How to find your perfect necklace length

[4ever]

I've been mentally working on (also see; 'obsessing over') a project for a while now while I save up enough moola to pull the trigger, and since I'm pretty broke from compulsively spending all my 'fun' money on beautiful (and expensive) things for our new home, I have had A LOT of time to over think things

A substantial proportion of the purchase will involve buying a nice heavy gold pendant chain and I really want to get the length right so I can wear it with other pendants in future. I had an idea of what could be right but needed some confirmation that it wasn't going to end up in the bottom of my jewellery box with the other necklaces that don't look quite right.

I found these instruction for finding the perfect chain length(s) and, low and behold, I recon they're pretty spot on!
What do you think? Does this work for you?


http://www.more.com/fashion/clothes-trends/how-do-i-know-if-im-choosing-right-necklace-length
"All you need to get started is a tape measure and a mirror, and you are ready to master these few steps:

1) Stand in front of a mirror with your tape measure.

2) Place the end of the tape measure and position it at the top of your forehead along your hairline.

3) Let the tape measure fall to the base of your chin and note the number.

4) Now, place the top of the tape measurement at the base of your chin and let it fall. Note the place in your chest area that corresponds to the first measurement number (from top of head to base of chin). This is your primary placement point.

5) Keep the tape measure where it is and find the number that corresponds to one-half of your first number. This is your secondary placement point.

That’s it. These two numbers represent the area where your necklaces should fall. This applies to single, double-strand, or layered necklaces. Remember these two numbers and empower yourself with the correct necklace length selection(s) every time you shop. You’ll always look sensational and you can enjoy the ‘mistake money’ that you will save."

 

[perry]

I am not sure how that helps you actually find "how long" the necklace needs to be (14", 16", 18", 20" etc.); which is what I interpret "Necklace Length" to mean.

Might it identify the high to low points of the range on where necklace will droop to? Perhaps, but even then..... Some people have tall heads, other short heads. Some people have tall torso's other short torso's. Some people have long necks, other short necks. Now if you have a matched tall head, neck, and torso, or short head, neck, and torso - that sounds like it will appropriately locate the "droop points" (unless you have very large breasts - then it might be off). But, it sounds very problematic where a person with a mismatched head, neck, and torso.

For length of the chain itself - neck size matters - a lot too in this equation.

Since Princess and I have actually been also looking at heavy gold chains (18K or better) as one of the items on our "want list" (with hopes we have the $ this year); we have been looking at appropriate length as well. Somehow nothing beats a really cheap longer chain; that you can then play with (using tape behind the neck) to figure out appropriate chain lengths for the droop point locations.

Life is worth living if you do it right,

Perry

 

[4ever]

Might it identify the high to low points of the range on where necklace will droop to? Perhaps, but even then..... Some people have tall heads, other short heads. Some people have tall torso's other short torso's. Some people have long necks, other short necks. Now if you have a matched tall head, neck, and torso, or short head, neck, and torso - that sounds like it will appropriately locate the "droop points" (unless you have very large breasts - then it might be off). But, it sounds very problematic where a person with a mismatched head, neck, and torso.

For length of the chain itself - neck size matters - a lot too in this equation.

Yes it is designed to identify the points on your body the chain should fall to, from there I guess you get a chain or string etc and work out what length chain you would need to hit this point.
I wondered about the above, does this actually work considering it can't take into account body type etc? This is only taking your face length (and neck length?) into account, is that all that matters when deciding if a necklace length is correct? I guess you would have to have a really tiny head and a long neck to wear a choker. I'd like others to give it a go and let me know.

If you wear a pendant, should the chain itself hit the specified points, or the pendant?

 

[movie zombie]

ok, being picky but: measure from the widows peak or the hairline a bit behind it?

 

[Sky56]

What's worked for me is trying on different chains at a pawn shop. Certain types of widths, links, and lengths look more flattering on me than others. Time also changes things. I would never wear the chokers and 16 inch chains I wore as a teenager. I wear 20 inch and sometimes 18 to 19 inch chains now. It's because my face is rounder and neck thicker now than it was as a teenager.

Another important thing to consider is pendant shape. I've noticed that some pendants have size and shape which really "zing" and enhance my appearance while others do nothing or even seem to be a detriment. It's fun to experiment by trying things on in a store..and occasionally buying a necklace or pendant that you know right away works well for you.

 

[4ever]

ok, being picky but: measure from the widows peak or the hairline a bit behind it?

Behind it? I think the jist is if you have a longer face you should, according to this theory, need a longer chain. I don't think a widows peak makes you face visually shorter.

Sky- Re: pendant shape, I've read that you should chose something opposite to your face shape, eg; people with round faces should choose long pendants. Do you think this is true of the pendants you think have worked for you?

 

[missy]

I have several different lengths I prefer depending on the neckline of what I am wearing that day. Best way as Sky wrote is to try on different lengths and see what looks best on you. Forget the "rules" and go with what your aesthetic preferences are. There are too many variables to give a hard and fast rule IMO.

For me-14 and a 1/2" to 15" is best for a choker length which is my preferred necklace length in general but for longer I prefer 34" to 38" (on me) and I usually eschew the in between sizes (i.e. 18" to 24") as they don't do anything for me.

 

[pregcurious]

I love this.

 

[Sky56]

Teardrop and rectangular pendants look best on me, also a round diamond solitaire looks nice.