How Long Should a Diamond Necklace Be?

How Long Should a Diamond Necklace Be?

Getting the length of your diamond necklace right can do wonders to accentuate your neck area and highlight the brilliance of your stone. Most diamond pendants in Australia come in lengths of sixteen and eighteen inches, which many find to be the perfect length for the diamond to sit right at the base of the throat or by the collarbone. That said, you can go shorter or longer depending on the size of your neck, the shape of your face, and what’s in your wardrobe.

Choosing the Right Necklace Length

Necklaces can be as short as fourteen inches and as long as forty-two inches. Here’s what you need to know about each length.

14 Inches

Known as collar necklaces, fourteen-inch necklaces sit tightly around the neck. They’re best worn with open-neck clothing like scoop necks, v-necks, boat necks, and off-the-shoulder tops.

16 Inches

Sixteen-inch necklaces, or chokers, lay tightly against the base of the throat. These pieces are very versatile and can be worn with almost anything. If you know how to layer diamond necklaces, you can even pair them with other jewellery.

18 Inches

Most diamond necklaces come with eighteen-inch chains, which allow the diamond to sit right on the collarbone. Similar to chokers, these pieces go with any sort of clothing. It’s also a great length if you want to wear a diamond pendant every day.

20 to 24 Inches

Matinee necklaces are between twenty to twenty-four inches and drape between the collarbone and the bust. They’re great for both business and casual wear, but can be too long for everyday use.

28 to 36 Inches

At twenty-eight to thirty-six inches, you get a matinee necklace that lays on the bust or about an inch or two below it. This is the perfect piece to wear with evening wear or outfits that have high necklines.

36 to 42 Inches

Referred to as rope necklaces, this length spans thirty-six to forty-two inches and are wrapped to sit on or just below the centre of the bust. This type of jewellery is often worn with elegant business or evening ensembles.

What to Consider When Choosing the Length of Your Diamond Necklace

Just because necklaces often come at sixteen or eighteen inches doesn’t mean those are the perfect lengths for everyone. To find the one that fits you just right, consider the following:

Body Proportion

Your height, weight, and body proportion can make a difference in how a necklace looks on you. Longer necklaces and chunkier pieces can be ill-fitted to shorter people, and those with wider necks may find that shorter pieces make that area of their body look even larger than it is.

You should also consider the size of your torso–people with shorter torsos or larger middles might find that longer necklaces that should sit by the bust don’t always land where expected.

Face Shape

The shape of your face can also affect the look of a necklace. Oval faces can wear most lengths, keeping body proportion in mind.

Round faces work best with longer necklaces that create a slimming “V” shape as it drapes away from your face. If you have a round face, beware of chokers, as these may make your face look even rounder.

Conversely, people with heart-shaped faces and rectangular faces should opt for chokers since these will help smooth out the planes and angles in their faces.

Personal Style

You should also consider your wardrobe when you choose the length of your diamond necklace. Choose a piece that matches your style–for example, if you often wear turtlenecks, opt for longer necklaces to elongate your body.

Consult a Professional Jeweller to Get the Best Diamond Necklace

The best way to find a diamond necklace that fits you is to consult a professional jeweller from Holloway Diamonds. By working with your preferences and your budget, our experienced team can guide you through every decision from the diamond to the length and material of the chain, ensuring that you get the perfect piece for you.