Get to Know Your Necklace Lengths
Published On: 11-14-2011 08:22pm
Comments: 0 - Hits: 323
Category: Shop Talk
Did you know that there’s a special name for necklaces of different lengths? Each one has it’s own purpose and allure, and they can apply to all types of jewelry, from strands of pearls to intricate beadwork.
Earth and Sky Cascade Fringe Necklace
Dog Collars or Chokers
These Victorian style necklaces fit snugly around the throat, and have a classic, elegant look. They can be made from many different materials, and soft fabrics and ribbons are common for this type of collar. Because they need to be a precise fit, most chokers will have an adjustable chain clasp. They can be plain, or feature a focal such as a cameo or pendant.
Sweet Black Satin Ribbon Choker by
Dog collar necklaces are best suited for cool or mild weather. In the heat, even the softest ribbon can become uncomfortable, and tight fitting clothes or jewelry can make it seem even hotter. You don’t need to have a long neck to sport one of these necklaces, but they can make your face and shoulders appear wider, depending on the style, and what you’re wearing it with. Try them with high or low-cut necklines to see what works best for you.
Classic Choker
There is a little confusion about this necklace length, which can also be called a collar. The classic choker is about 13 to 16 inches (33 to 41 cm) and rests just above the collar bone, close to the base of the neck.
Like dog collars, even lightweight necklaces can feel restrictive in warm weather, so these are best for fall, winter and early spring. You don’t want your jewelry to have to compete with your clothing for space, so wear a choker with tops and dresses that leave a little breathing room.
Egyptian Inspired Broad Collar Necklace
Chokers can be made from just about any material, and can be light or even chunky, with lots of strands or big beads. A choker length collar, or broad collar, is typically a circular design, shaped like a ring with an opening at the back and a clasp. These pieces look best with strapless tops, or layered over a simple top in a neutral color.
Princess Length
These necklaces are short but versatile. Depending on the material, they can go with just about anything, almost any time of the year. This is a common length for chain-and-pendant designs. At about 18 inches (45 cm), princess necklaces rest just above or below the collar bone. Lightweight materials and designs are best for everyday wear.
Purple Daisy Necklace
Wood Flowers Woven Bib Necklace
The Bib
These trendy statement necklaces feature a large, wide focal section, which can cover most of the chest, depending on the style. They are typically made from beads, fabric, or a combination of the two. The exact length of a bib necklace can vary, but they should rest somewhere between collar and cleavage.
Sky Blue Crochet Bib Necklace by
The Matinee
Another common and go-anywhere necklace length, matinee ranges from 20 to 25 inches (50 to 64 cm), and drapes over the chest. You can wear these necklaces with nearly anything, as long as the materials, colors and patterns complement each other. Tuck one under a turtleneck collar, or drape three or four over your favorite blouse. Delicate matinee length necklaces are excellent for layering.
Jungle Fringe Spiral Necklace
Opera Length
Daring but elegant, opera length necklaces are always eye-catching. At 26 to 32 inches (66 to 81 cm), these baubles can have an instant slimming effect, by drawing the eye up and down, adding length to one’s figure. Like the matinee, they can be layered with other pieces. Try pairing up a few different lengths in similar styles for a fun graduated effect.
Black Swan Fringe Pendant
Rope Necklaces
Beyond the opera length, we have the ropes. These long and slinky necklaces are incredibly versatile, because you can wrap, drape and knot them to create the perfect length for your shape or style. Ropes will have either a clasp, or a single enclosed chain.
SOS Chain Necklace
Don’t let the name fool you! Rope length necklaces can be made of many different materials, though lightweight objects like pearls, wood or glass beads, and fibers (like ribbon or cotton) are best.
Lariats
Usually an extra long necklace style, a lariat is any necklace that does not require a clasp. They are typically 45 inches (114 cm) long or more, and worn like a scarf, draped around the neck. They can also be knotted, tucked or wrapped, depending on the material.
Space Odyssey Lariat Necklace
The word lariat means “lasso” and a lariat can also be a short necklace, where the closure is part of the overall design. For instance, there may be a loop of beads at one end, and a tassel at the other, which passes through the loop to hold the necklace in place.
Amethyst Pearls Lariat Necklace by
Which length do you like best?
-Mortira
Copyright 2011 The Sage's Cupboard and Friends ---- Follow This Blog
Find me on: Facebook and Twitter
Like Handmade? Join ArtFire to get your own store and built-in blog!
Earth and Sky Cascade Fringe Necklace
Dog Collars or Chokers
These Victorian style necklaces fit snugly around the throat, and have a classic, elegant look. They can be made from many different materials, and soft fabrics and ribbons are common for this type of collar. Because they need to be a precise fit, most chokers will have an adjustable chain clasp. They can be plain, or feature a focal such as a cameo or pendant.
Sweet Black Satin Ribbon Choker by
Dog collar necklaces are best suited for cool or mild weather. In the heat, even the softest ribbon can become uncomfortable, and tight fitting clothes or jewelry can make it seem even hotter. You don’t need to have a long neck to sport one of these necklaces, but they can make your face and shoulders appear wider, depending on the style, and what you’re wearing it with. Try them with high or low-cut necklines to see what works best for you.
Classic Choker
There is a little confusion about this necklace length, which can also be called a collar. The classic choker is about 13 to 16 inches (33 to 41 cm) and rests just above the collar bone, close to the base of the neck.
Like dog collars, even lightweight necklaces can feel restrictive in warm weather, so these are best for fall, winter and early spring. You don’t want your jewelry to have to compete with your clothing for space, so wear a choker with tops and dresses that leave a little breathing room.
Egyptian Inspired Broad Collar Necklace
Chokers can be made from just about any material, and can be light or even chunky, with lots of strands or big beads. A choker length collar, or broad collar, is typically a circular design, shaped like a ring with an opening at the back and a clasp. These pieces look best with strapless tops, or layered over a simple top in a neutral color.
Princess Length
These necklaces are short but versatile. Depending on the material, they can go with just about anything, almost any time of the year. This is a common length for chain-and-pendant designs. At about 18 inches (45 cm), princess necklaces rest just above or below the collar bone. Lightweight materials and designs are best for everyday wear.
Purple Daisy Necklace
Wood Flowers Woven Bib Necklace
The Bib
These trendy statement necklaces feature a large, wide focal section, which can cover most of the chest, depending on the style. They are typically made from beads, fabric, or a combination of the two. The exact length of a bib necklace can vary, but they should rest somewhere between collar and cleavage.
Sky Blue Crochet Bib Necklace by
The Matinee
Another common and go-anywhere necklace length, matinee ranges from 20 to 25 inches (50 to 64 cm), and drapes over the chest. You can wear these necklaces with nearly anything, as long as the materials, colors and patterns complement each other. Tuck one under a turtleneck collar, or drape three or four over your favorite blouse. Delicate matinee length necklaces are excellent for layering.
Jungle Fringe Spiral Necklace
Opera Length
Daring but elegant, opera length necklaces are always eye-catching. At 26 to 32 inches (66 to 81 cm), these baubles can have an instant slimming effect, by drawing the eye up and down, adding length to one’s figure. Like the matinee, they can be layered with other pieces. Try pairing up a few different lengths in similar styles for a fun graduated effect.
Black Swan Fringe Pendant
Rope Necklaces
Beyond the opera length, we have the ropes. These long and slinky necklaces are incredibly versatile, because you can wrap, drape and knot them to create the perfect length for your shape or style. Ropes will have either a clasp, or a single enclosed chain.
SOS Chain Necklace
Don’t let the name fool you! Rope length necklaces can be made of many different materials, though lightweight objects like pearls, wood or glass beads, and fibers (like ribbon or cotton) are best.
Lariats
Usually an extra long necklace style, a lariat is any necklace that does not require a clasp. They are typically 45 inches (114 cm) long or more, and worn like a scarf, draped around the neck. They can also be knotted, tucked or wrapped, depending on the material.
Space Odyssey Lariat Necklace
The word lariat means “lasso” and a lariat can also be a short necklace, where the closure is part of the overall design. For instance, there may be a loop of beads at one end, and a tassel at the other, which passes through the loop to hold the necklace in place.
Amethyst Pearls Lariat Necklace by
Which length do you like best?
-Mortira
Copyright 2011 The Sage's Cupboard and Friends ---- Follow This Blog
Find me on: Facebook and Twitter
Like Handmade? Join ArtFire to get your own store and built-in blog!
