necklaces -

Necklace Size Chart: How To Find The Best Necklace Length For You

December 14, 2022June 25, 2024Fine Jewelry, necklaceseducation, fine jewelry, jewelry education, necklace, necklaces

Throwing on a necklace is a simple way to elevate any look. Whether it’s a pendant necklace or a simple chain, there are so many ways to style some shine around your neck.

But with great style comes great responsibility! First, we have to figure out what length and fit are best. Keep reading to find out how…

So, you’re in the market for a new necklace but you want to make sure you’re getting the right one. You’ve come to the right place!

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or getting a gift for someone else, determining your necklace size is an important step. This can be said for both women and men!

In this blog, we’re going to break down how to find the perfect size for your style, measurements, and personal taste.

Standard Necklace Lengths for Women

Standard Necklace Lengths For Men

Factors To Consider When Choosing The Right Necklace For You

Everyone wants their necklace to fit as if it were tailor-made! Consider the following factors when shopping so your jewelry will feel like it was made for you:

Neck size

It might seem obvious, but yes, the width of your neck is the most important measurement to consider when necklace shopping. Same with rings and bracelets, necklaces are not always one-size-fits-all! Make sure you consider how you want your necklace to fit around your neck before you commit.

Keep reading to learn how to measure your neck size and determine your ideal necklace length.

Height

When shopping for a necklace, you’re probably not thinking about how tall you are- but it may be a good idea to start!

Generally speaking, the taller you are, the longer your necklace should be.

If your height is below average, longer necklaces may be less complimentary. Oftentimes, long necklaces overwhelm shorter people.

Similarly, if you are of above-average height, short necklaces might get completely lost.

We all want to wear a chain necklace that both complements our looks and shows off our beautiful jewelry.

If you are 5 feet tall or under, look for a necklace that is anywhere from 16 to 20 inches long.

If you are between 5’4 to 5’7, most necklaces of standard length will suit you wonderfully.

And if you are above average height, look for necklaces that are at least 20 inches long.

Keep in mind that these are all guidelines. If you are 6 feet tall and want to wear a choker necklace, please do so! If you are 5 feet tall and want to wear a necklace that falls to your waist- don’t let anyone stop you!

Wear what makes you feel best.

14K Yellow Gold 5.1mm Alternating Paper Clip Chain Necklace

14K Yellow Gold Triple Strand Bead Choker Necklace

Body Type

Just like clothes shopping, you’ll want to consider your body type when shopping for a new necklace.

If you want to accentuate certain features, jewelry has the magical ability to do so!

For example, if you want to accentuate your hips, a long and thin necklace may help. If you want to slim your hips, a thicker and shorter necklace may work better.

The same can be said for men. If you have broad shoulders, opt for a shorter and thicker chain. If you have narrow shoulders, opt for a chain that is thinner and longer.

Play around with different lengths of chains and see what works best for you!

Face Shape

Certain necklaces can make a face appear wider, rounder, shorter, or longer. Depending on your own face shape, you are likely to prefer one length to another.

For example, if you have a round face that you would like to appear longer, it’s best to choose a necklace that will emphasize the length of your face. A necklace that is 20’’ to 24’’ long will bring the eye down and effortlessly slim your face.

If you have a square or more angular face, a short necklace will soften your sharp angles while elongating your neck.

It’s really that simple!

Sterling Silver 5.5mm Figaro Chain Necklace - 24 Inches

14K White Gold 1.8mm Wheat Chain Necklace - 18 Inches

The Look You Want

When shopping for a new piece of jewelry (especially one that you will want to wear for many years to come), it’s a good idea to determine what look you want to achieve.

Ask yourself this: Do I want a minimalist, everyday look? Or do I want a necklace for special occasions?

This will help you figure out whether you want a standard-length necklace that you can simply throw on, a necklace that you can easily layer with other pieces, or one that you’ll save for important events.

Keep your lifestyle in mind, as well! If your chain is very long, it may not be great to wear while keeping active. And if your chain is very short, it may not go with the types of tops you normally wear.

Once you decide on the look you want (everyday, casual, special, layered, etc.), finding the optimal length will be that much easier!

14K White Gold Imperial Emerald And Diamond Necklace

14K Yellow Gold Triple Layer Pierced Diamond Specks Necklace By Brevani

How To Measure Your Desired Necklace Size

Determining your ideal necklace length is an easy process. Here are the steps to do so:

Wrap a flexible measuring tape around your neck. Keep your finger on the spot where the two points meet.
Unwrap the tape while keeping your finger on the mark. This is your measurement.
If you want a choker, this measurement will be the perfect length for you. If not, add three inches to your neck measurement. This new measurement will be the minimum length of your desired necklace.

You can follow this method as well:

Wrap the same measuring tape around your neck. This time make the two points meet where you imagine you want your necklace to land. The number you reach is your ideal necklace length!

It’s that easy!

FAQs

Is a 16 or 18 inch necklace better?

Deciding between these two lengths can be tricky. It really depends on your specific measurements and preferences. The 18’’ necklace is the standard for women and is considered a classic go-to. When in doubt, opt for the 18’’. This length is ideal for pendant necklaces as it will land right below the collar of a crew neck t-shirt, making sure it gets seen!

Is an 18 inch necklace short?

Not exactly! While the 18’’ necklace is shorter than alternatives, this length is not likely to sit close to your neck. Generally, the 18’’ necklace will sit just below your collarbone.

Is a 20 inch necklace long?

A 20’’ necklace may be too long for some but perfect for others. If you are on the shorter side, this length may be a touch too long. However, if you are taller, this necklace will be perfect!

To Wrap Up

Changing up your personal style, even slightly, can help you uncover a whole new personality! And trying out different necklace lengths is the perfect way to do so.

Whether you have a gemstone hanging around your neck or links of gold, there is the perfect length out there for you.

Keep experimenting and playing with different styles and lengths- you’ll look great no matter what.

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!

Rachel Glassman

Armed with five years of writing experience, Rachel aims to turn dense topics into easily understandable content, one shining word at a time.

How To Stack & Layer Your Jewelry

October 17, 2022June 26, 2024earrings, Education, Fine Jewelry, necklaceslayering, layering necklaces, necklaces, rings, stackable rings, stackables

When it comes to beautiful jewelry, the more the merrier!

How To Embrace More Is More

Minimalism is out and maximalism is IN! We may have adopted the phrase ‘less is more’, but layering more necklaces or stacking more rings offers a unique way to show off your style! Starting your day by throwing on several necklaces is a great way to achieve that chic but effortless look. By stacking a few stylish rings on your fingers, you can create an eye-catching ensemble in a matter of minutes. In this blog, we are going to explain why sometimes more is more!

Tips On How To Stack Your Jewelry

Try to keep your metals the same

When stacking or layering your jewelry pieces, it’s a great idea to keep the metals the same. Wearing pieces that are uniform in color will ensure that your look is cohesive and pleasing to the eye. Wearing gold rings with gold necklaces, for example, will tie your whole outfit together beautifully!

Mix and match different shapes

When you’re stacking or layering jewelry, you have the freedom to have fun and experiment with silhouettes and shapes! Mixing different shapes within your jewelry will give off an eclectic and colorful touch to your outfit. And if that isn’t what you’re going for, you can match your jewelry shapes and keep things consistent. That will keep the lines and silhouettes of your pieces neat and tidy!

Add different lengths

When selecting which necklaces to use for layering, choose ones with varying lengths! Not only does this help with tangled chains, but it also gives you the chance to show off each of your pendants individually! Even wearing a chain necklace without a pendant will help your other pieces shine! Tiering your necklaces is the perfect way to add a personal touch to your pieces- all while creating dimension.

Stacking Different Jewelry Tips & Tricks

How To Stack Bracelets

Stacking bracelets is an easy and fun way to add a dash of fun to any ensemble! To make sure things don’t appear too cluttered or disorganized, place your tighter bracelets closer to your hand and your looser or wider bracelets behind them. This works when you wear bracelets of different sizes and thicknesses. When wearing bracelets that are all thin, do as you please! And when stacking bracelets that are all thick, try not to wear more than 2 or 3 on one wrist.

14K Yellow Gold Single Row Diamond Bangle Bracelet

14K Yellow Gold Lab-Created Diamond Station Dash Bracelet

14K Yellow Gold Polished Bangle Bracelet

How To Layer & Stack Necklaces

If you’re new to layering necklaces, start off with the following: Wear a choker necklace at around 14 inches, a chain at 16 inches, and three pendant necklaces at 18, 20, and 22 inches- all together! This is a simple and easy-to-remember method to create an alluring tiered look. Once you discover what looks best to you, feel free to mix things up! With so many different chains, pendants, and lengths to choose from, the world is your oyster.

14K Yellow Gold 2.6mm Elongated Paperclip Link Chain

14K Yellow Gold Diamond Starburst Necklace

14K Yellow Gold 3.9mm Paper Clip Chain Necklace

How To Stack Rings

Stacking rings is like an artform! Try wearing a couple of stackable rings with one prominent statement ring. Be sure not to clutter them on just one or two fingers- spread them out! To get a playful but sophisticated look, play around with different stones, shapes, and symbols. Wear standard sized rings and then smaller rings halfway down your finger to elevate your everyday look. But remember- when pairing thick rings with thin ones, always place the thicker rings closer to the base of the finger so the thinner ones don’t appear squished!

How To Stack Stack Earrings

Stacking earrings are all the rage- and for good reason! If you want to get the look but are in doubt, stick to the cascading rule. The rule suggests that you keep your larger and more dangly pieces at the bottom of your ear (around your earlobe, for example), and have your smaller studs and hugging earrings higher up. This ascension gives the effect of a clean and balanced order to your pieces.

14K Yellow Gold Diamond Bezel Huggie Hoop Earrings

Stacking & Layering Jewelry: Get These Looks

To get this look, place a minimalist bracelet further down on your wrist. Pair that with a paperclip bracelet and a tennis bracelet, and you have a beautiful ensemble that mixes shapes, thicknesses, and materials.

To achieve this minimal layered look, simply follow the aforementioned necklace tiering tip. Pair an 18-inch chain like this one with a longer chain and pendant of the same metal, and you’re done! It’s a foolproof way to add dimension to any look.

FAQs

1. How do you stack rings nicely?

Go thick to thin! Wear thicker rings at the bottom of your finger and thinner ones closer to the top. Not only does this elongate your fingers, it makes sure that no ring gets overshadowed by another. And remember to add some flair to both of your hands- balance is key!

14K Rose Gold Pear Shape Diamond Pinnacle Ring

2. How many bracelets are too many?

While we believe that more is merrier, sometimes there is such a thing as too much. When wearing thinner, daintier bracelets, limit yourself to 6 or 7. When mixing thicker bracelets with thin ones, try not to wear more than 5 on one hand. Wearing too many bracelets can be uncomfortable and cumbersome. Three per wrist is generally the sweet spot!

14K Yellow Gold 3.9mm Paper Clip Chain Bracelet

3. Can you wear bracelets on both wrists?

Totally! Wearing several bracelets on one wrist and only one or two on the other can create a nicely balanced look. Especially when they match your outfit, bracelets on both hands create the perfect accessories.

To Wrap Up

On the days when you want to elevate your look in a matter of minutes, layering your jewelry is your secret weapon! Sometimes, the more jewelry you wear, the more stylish you feel! And the best part? There is no right or wrong way to do it. If you want an eclectic and energetic look, layering can help you achieve that! If you want a more sleek and clean look, layering can do that for you too!
Remember, it’s all about experimenting, enjoying, and showing off your personal style. Don’t forget to sign up for our email list to keep updated on more tips and tricks and even $100 off your first order!

Rachel Glassman

Armed with five years of writing experience, Rachel aims to turn dense topics into easily understandable content, one shining word at a time.

Black Friday Jewelry Gift Guide 2022

October 19, 2022June 25, 2024Diamonds, earrings, Engagement Rings, Fine Jewelry, Gift Guides, necklaces, Wedding, Wedding RingsBlack Friday, engagement rings, gift guide, halo engagement rings, lab created diamonds, necklaces, pavé engagement rings, solitaire engagement rings

If you’re looking to check off your holiday gift list and save money, then it’s your time to shine…literally! James Allen’s Black Friday deals are here! Read on to check out the best bling at the best prices. Shop early, save, and, best of all, sleep in on November 25th.

James Allen Black Friday Deals

It’s that time of year again, the annual James Allen Black Friday sale! 25% off SITE WIDE! Save on everything! That piece you’ve been eyeing all year? Treat yo self! That engagement ring your love has been sending hint after hint for? Blow their mind with the bling!

Sparkle so bright they won’t remember you forgot their birthday? They’ll wish you would forget it every year! Shop early, save, avoid the chaos, and savor those turkey day leftovers.

Best Selling Black Friday Engagement Rings

A chill in the air and some ice on the finger. The most romantic time of year is upon us once again, the perfect time to pop the question or upgrade your current hardware. Whether you prefer a perfect pavé, a sophisticated solitaire, or a heavenly halo engagement ring, this is the ideal time to grab one of our 2022’s top trends.

18K Yellow Gold 1.5mm Comfort Fit Engagement Ring

Platinum Double Shank Halo Diamond Engagement Ring

14K White Gold Petite Pavé Engagement Ring (Flush Fit)

Solitaire Engagement Rings

Oh, how we love a solitaire engagement ring! You just can’t go wrong with this timeless, classic, and simply stunning style. Not only are solitaire settings budget-friendly and allow the focus to be solely on your center stone, but they also give an understated elegance beloved by all.

Worried a solitaire is too simple? Pshaw! Go for a thick or thin band, get modern with a knife edge or a six prong shank, or amp up the style with a rope or cable band. The options go on and on!

Choose from timeless yellow gold, romantic rose gold, brilliant white gold, or go for the strength of platinum. Whichever metal or style you choose, a solitaire engagement ring will always be in style. Check out these best-sellers for inspo, and go to JamesAllen.com for more!

Halo Engagement Rings

Stand in the light of a halo when you give your loved one of our halo engagement rings. This style, where your center stone is surrounded by a literal halo of diamonds, gives your already shining ring enhanced elegance and sparkle.

Do you subscribe to the bigger is better theory? Then halo rings are for you! The halo of diamonds around your center stone will make your ring look even bigger than it is. It’s no wonder their popularity continues to grow.

After all, is more shine ever a bad thing? Take a look at some of the halos our customers just love, and check out more here!

Pavé Engagement Rings

Love the look of being surrounded by diamonds but don’t have the budget of being surrounded by diamonds, then look to the pavé! Pavé literally means to cover, as in to pave something. Pavé engagement rings feature bands that are covered in diamonds.

What is great is that the diamonds are tiny, making them affordable and allowing you to satisfy that champagne taste! All these tiny diamonds reflect light, allowing a beautiful sparkle that can be seen from every angle.

A ring that dazzles this bright is sure to get that yes! Need some inspo? These beauties are best sellers for a reason!

Fine Jewelry Black Friday Deals

Figuring out what to get all the people on your list can be a pain in the you know what! Fine jewelry to the rescue! It always makes a great gift! Whatever their style, whomever the recipient, whichever pieces are preferred, jewelry is the gift that never fails.

Gold Jewelry

There’s a reason it’s called The Gold Standard. Gold is always great; whether you prefer yellow, white, or rose, gold is the gift that keeps on going. Get in on the minimalist trend with gold pieces that you’ll never want to take off. Sport a perfect pair of gold hoop earrings, a cute cuff, an initial necklace, and a statement ring.

Speaking of statement rings, why go for just one when you can stack ‘em? Wear them on the same finger or get multiple for different fingers because when it comes to stackable rings, it’s like holiday guests, the more the merrier!

Wear your gold jewelry together, separately, or mix and match for a clean, elegant look.

Lab Created Diamond Jewelry

Love diamonds but want to save even more? Then our lab created diamond jewelry collection is for you! Lab created diamonds are great because they are 100% real diamonds, cost less than their counterparts found in the earth, and at James Allen, are certified conflict-free.

Lab grown diamonds are also the perfect way to build your fine jewelry basics collection. Go for a timeless tennis necklace, a perfect solitaire ring, a set of cluster earrings, and a station dash bracelet to pull the collection together.

Is your best friend such a Libra? Is your sister the ultimate Gemini? Sounds like they need a piece from our gorgeous constellation collection. No matter their sign, we got the shine to match!

Complete the set with a pair of lab grown diamond hoop earrings, go for a heavenly halo ring, or choose a perfect pendant. No matter what you choose, our lab created diamond pieces are just what every jewelry box needs.

14K White Gold Straight Lab Created Diamond Tennis Necklace (5.00 CTW - F-G / VS2-SI1)

14K White Gold Lab-Created Diamond Solitaire Ring

14K Rose Gold Lab-Created Diamond Sagittarius Constellation Necklace

Birthstone Jewelry

Celebrate a birthday this holiday season, no matter when you were born! Rock the wintery gem of December with beautiful topaz pieces and feel hot hot hot while sporting these icy cool blues. Choose the deep red of January’s garnet and feel regal everytime you put it on.

From the deep shades of September’s sapphires to the engaging greens in May’s emeralds, birthstone jewelry looks good every month of the year. Were you born in October but have the soul of an April baby, pair a stunning opal necklace with a diamond bolo bracelet. Throw in a ruby ring for a pop of color to honor all those July babies you know and love.

James Allen’s collection of birthstone jewelry is so gorgeous you’ll wish you had a birthday every month of the year!

14K White Gold Trellis Sapphire Inside Out Oval Hoops, 1 Inch

14K Rose Gold Imperial Ruby And Diamond Necklace

14K Yellow Gold Golden South Sea Cultured Pearl Leverback Drop Earrings (9-10 Mm)

Black Friday Wedding Rings For Women

The James Allen Black Friday sale is also a great time to get that dream wedding ring! Whether you’re looking for your perfect wedding ring for the big day, to add a beautiful piece to your wedding ring collection, or simply want to upgrade your current wedding ring, we have the style for you.

Want a classic ring to match your timeless love? Go for one of our simply sophisticated classic wedding rings. Available in yellow, white, rose gold, and even platinum, as well as different widths, and even styles (check out our knife edge for a classic ring with a twist); we’ve got the right ring for you!

Do you need a ring that sparkles as bright as your smile? Our collection of diamond wedding rings will leave you wanting for words.

Whether you want diamonds that go on and on, like our dazzling eternity rings, or maybe you want a pavé wedding ring to match your pavé engagement ring, our seemingly endless collection of women’s wedding rings has the perfect ring waiting for you.

14K Yellow Gold 3mm Traditional Slightly Curved Wedding Ring

14K Yellow Gold Seven Stone Low Dome Basket Lab Created Diamond Ring (1.50 CTW - F-G / VS2-SI1)

Black Friday Wedding Rings For Men

Your man deserves a ring that will make everyone go wow! We know this is an important purchase, one of the most important pieces of jewelry you’ll ever buy, and you don’t want to buy just any old ring.

Classic men’s wedding rings are simply timeless. Whether you prefer a slimmer 4mm ring, or want a slightly thicker 6mm band, these enduring rings are available in varying widths, metals, and finishes. From comfort fit to slightly flat or slightly curved, these stylish rings allow you to take a classic look to the next level.

Do you love the classic look but want to give it a twist? Go for a bold, black tantalum ring. Whether you prefer one with a pattern, a satin finish, or one mixed with gold, there are so many choices for men’s wedding rings that you are sure to find your favorite.

Black Titanium Satin Finish 6.5mm Comfort Fit Ring

Black Titanium And 14K Rose Gold Satin Center 7mm Ring

14K Yellow Gold 5mm Slightly Domed Comfort Fit Wedding Ring

Final Thoughts

It’s never a bad thing to be ahead of the game, at least when it comes to holiday shopping! Get that list, check it twice, and finish shopping before everyone else has even started. As they elbow their way through the crowds and set their alarms before the sun, you’ll be fast asleep, dreaming of how you got gifts everyone will love and at a discount. So head on over to JamesAllen.com because sparkle season starts now!

Sarah Axelrad

With over 10 years of experience writing and editing on a wide variety of subjects, Sarah is a veteran of the content world. Since joining James Allen, she has focused on all things diamonds and fine jewelry with the goal of educating and empowering consumers.