/ Oblong – A choker or shorter necklace style will help soften the sharper angels of the face, highlighting a longer neck. Short, round necklaces will keep from adding length. Look for choker and princess necklaces, measuring between 16” – 18”.
Heart-Shaped – Like a square/ oblong face, if your face is more heart-shaped, try shorter necklaces from 16”-18” to really help create an illusion of fullness and balance out a narrow chin.
Clothing
Collars - Open-neck clothing such as scoop necks, V-necks, off-the-shoulder, and boatnecks.
Choker - Almost everything, but especially strapless tops or shirts with collars
Princess - Almost everything!
Matinee - Great for both business and casual wear, and especially good for plunging or sweetheart necklines
Opera - High necklines, boat necks, and evening wear
Rope - Elegant business and evening wear and really great with turtlenecks
Note: If you have a wide neck and are considering shorter lengths, you may need to go up an inch or two in length.