A Quick Guide to Necklaces!

What Necklace Length should I choose?

You’ve no doubt seen that we have a dazzling array of vintage style and semi-fine necklaces to browse both in-store and online, and we always try to include the length and adjustability where we can. But do you find these measurement numbers are a bit baffling? 

For starters, there’s a range of necklace lengths in general, and some places may include names for each rough length, as detailed in this handy table:

But what does this mean for finding your ideal necklace drop?

First of all, we recommend you find your neck measurement - either use a soft tape measure, or wrap a ribbon round and measure it against a stiff tape measure. Once you know your neck measurement you can more accurately predict where a necklace will fall!

(Also very handy is measuring a necklace you know fits and suits you that you already own.)

There are many factors that can affect how a necklace will suit you - or not!

Neck size, face shape, body shape, height, the size and shape of any hanging pendant; all these can mean that a necklace that’s gorgeous on the mannequin pics can fall a bit flat when worn on yourself.

Neck Size: this, of course, varies between people, so the average necklace length of 16-18” can end up sitting a good inch or so higher or lower than expected. Take the measurement of your neck into account when looking at Princess or Bib length chains and aim for chains with a bit of adjustment room to allow for some extra wiggle room.

Face Shape: never as exact a science as social media would have you think, but in broad generalisations, if you have a round face then shorter chain length might over-emphasise the natural curve of your face and chin, so aim for a medium drop to give more visual space between chin/throat and the lowest drop of the necklace. 

If you have a face that’s more angular with sharp lines, a long drop can accentuate some angles less flatteringly, so a shorter drop can provide some curvature to balance out sharp lines.

Height: Short ladies like many of us at VV know all too well how a slightly too long necklace can almost overwhelm you! Often a chain that’s Matinee length can look like a long drop on a shorter torso, so Opera or Rope styles just end up getting in the way and standing out in the wrong way.

Taller ladies can really take advantage of these dramatic long styles - especially those fabulous flapper 20s and 30s lengths.

Body Shape: Again, not an exact science, but in general bust size especially plays a big role in what necklace suits you best. Broadly, a smaller bust can carry dramatic long layered chains, but those with a larger bust may find this means the necklaces just don’t sit properly and find it better to have a style that sits above the chest.

If you’re aware you have more of a pear shape, broader at the lower half, then you could experiment with necklace styles that draw attention to the upper chest and clavicle area - around 18-24 inches in length. By the same reasoning, if you’re narrow at the waist and hip you may find one of those dramatic long styles with a pendant hanging lower will draw the eye lower. Have a play in front of a mirror!

Pendants and Charms: Whilst these often will draw attention regardless of where they fall on you, there’s much to be said for experimenting with where the accessories on the chain sit.

A delicate little charm hanging from a choker length chain sitting at the base of the throat is the most ideal (and would get utterly lost on a Matinee length necklace!) but if it sits too high on a shorter or wider neck it can be a touch less flattering, so try out lengths closer to 18 inches if you find there’s little to no “drop” and see the difference that slight dip in the visual makes for you.

Bolder pendants and accoutrements need a bit more space and as previously mentioned, the long 20s and 30s style deco necklaces with dramatic pendants can look fabulous down near the waist, though if the pendant is also quite wide then sitting at Opera or rope length is just going to look a bit awkward. Bear in mind too that the pendant will add extra length to the drop, so you could end up with quite a swing if you’re not careful!

The other major factor in necklace length is of course the neckline of the outfit you’re wearing. As a rough guide, try to follow the shape of your neckline for the most flattering look. 

See the table below for some starter ideas, but as always, the most important thing is to experiment for yourself. None of these “guidelines” are rules, so if an accessory makes you feel confident and happy, then the strong likelihood is that it’s automatically flattering, even if it doesn’t quite fit with the ideas mentioned in this blog, because you’ll carry yourself differently and exude that poise we love to see!

Now how about some real-time examples of what we mean?

Now how about some real-time examples of what we mean? All of these are Miss Alexa's personal necklaces that she'd wear regardless, simply because she likes them, but hopefully it shows a little clearer just how spacing and placement can make a difference.

This little charm doesn't quite have enough drop here, and the roundness of the chain has a slight visual block with the v neck of the dress.

The length here is a little better, however the pendant would be better suited on a broader sweetheart neckline.

A dramatic pendant for a dramatic V neck. The amount of space around the necklace is ideal here and as Miss Alexa is quite short and busty she wears the necklace at what is more of a Matinee length for her, but the impression is of a longer length necklace.

Now an example with one necklace that has an adjustable chain:

This is too high for Miss Alexa's short neck and broader top half. It would better suit a scoop neck or even a crew neck top, or someone with a longer neck.