An 18 inch necklace sits at the collarbone and is the most common length for a pendant. A 16 inch chain sits just above the collarbone, at the base of the neck. A 20 inch chain sits just below it. Dorvelle pendants and necklaces are sterling silver set with lab-grown diamonds, made on 47th Street.
The standard lengths
A 16 inch necklace sits just above the collarbone, 18 inches sits at the collarbone, 20 inches sits just below it, and 22 to 24 inches sit on the chest.
- 16 inches. Just above the collarbone. Often called a choker length, though a true choker is shorter. Suits a longer neck and a high or open neckline.
- 18 inches. At the collarbone. The default for a pendant, and the length that works with nearly every neckline.
- 20 inches. Just below the collarbone. Suits a crew neck or a shirt, where the pendant should sit below the fabric line.
- 22 to 24 inches. On the chest. For layering under an 18, or for a pendant that is meant to sit low.
Where a length actually sits depends on the neck it is on. The same 18 inch chain rests higher on a tall person with a long neck and lower on a smaller frame. Measure a necklace you already own and like, and buy to that number.
| Length | Where it sits | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| 16 inches | Just above the collarbone | A longer neck, a high or open neckline |
| 18 inches | At the collarbone | Nearly every neckline; the pendant default |
| 20 inches | Just below the collarbone | A crew neck or a shirt |
| 22 to 24 inches | On the chest | Layering under an 18, or a low pendant |
Choosing for a pendant
A pendant hangs below the chain, so on an 18 inch chain a solitaire pendant rests a finger’s width below the collarbone, in the open space above a crew neck or inside a V. That is why 18 is the default.
For a pendant worn over clothing, go longer. For a pendant that should sit in the hollow of the throat, 16.
Choosing for a tennis necklace
A tennis necklace is a continuous line of stones with no pendant, so the length is the whole story: at 16 inches it sits as a collar, at 18 it lies along the collarbone, which is the classic look.
Pendants in the collection
The round solitaire pendant, 1 ct is the simplest piece we make: one round lab-grown diamond on a fine chain. The round solitaire pendant, 3 ct is the same idea at three times the weight. The oval solitaire pendant, 2 ct and the emerald cut solitaire pendant, 2 ct use elongated stones that sit flat against the skin. The cushion pendant, 2 ct is softer in outline. The round cross pendant, 1.5 ct sets the stones in a cross.
Necklaces in the collection
The round tennis necklace, 5 ct is the entry to the line: a full circle of round stones. The round tennis necklace, 7 ct and 10 ct carry more weight per stone. The round riviera necklace, 10 ct graduates the stones, larger at the front. The station necklace, 15 ct spaces the stones along the chain. The oval lariat necklace, 12 ct drops a tail below the clasp.
Each page lists the length. If you want a different one, ask a specialist before ordering; the bench can often make it.
Layering
Two chains layer well when they sit about two inches apart, so a 16 inch chain with an 18 inch pendant, or an 18 with a 20, reads as a deliberate pair, while two 18 inch chains tangle. If you layer a tennis necklace, keep it the shortest of the set so the line of stones sits highest and the pendant hangs clear below it.
Care
Chain care is short: on last after lotion and perfume, off for the pool, its own pouch, and a glance at the clasp now and then, with the rhodium or vermeil finish refreshed by mail whenever you like, the first time free. The care guide has the routine.
