Have you ever been in a jewelry store, trying on necklaces, only to find that they’re either too tight or too loose? Or maybe you’ve purchased a necklace online, and when it arrived, it just didn’t look quite right? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there! Measuring necklaces can be a bit of a puzzle, but fear not, my friend, because I’m about to let you in on all the secrets.
Knowing how to measure necklaces properly is the key to finding that perfect fit – the one that flatters your neckline, complements your outfit, and just makes you feel like a million bucks. Trust me, once you’ve got this down, you’ll never have to deal with the disappointment of an ill-fitting necklace again.
Section 1: Understanding Necklace Lengths
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of measuring, let’s talk about the different necklace lengths and what they’re typically called. You see, necklaces come in a range of lengths, each with its own fancy name and unique vibe.
Here’s a handy chart to give you a quick overview:
| Necklace Length | Typical Length (inches) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Choker | 14-16 | Sits snugly against the base of the neck |
| Princess | 17-19 | Falls just above the collarbone |
| Matinee | 20-24 | Hits around the collarbone area |
| Opera | 28-34 | Hangs below the collarbone, often with a pendant |
| Rope | 36-40 | Long and elegant, often worn looped or doubled |
| Lariat | 60+ | Extra-long, designed to be wrapped or knotted |
Now, here’s a little story to illustrate the importance of necklace lengths. A few years ago, I was browsing a vintage jewelry sale and came across this stunning art deco choker. I just had to have it! But when I tried it on, it felt a bit too tight and restrictive. See, I have a slightly larger neck circumference, so chokers tend to be a bit uncomfortable for me.
If I had known about the different necklace lengths back then, I would’ve realized that a princess or matinee length would’ve been a better fit for my neck. Live and learn, right?
Section 2: The Simple Way to Measure a Necklace
Alright, now that we’ve got the basics down, let’s talk about how to actually measure a necklace. And I’ve got good news for you – it’s super simple! You don’t need any fancy tools or gadgets, just a flexible measuring tape or a piece of string or floss (I’ve used dental floss in a pinch, and it works like a charm!).
Here’s how you do it:
Step 1: Grab your measuring tape or string
If you’re using a measuring tape, make sure it’s the flexible kind that can wrap around your neck easily. If you’re using string or floss, grab a piece that’s a little longer than you think you’ll need – it’s better to have too much than too little.
Step 2: Wrap it around your neck
Take your measuring tape or string and wrap it around your neck, making sure to leave a bit of room for comfort. You don’t want it to be too tight or too loose – just snug enough to feel comfortable.
Step 3: Mark the overlap point
Once you’ve got the tape or string wrapped around your neck, use your finger to mark the point where the two ends overlap.
Step 4: Lay it flat and measure
Now, take your measuring tape or string and lay it out flat on a surface. Measure the length from one end to the mark you made with your finger. That’s your necklace measurement!
See, told you it was easy! Just be sure to measure in inches or centimeters – no funny business with those old-school measuring systems like cubits or fathoms.
One time, I was trying to measure a necklace for my mom, and I got a little confused with the whole inches vs. centimeters thing. I ended up ordering her a necklace that was way too long – like, it practically hit her navel! Needless to say, we had a good laugh about that one.
Section 3: Advanced Measuring Techniques
Now, for those of you who want to take your necklace measuring game to the next level, there are a few advanced techniques you can try.
Using a Necklace Measuring Tool
If you’re a real jewelry enthusiast, you might want to invest in a necklace measuring tool. These handy little gadgets are designed specifically for measuring necklaces, and they often have various guides and markings to help you get the perfect fit.
One of my favorite tools is the Neck-A-Lizer – it’s basically a flexible ruler with different necklace length markings and a sliding gauge to help you find your ideal measurement. Talk about taking the guesswork out of it!
Measuring Based on Neck Circumference and Desired Drop Length
Another advanced technique is to measure your neck circumference and then add or subtract inches based on your desired drop length. For example, if your neck circumference is 14 inches and you want a matinee length necklace that sits right at your collarbone, you’d add about 6 inches to get a 20-inch necklace length.
Here’s a handy table to help you visualize this method:
| Necklace Length | Desired Drop Length | Inches to Add/Subtract |
|---|---|---|
| Choker | Sits snugly against neck | Add 0-2 inches |
| Princess | Falls just above collarbone | Add 3-5 inches |
| Matinee | Hits at collarbone | Add 6-10 inches |
| Opera | Hangs below collarbone | Add 14-20 inches |
| Rope | Long and elegant | Add 22-26 inches |
| Lariat | Extra-long, wrapped or knotted | Add 44+ inches |
I remember when I first learned about this method, it was a total game-changer! I have a pretty short neck, so I always struggled with finding necklaces that didn’t look too long or too short on me. But once I started measuring my neck circumference and adjusting the lengths based on my desired drop, it was like the necklace world opened up to me.
Measuring for Specific Necklace Styles
Different necklace styles can require slightly different measuring techniques. For example, when measuring for a choker, you’ll want to wrap the tape or string extra snugly around your neck to get that nice, tight fit.
And for lariats or other extra-long necklaces that are meant to be wrapped or knotted, you might want to measure yourself while holding the necklace in your desired style to get a more accurate length.
One time, I was trying to measure for a lariat necklace, and I just did the standard wrap-around-the-neck method. When the necklace arrived, it was way too short to achieve that beautiful, draped look I was going for. Lesson learned – always measure for the specific style!
Section 4: Tips and Tricks
Alright, we’ve covered a lot of ground so far, but I’ve got a few more tips and tricks up my sleeve to help you become a necklace measuring pro.
Accounting for Necklace Clasps and Pendants
When measuring for a necklace with a clasp or pendant, you’ll want to account for the extra length that these additions will add. A general rule of thumb is to add about 1-2 inches to your desired length to accommodate the clasp or pendant.
For example, if you want a 20-inch matinee necklace with a pendant, you might want to measure for a 22-inch necklace to ensure that the pendant hangs at the right spot.
Measuring for Layered Necklace Looks
Layering necklaces is all the rage these days, and it’s a great way to add some depth and interest to your jewelry game. But measuring for layered looks can be a bit trickier.
My advice? Measure for the longest necklace you want to wear first, and then adjust the shorter necklace lengths accordingly. You’ll want to leave enough room between each layer for them to lay nicely and not get all tangled up.
For example, if your longest necklace is a 24-inch matinee, you might want your next shortest necklace to be around 20 inches, and then maybe an 18-inch princess length for the top layer.
Considering Your Body Type and Neckline
Finally, it’s important to consider your body type and the neckline of your outfit when choosing a necklace length. Different lengths can flatter different body types and necklines in different ways.
For example, if you have a longer neck or a higher neckline, you might want to go for a shorter necklace length like a choker or princess to avoid looking too stretched out. On the other hand, if you have a shorter neck or a lower neckline, a longer length like an opera or rope could be more flattering.
And don’t forget about proportions! If you’re on the petite side, you might want to stick to shorter or daintier necklaces that don’t overwhelm your frame. But if you’re taller or have a larger build, you can totally rock those big, bold statement necklaces.
I’ll never forget the time I wore this gorgeous, chunky opera-length necklace with a plunging neckline dress. I felt like a total bombshell! But when my petite friend tried the same necklace on, it just looked a bit overpowering on her smaller frame. It just goes to show that finding the right necklace length for your body type can make all the difference.
Popular Jewelry Pie Chart
Conclusion
Well, there you have it, folks – the ultimate guide to measuring necklaces! We’ve covered everything from understanding necklace lengths to advanced measuring techniques and plenty of tips and tricks along the way.
Now, I want to hear from you! Have you ever had a necklace measuring mishap? Or maybe you’ve got a killer trick up your sleeve for finding the perfect fit? Share your stories and tips in the comments below!
And don’t be afraid to experiment with different necklace lengths and styles. You might just surprise yourself with how a new length can totally transform your look. Who knows, you might even discover a new favorite necklace length that you never would have considered before.
At the end of the day, jewelry should be fun and make you feel confident and fabulous. So go forth, measure those necklaces, and rock them with pride, my friends!