Most adult necklaces sit between 40 and 60 cm, and for most people 45 cm hits the spot where the chain falls just below the hollow of the throat - a length that suits almost everyone and works with most outfits. The right length, however, depends on where on the body the chain should sit, how thick the neck is, and whether a pendant will hang from it. Below are the common lengths along with where they typically fall, so you can choose based on a concrete measurement rather than a guess.

Where do the different lengths fall on the body?

The length of a necklace is measured all the way around, including the clasp. The same number falls differently from person to person, because neck circumference and upper body vary, but as a starting point most chains follow this pattern:

A 45 cm chain is the best-selling length for adults and works as a good default if you're unsure. If you want the chain to sit right up against the neck, you should go lower to 35-38 cm, while the longer lengths from 60 cm and up give a more striking look that falls freely over your clothes.

How do you measure your way to the right length?

The simplest method is to take a necklace you already have, lay it out flat and measure it from end to end. If you know where it falls on you, you can compare it with the table above and adjust up or down from there.

If you have no chain to go by, you can place a tape measure or a piece of string around your neck and position it where you'd like the chain to sit. Then measure the length of the string. It's a good idea to add a couple of centimetres so the chain doesn't feel tight - a chain should be able to move freely and not sit taut.

The circumference of the neck matters a great deal. The thicker the neck, the more of the length is used up going around the neck itself, so the same number of centimetres falls higher up than on a slimmer neck. If you're unsure between two lengths, it's often safest to choose the longer one.

Which length suits the neckline?

The neckline of your clothing determines how much skin the chain has to rest on, and thereby which length flatters the overall look. A round, high neckline leaves room for a shorter chain around 40-45 cm that sits over the fabric. A deep V-neckline is nicely followed by a length that points the same way downward, that is, 50 cm or more.

With a buttoned shirt or a high collar, a longer chain from 55 cm often works best, because it falls down over the fabric rather than disappearing behind it. With a bare neck or a wide boat neckline you have a freer hand and can let the length be decided by where the chain should fall.

Does the pendant factor into the length?

A pendant hangs below the chain itself, so the total length actually becomes a little longer than the chain's own measurement. If you want the pendant to fall at a particular spot - for example right in the hollow of the throat - you need to count the height of the pendant when choosing the chain length.

At Longvé, pendants are sold without a chain, so you put the chain and pendant together yourself and decide the final length. This makes it possible to match the chain to how heavy or large the pendant is. A small, light pendant like a cross pendant falls discreetly and works on a short to medium chain, while a larger solitaire pendant may benefit from a bit more length to hang from. If you want to see the different pendants gathered together, they are under pendants.

A simple chain without a pendant can be worn on its own or form the base for a pendant later. Among the plain chains you'll find, among others, a slim cable necklace, and the entire selection of chains without stones is under plain necklaces.

Can several lengths be worn together?

Layering two or three chains on top of one another is a widespread way to wear jewellery, and here the difference in length is the whole point. Choose lengths a few centimetres apart - for example 40, 45 and 50 cm - so each chain gets its own line instead of tangling together.

A delicate diamond chain works well in the short layer close to the neck, while a longer chain sits below. A bezel tennis necklace can, for example, make up the shortest layer, with a simpler chain beneath. A wider selection for layering can be found under necklaces.

What is a normal necklace length?

As an adult, 45 cm is what is most often perceived as a standard necklace length, closely followed by 50 cm. Both lengths fall around the collarbone and suit everyday clothes as well as more dressed-up outfits. For children and very short necklaces, the lengths are typically lower, around 35-40 cm.

There is no single length that is right for everyone, but if you want to be on the safe side for daily wear and as a gift, a chain around 45 cm is a solid choice that can be worn on its own or combined with a pendant as needed.