Standard Necklace Lengths: Most necklaces you'll find measure one of several standard lengths, but even when lengths vary you can use the standards to help visualize how a necklace will fit. If your overall build is large or small than what's considered "average," necklaces will fit you differently. Let the lengths of necklaces you already have be your guide to new necklaces or go shopping and try on necklaces of different lengths.
Adjustable Necklaces: A lot of necklaces have extra links at one end so that the clasp on the other end can attach in different places to adjust the necklace length. Adjustable necklaces are versatile, since you can change their appearance to suit your ensemble. These necklaces are good choices when you're giving a gift and aren't sure which length to buy.
Short Necklaces: 15 or 16 inch necklaces are called chokers. They rest just above the collarbone, accenting your neckline. Shorter necklaces are called collars. They wrap snugly around your neck.
Long Necklaces: A princess necklace usually measures about 18 inches and hangs just below the collarbone. 24 inch long necklaces are referred to as matinee length necklaces. These necklaces hang much lower of course, extending to the breast area. Opera length necklaces are even longer - 28 or more inches. Ropes necklaces are very long and can be worn as is or wrapped to create a two-stranded choker. Lariats are another style of a very long necklace, but they are unattached at one end so that it can be tied or knotted in different ways to suit your style.
Necklace Measurement: When measuring, allow 1 to 2 inches onto your measurement for the clasp that holds a necklace together.
