Shopping for necklaces gets a lot easier once you know the vocabulary. A listing that says "matinee" or "princess" is telling you exactly where the necklace will fall - and whether it will suit your neckline and your frame. This complete guide to the types of necklaces walks through every length and style, what each one suits, and how to preview any necklace on your own body before you buy.
Prefer to see a length on yourself rather than guess from a chart? Our free jewellery try-on shows any necklace on your own neckline in seconds.
Necklace lengths explained
Necklaces are classified first by length - how far they fall from the base of your neck. These are the standard names you will see when shopping.
Collar (30-35 cm)
Sits tight and high around the middle of the neck, usually several strands. Bold and vintage-inspired; striking with open and off-shoulder necklines.
Choker (35-40 cm)
Rests snugly at the base of the throat. Endlessly versatile - dressy or casual - and flattering on most people. Great with crew necks and strapless looks.
Princess (42-48 cm)
The most popular everyday length, sitting right on or just below the collarbone. Perfect for pendants and suits almost every neckline, especially a V-neck.
Matinee (50-60 cm)
Falls between the collarbone and the bust. Slightly dressier, ideal for business and higher necklines, and elegant with a single pendant.
Opera (70-85 cm)
Reaches the bust or just below. Dramatic and elegant - wear it long over a high neckline, or doubled up as a layered look.
Rope (over 90 cm)
The longest length, easily knotted, layered or wrapped. Versatile and glamorous, and a favourite for creating your own layered combinations.
Length chart at a glance
| Type | Approx. length | Where it sits | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collar | 30-35 cm | Mid-neck | Off-shoulder, open necklines |
| Choker | 35-40 cm | Base of throat | Crew, strapless, everyday |
| Princess | 42-48 cm | On the collarbone | Pendants, V-necks, daily wear |
| Matinee | 50-60 cm | Above the bust | Business, higher necklines |
| Opera | 70-85 cm | At or below the bust | Formal, layering |
| Rope | 90 cm+ | Below the bust | Layering, knotting, glamour |
Necklace styles you should know
Beyond length, necklaces come in recognisable styles - the design, not the drop.
- Pendant - a single charm or stone on a chain; the most versatile everyday style.
- Chain - a plain metal chain, worn alone or layered; simple and timeless.
- Statement necklace - large, bold and eye-catching; the hero of an outfit.
- Lariat / Y-necklace - a long open drop that forms a Y; elegant with V-necks.
- Bib / collar necklace - a wide, filled shape across the chest; dramatic on plain necklines.
- Layered set - several chains of different lengths worn together for depth.
- Tennis necklace - a continuous line of matched stones; classic sparkle.
How to choose the right one
Two things decide which necklace works: your neckline and your proportions. Match the length to the neckline you will wear it with - a princess pendant for a V-neck, a choker above a crew neck - which we cover fully in our guide to matching a necklace to your neckline. Then think about scale: petite frames are flattered by shorter, finer pieces, while longer lengths and bolder styles suit taller frames and add elegant length. Finally, match the formality to the occasion - a fine pendant for everyday, a statement or tennis necklace for events.
Try any necklace on your own photo
A length chart is a great starting point, but seeing a necklace on your own neck removes all doubt. The drop, the metal against your skin, and how it sits with your neckline all become obvious the moment you can see it on you.
With our virtual necklace try-on, upload a front-facing photo and a photo of the necklace to see it worn on your collarbone - compare a princess length against a matinee to find your favourite. Our full guide to the virtual necklace try-on covers getting a realistic result, and for building a complete look, see how to match jewellery with your outfit.
Frequently asked questions
What are the standard necklace lengths?
From shortest to longest: collar (30-35 cm), choker (35-40 cm), princess (42-48 cm), matinee (50-60 cm), opera (70-85 cm) and rope (over 90 cm). Princess is the most common everyday length. Try a couple on your own photo to find the drop you prefer.
What is the most versatile necklace length?
Princess length (42-48 cm) is the most versatile - it sits on the collarbone, suits most necklines and is perfect for pendants. A choker is a close second for everyday wear. A virtual try-on shows how each sits on you.
How do I know which necklace type suits me?
Match the length to your neckline and your proportions - shorter, finer pieces for petite frames, longer lengths for taller frames - then confirm on your own photo with a virtual try-on before buying.
The bottom line
Once you can name the types of necklaces, shopping stops being guesswork: a "princess pendant" or a "matinee" tells you exactly where it will fall and what it will suit. Match the length to your neckline and your frame, match the style to the occasion, and every necklace you buy will earn its place.
And whenever a chart is not enough, let your own reflection decide. Upload your photo and see any length on your neckline in seconds. Start now: try on a necklace free.
Ready to try it yourself? Upload a photo and see any outfit on you in seconds - your first try-ons are free. Start a try-on →