Vintage Jewelry Fit Guide
Vintage Necklace & Pendant Length Guide
Necklace lengths have evolved with fashion trends, shifting from decade to decade. From the elegant collars of the 1950s to today’s versatile layered looks, each length offers its own charm, fit, and history. Here’s a guide to help you choose the perfect style.
Collar – 12" to 14" - Snug and sophisticated, the collar necklace sits high and close around the neck. Popular in the 1950s and often worn with strapless or boat-neck dresses, it adds instant elegance and pairs beautifully with vintage eveningwear.
Choker - 15" - 16" - Resting at the base of the neck, the choker became iconic in both Victorian fashion and the minimalist trends of the 1990s. It’s perfect for adding a bold focal point and complements open-neck and off-the-shoulder styles.
Princess – 17" to 19" - Falling at the collarbone, the princess length is the most popular choice today. It works with nearly every neckline, making it a timeless option for both statement pendants and delicate chains.
Matinee - 20" - 23" - Gracefully landing between the collarbone and the bust, the matinee length exudes effortless sophistication. Favored in mid-century office wear and modern-day layering, it transitions seamlessly from day to evening.
Opera – 24" to 29" - Traditionally worn with formal attire, opera-length necklaces drape at or just below the bust. They can be worn as a single dramatic strand or doubled for a shorter layered look—an old Hollywood favorite.
Rope or Lariat – 30"+ - Dramatic and versatile, rope-length pieces often reach the waist and can be wrapped, knotted, or draped for multiple styling options. A go-to in the glamorous 1920s, it remains a statement-maker in modern styling.
Styling Tip: When layering necklaces, mix lengths and textures for dimension, pair a short collar with a matinee strand or add a rope necklace for a vintage-inspired layered look.
Finding Your Perfect Necklace Fit
Your neck size, height, and proportions all influence where a necklace will rest. If you own a necklace that fits you perfectly, use it as a reference when shopping for new pieces. Once you know your ideal length, also consider the size of the pendant and the drop measurement, as both can affect the overall look.
If the Fit Isn’t Quite Right
Found a necklace you love but it’s a bit too short? Try adding a necklace extender for a comfortable fit. For longer necklaces, consider doubling them to create a shorter, layered style giving you two distinct looks from one piece.
Bracelets
Keep in mind a bracelet's material will impact the fit of the bracelet. A thick chunky bead bracelet may measure as 7" yet really would only fit a 6 3/4" wrist. When purchasing bracelets know how you want to wear it so you purchase the appropriate size. At V&V we outline the "best fit" size which takes in consideration the material vs. the actual length so you can make better purchasing decisions.
Average Wrist Measurement
6″ to 6-3/8″ = Small
6-1/2″ to 6-7/8″ = Average
7″ to 7-1/4″= Large