Necklace length chart
An 18 inch chain sits at the collarbone and is the most common length, according to Brilliant Earth. Chain lengths from 14 to 36 inches, their names and where each one falls.
Necklace length chart: the tool
Where will it sit?
Lengths are end to end, clasp included. Where a chain falls also depends on neck size and build.
Chain size chart: where each necklace length sits
| Length | cm | Where it sits |
|---|---|---|
| 14 in | 35 to 36 | Sits tightly against the base of the neck |
| 16 in | 40 to 41 | Rests at the base of the throat/collarbone |
| 18 in | 45 to 46 | Sits at the collarbone; the most common length |
| 20 in | 50 to 51 | Falls just below the collarbone |
| 22 in | 55 to 56 | Rests between the collarbone and bust |
| 24 in | 60 to 61 | Falls at the top of the bust |
| 30 in | 76 | Rests at mid-chest/sternum |
| 36 in | 90 to 91 | Falls below the bust; can be doubled |
Necklace length names
| Name | Length | Where it sits |
|---|---|---|
| Collar | 14 in or less | Sits high on the neck, close to the base |
| Choker | 14 to 16 in | Rests around the base of the neck |
| Princess | 18 in | Just below the collarbone |
| Matinee | 20 to 24 in | At or just above the bust |
| Opera | 24 to 30 in | Below the bust |
| Rope | 30 in and over | Long; can be looped, knotted or layered |
| Pearl strand | Length |
|---|---|
| Choker | 14 to 16 in |
| Princess | 17 to 18 in |
Metric chain lengths
| Inches | cm |
|---|---|
| 16.5 | 42 |
| 17.7 | 45 |
| 19.7 | 50 |
| 23.6 | 60 |
| 29.5 | 75 |
| 31.5 | 80 |
| 35.4 | 90 |
| 39.4 | 100 |
Where jewellers disagree
- Necklace names disagree slightly at the edges. Blue Nile: collar 14 in or less, choker 14 to 16, princess 18, matinee 20 to 24, opera 24 to 30, rope 30 and over. GIA: chokers 14 to 16 in, princess 17 to 18 in, then 'longer matinee, opera, and rope lengths' with no inches. Brilliant Earth names only the 14 in choker and gives where each length sits instead. Blue Nile's ranges share endpoints (24 is both matinee and opera; 30 both opera and rope).
- Where a length sits also differs: Brilliant Earth puts 18 in at the collarbone and 20 in just below it; Blue Nile puts princess (18 in) just below the collarbone and matinee (20 to 24) at or just above the bust.
For bracelets, see the bracelet size chart.
Related tools
Questions
What is the most common necklace length?
18 in, which Brilliant Earth describes as sitting at the collarbone and as the most common length.
How long is a princess necklace?
18 in on Blue Nile's chart; GIA gives 17 to 18 in for a princess pearl strand.
Where does a 20 inch chain fall?
Just below the collarbone, according to Brilliant Earth.
Sources
- Blue Nile: Find the Perfect Necklace Length: Chart, Sizing Guide and Quiz (checked 2026-10-03)
- GIA: Pearl (4Cs June issue PDF) (checked 2026-10-03)
- Brilliant Earth: Necklace Lengths Guide (checked 2026-10-03)
- Pandora: Jewelry Size Guide (MKSV4299) (checked 2026-10-03)
Last checked: 5 October 2026