For a christening cross, a zodiac pendant or a plain gold chain, the length decides how a necklace looks and how comfortable it feels. Below you will find a size chart, simple measuring tips and an overview of the most common chain types.
What necklace length should I choose? The size chart
The positions below are for an adult with an average neck size. On a fuller neck or broad shoulders the same chain sits a little higher; on a slender neck it falls a little lower.
| Length | Where it sits | Typical for |
|---|---|---|
| 36–38 cm | close to the neck, choker style | women, slim necks |
| 40–42 cm | at the base of the neck, on or just above the collarbone | women, small pendants |
| 45 cm | just below the collarbone | the classic women's length, with or without a pendant |
| 50 cm | a few centimetres below the collarbone | women with a pendant, finer men's chains |
| 55 cm | on the upper chest | men, crosses, women over a high neckline |
| 60 cm | on the chest | men, larger crosses and pendants |
| 70 cm and longer | long, to the breastbone or lower | worn over clothing or doubled up |
Men usually wear 50 to 60 cm, women most often 42 to 50 cm. These are guidelines rather than rules – what matters is where you like the chain to sit.
Necklace lengths for children
For primary-school children, around 35 to 40 cm is common; teenagers often already wear 40 to 45 cm depending on their build. As children grow quickly, a little extra length is sensible. Please note: necklaces are not suitable for babies and toddlers because of the risk of choking and strangulation. A christening cross is therefore worn only briefly during the ceremony under supervision and then kept safe until the child is old enough to wear it. Bracelets, too, should only be worn by small children under supervision, as small parts can be swallowed.
How do I measure necklace length?
- With a piece of string or a tape measure: place a string or soft tape around your neck exactly where you want the chain to lie. Mark where the ends meet, then lay the string flat and measure it.
- Allow some ease: your bare neck measurement is too tight. Add at least 5 cm for a close-fitting chain and more for one that hangs loosely.
- Measure a chain you already own: the easiest method is to measure a necklace whose length you like. Open it, lay it straight on a table and measure from end to end, including the clasp.
Pendants, crosses and chain width: what goes together?
A pendant adds visual length: it hangs lower than the chain by its own height plus the bail. A 3 cm cross on a 50 cm chain therefore ends noticeably further down than the chain alone.
- Weight: the heavier the pendant or cross, the sturdier the chain should be. A very fine chain can suffer under a solid pendant.
- Bail: the chain, including its clasp, has to fit through the pendant's bail. Check the bail size before choosing a wide chain.
- Proportion: a delicate pendant looks best on a fine chain, while a large cross needs a stronger chain to balance it.
What types of chain are there?
Chain names differ from language to language, so we list the German and Russian terms you may come across when searching.
Anchor or cable chain (Ankerkette, якорная)
Oval or round links, each turned 90 degrees to the next. Classic, robust and versatile, and well suited to pendants. Very fine versions can tangle.
Curb chain (Panzerkette, панцирная)
Twisted, flattened links that lie flat against the skin. Hard-wearing and popular with men, with a slightly bolder look. Fine curb chains work well with light pendants.
Figaro chain (Figarokette, фигаро)
A curb chain with a repeating pattern of short and longer links. Decorative and lively, and eye-catching even without a pendant.
Bismarck chain (Bismarckkette, бисмарк)
Several rows of interlinked links form a dense, substantial band. Very strong and good for heavy crosses, but more expensive because it uses more gold.
Venetian box chain (Venezianerkette, венецианская)
Small square links with a clean, smooth look. Elegant and modern; thin versions can kink and are hard to repair.
Snake chain (Schlangenkette, снейк/змейка)
Closely fitted plates form a smooth, flexible tube with a lovely lustre. Refined, but it should not be bent sharply and suits lighter pendants best.
Singapore chain (Singapurkette, сингапур)
Twisted links that sparkle with every movement. Fine, very supple and pretty on its own, though it tangles more easily.
Wheat or spiga chain (Zopfkette, колосок)
Four strands braided into a three-dimensional plait. Holds its shape, robust and nicely textured, and a good choice for crosses.
Bracelet and anklet lengths
Bracelets are usually 17 to 21 cm long. Measure your wrist just above the wrist bone and add 1 to 2 cm – less for a snug fit, more for a relaxed one. Wide bracelets need a little more ease.
Anklets are commonly around 23 to 27 cm. Measure your ankle where the anklet should sit and again add 1 to 2 cm. As with all sizes, measurements can vary slightly between makers.
Chains at IONN
Many of our chains are available in several lengths – simply choose the length you want as a variant on the product page.