The Necklace Length Guide: How to Find Your Perfect Length

Finding the perfect necklace isn’t just about choosing a style you love. The length can completely change how a necklace sits, how it works with your neckline and how easily it layers with the pieces you already own.

Whether you're choosing an everyday chain, a personalised pendant or building the perfect necklace stack, our necklace length guide is here to help you find the right fit.

At LILY & ROO, our necklaces are designed in a selection of versatile lengths that can be worn alone or layered together.

16 Inches

Our shorter necklace length, 16 inches sits closer to the base of the neck and collarbone.

It's perfect for creating a delicate, minimal look or as the starting point for a layered necklace stack. Shorter necklaces also work beautifully with open, strapless and square necklines where you want your jewellery to sit higher on the chest.

18 Inches

One of the most versatile necklace lengths, 18 inches typically sits around or just below the collarbone.

It's an easy everyday length and works particularly well for pendants, pearls, initials and other personalised pieces. If you're looking for a necklace you can style with everything from a simple T-shirt to a dress, 18 inches is a great place to start.

20 Inches

A 20-inch necklace sits slightly lower on the chest, making it ideal if you prefer a little more length or want to create space between necklaces when layering.

Try pairing a 20-inch necklace with a shorter 16 or 18-inch style to create a simple layered look where every piece has room to stand out.

Our necklace size guide is a helpful starting point, but every necklace will sit slightly differently depending on your height, neck and the design of the piece.

One of the easiest ways to find your ideal length is to take a necklace you already love and measure it from end to end.

Alternatively, use a soft measuring tape or piece of string to measure 16, 18 and 20 inches around your neck. This will give you a better idea of where each length is likely to sit before choosing your jewellery.

The neckline you're wearing can also help you decide which necklace length to choose.

A shorter necklace can look beautiful with strapless, square and sweetheart necklines, drawing attention to the collarbone.

For everyday crew-neck tops, shirts and knitwear, an 18 or 20-inch necklace can give your jewellery a little more space.

With a V-neck, try choosing a necklace or pendant that follows the shape of your neckline without sitting directly against its edge.

The secret to layering necklaces is creating enough space between each piece.

Try combining different necklace lengths, such as a shorter 16-inch necklace with an 18-inch pendant and a longer 20-inch style.

You can also mix different details to make your stack feel more personal. Pair delicate chains with pearls, initials, birthstones or engraved pendants for a layered look that's completely your own.

There's no single perfect necklace length. It all comes down to how you like your jewellery to sit and how you plan to style it.

Use our necklace length guide to compare your options, think about the pieces already in your jewellery collection and choose a length that works for you.

Whether worn alone or layered together, the right necklace should feel effortless, comfortable and completely your own.