By Sestra Jewelry | Fine Jewelry Experts Since 2017

A question we often get at Sestra is "What length should I get?" And you’re not wrong to ask. It's probably one of the most important decisions you'll make when buying a necklace, which is why we’re her as your very own essential necklace length guide.

During their travels, our founders Ozzie and Rhianna noticed how women in different cultures wear their jewelry at totally different lengths. In Mediterranean countries, protective pieces like evil eyes sit close to the heart. In other places, longer, more dramatic pieces are the norm. These observations really shaped how we think about necklace lengths in our collections.

The Necklace Length Chart That Actually Matters for Women

You'll find a hundred necklace length charts and chain length charts on Google, but here's what we've learned works in real life:

Length	Where It Sits	Best For	Our Honest Take
14-16 inches	Right at your neck	Evening wear, off-shoulder tops	Bold choice - go with 16" if you're new to chokers
18 inches	At your collarbone	Everything - work, casual, date night	Start here if you're unsure. Works with 90% of outfits
20-22 inches	Just below collarbone	Daily wear, professional settings	Most comfortable length. Great for tennis necklaces
24-30 inches	Mid-chest area	Layering, high necklines	Dramatic but versatile. Can double up for different looks
30+ inches	Below bust line	Creative styling, statement looks	Commitment length - make sure you'll actually wear it

Pro tip: Most of our customers end up loving the 18-20 inch range as it’s comfortable, versatile, and works with basically everything in your closet.

How to Choose Based on Your Body

If you're petite: Stick to shorter lengths (16-20 inches) because a super long necklace can overwhelm a smaller frame. We've found this doesn't achieve the most elegant look.

If you're taller: You can pretty much wear whatever length you want (lucky you) but chokers can look especially striking on longer necks.

If you have a fuller chest: Longer lengths (20-24 inches) tend to be more flattering. They create a nice vertical line instead of sitting awkwardly.

If you have a shorter neck: Avoid super short necklaces as they'll make your neck look even shorter. Go for 18-20 inches instead.

What Works With Different Necklines

Crew necks and turtlenecks: You need at least 24 inches of length here, otherwise your necklace just disappears into your shirt.

V-necks: Perfect for 18-20 inch necklaces as the length follows the V-shape naturally.

Scoop necks: 16-18 inches works great. Any longer and it starts to look off with the neckline.

Off-shoulder or strapless: This is where chokers really shine. The contrast between the bare shoulders and the necklace at your throat is gorgeous.

The Layering Thing Everyone's Doing

Layering is huge right now, though we've found that success lies in the details. Here's our suggestion:

·       Start with your shortest necklace and add about 2-4 inches for each additional layer. For example, if you start with 16 inches, your next one should be around 20, then maybe 24.

·       Don't go overboard. Three necklaces are usually the limit before it starts looking like you're wearing your entire jewelry collection.

·       Mix different styles. A delicate chain with a statement piece, or combine some of our gold pieces with gemstone accents. The evil eye pieces layer really well with simpler chains.

How to Measure Your Neck Properly

Get a soft measuring tape and wrap it around your neck where you want the necklace to sit. Add 2-3 inches for comfort as you need to be able to move and breathe.

If you don’t have a measuring tape, simply use a piece of string as your necklace length guide and then measure it against a ruler.

Also think about your torso length. Standard lengths are drastically different on different body types. If you have a shorter torso, a 20-inch necklace might sit lower on you than expected.

Sestra’s Specific Recommendations

·       Tennis necklaces: We recommend 18-20 inches. This length shows off the diamonds beautifully without the necklace getting lost or looking too dramatic.

·       Custom script necklaces: 16-18 inches keeps your personalized word or name visible. What's the point of customizing something if no one can read it?

·       Evil eye medallions: 18-20 inches feels right for these protective pieces. They sit close to your heart, which honors their traditional meaning.

·       Heart pendants: 18-22 inches depending on the look you want. Shorter for everyday, longer for more special occasions.

The Reality About Necklace Length

However, the truth is that even with all these guidelines, sometimes you just have to try it and see. What looks perfect on one person might look completely wrong on another.

That's why we use 14K gold in all our pieces as it's an investment that lasts. Our lifetime guarantee means you can buy with confidence, knowing you're getting quality that won't turn your skin green or fall apart.

Getting It Right

If you're unsure, start with 18 inches. It's the most versatile length and works for most people. Once you figure out how that feels and looks on you, you can experiment with other lengths.

Still confused? Our team can help you figure out the best length for your specific pieces. Email us at help@sestrajewelry.com or call (914) 352-1671. We offer free shipping on orders over $200, so you're not paying extra to get the perfect fit.

Remember, the best necklace length for women is the one that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Whether that's a protective evil eye sitting close to your heart or a flowing tennis necklace that catches light with every movement, trust your instincts about what feels right for you.