Necklaces are the most essential and integral part of a woman’s collection of jewelry. No other piece of jewelry gets as much highlighted on her body as does as the necklace. Even the most beautiful dress needs to be accentuated with some or the other necklace. Necklaces on one hand may add to the beauty of the dress and the necklines, but a wrong choice of necklace could be equally hazardous. It is therefore pertinent to understand the types, sizes and varieties of necklaces which are available and how they would best go with a particular neckline or an outfit.

Some standard necklace sizes have been defined for both men and women. In case of larger neck sizes one may select the next size up.

Women's Standard Necklace Sizes
    16" necklace is of Choker length.
    17-18" necklace will reach the collarbone.
    20” necklace would reach a few inches below collarbone.
    22" necklace would be at or above the neckline.
    24" necklace will reach a little below the neckline.
    30" will reach below the chest.

Men's Standard Chain Sizes
    18" chain will reach the base of the neck -for smaller neck sizes.
    20" chain will reach up to the collarbone -The most common length for the average size man.
    22" chain will reach a few inches below the collarbone.
    24" chain will reach just above the sternum.

Various names have been given to the necklaces of varying length. These terminologies are used worldwide. Proper understanding of these necklaces and how they would go with a particular neckline or which neckline would suit a particular necklace has been discussed here.

Collar (12-13 inches)
Collar necklaces lie snugly around the middle of the neck. They are absolutely essential when wearing V-necks, boat necks, and off–the–shoulder outfits.

Choker (14-16 inches)
A choker is both classic and versatile, a 14-16 inch choker falls perfectly around the base of the neck. A simple choker necklace matches any outfit and just about any neckline.

Princess (17-19 inches)
As the most popular necklace length, the princess necklace is best suited for crew and high necklines, falling just below the throat. Typically it is 17-19 inches long, so you can wear the princess length as a contrast to low, plunging necklines. You can add a pendant for a bold, eye-catching look.

Matinee (20-24 inches)
Longer than the princess necklace, and slightly shorter than an opera length, a 20-24 inch matinee necklace makes the right choice for a casual or business dress.

Opera (28-34 inches)
Ranging from 28-34 inches, the opera necklace is the longest of all lengths. It can be worn either as a single or double strand. Perfect for high or crew necklines, its versatility allows the opera necklace to transform from day to evening wear with elegant ease.

Rope (over 45 inches)
Measuring at least 45 inches in length, the versatile rope necklace is a must–have accessory. Extremely elegant and classic, this necklace dresses up any outfit night or day. Very often there are, hidden clasps placed in strategic locations allow this necklace to be transformed into multi-strand necklace and bracelet combinations. This makes it even more useful and versatile.