Last Updated: April 2026
TL;DR:
- Necklace type is determined primarily by length: chokers sit at 12-16 inches, princess at 17-19 inches, matinee at 22-23 inches, opera at 30-36 inches, and rope/sautoir at 36 inches and beyond.
- The most versatile everyday length is 18 inches (princess length) — it sits just below the collarbone and pairs with virtually every neckline.
- Statement necklaces (bib, collar, riviere) work best paired with simple, low-neckline outfits. Delicate styles (lavaliere, locket, pendant) layer well and can be worn together.
After two decades sourcing necklaces for manufacturers and retailers, I can tell you that most buyers know what they want when they see it — but can never name it. That matters when you are shopping, requesting a custom piece, or trying to describe what you already own. This guide covers all 26 types of necklaces you will encounter, with the exact length ranges and one styling tip for each. Start with how to wear multiple pendants on one chain if layering is your goal.
The Main Types of Necklaces — Organized by Length
Necklace type is primarily a function of length — where a necklace sits on your body determines its category name and its styling possibilities. A 16-inch chain is a choker. The same chain at 22 inches is a matinee. Understanding length first makes every other distinction easier to navigate.
The standard length categories used by jewelers and manufacturers:
- Collar/Choker: 12-16 inches — sits at or above the collarbone
- Princess: 17-19 inches — just below the collarbone
- Matinee: 20-24 inches — sits on the chest
- Opera: 28-36 inches — sits at the breastbone or below
- Rope/Sautoir: 36 inches and longer — can be doubled or knotted
Design type — pendant, chain, beaded, strand — layers on top of the length category. A princess-length beaded necklace and a princess-length chain pendant are both princess-length necklaces but completely different styles.
1. Festoon Necklace (12-16 inches)
The festoon necklace is one of the oldest necklace constructions in jewelry history — the name comes from the Greek word for a wreath of woven leaves and flowers. The design matches: multiple draping chains interwoven with gemstones, pearls, or metal elements, creating a layered cascade effect across the chest.
Festoons were a staple of Victorian and Art Nouveau jewelry. The construction makes them formal by default — they work best with evening wear and structured necklines. Not a versatile everyday piece, but a distinctive one.
2. Lavaliere Necklace (14-19 inches)
The lavaliere emerged in the early 20th century and is named after Louise de La Valliere, a mistress of Louis XIV known for her delicate jewelry. The design is a slender chain with a small decorative pendant — often a stone drop or gemstone cluster — hanging asymmetrically from the central focal point.
What distinguishes the lavaliere from a basic pendant necklace is the decorative, often ornate connection between the chain and pendant. It sits at princess length and reads as feminine and vintage. Pairs well with open necklines and blouses.
3. Single-Strand Pendant Necklace (30-36 inches)
The most common necklace in most women’s jewelry collections. A single chain — gold, silver, or alternative metal — with one focal pendant element. The pendant can be a gemstone, charm, initial, coin, or abstract shape. At 30-36 inches, it sits at opera length, hanging to the breastbone or below.
The strength of this style is interchangeability: many pendant necklaces allow you to swap the pendant to change the look entirely. A solid chain with a good bail system is one of the most useful jewelry investments you can make. According to GIA, pendant necklaces are among the most consistent-selling fine jewelry styles year over year — partly because they personalize easily.
4. Beaded Necklace (variable length)
Beaded necklaces are among the oldest jewelry forms in human history — archaeological evidence shows beaded necklaces worn by ancient Egyptians, Romans, and indigenous cultures across every continent. The construction is simple: individual beads strung on thread, wire, or cord.
Modern beaded necklaces range from casual seed-bead styles to high-end strands of natural gemstones or South Sea pearls. Materials include glass, crystal, coral, turquoise, jade, and semi-precious stones. Graduated beaded necklaces — where beads increase in size toward the center — are the most classic format. According to Jewelers of America, natural pearl strands remain one of the most consistently valued beaded necklace forms in fine jewelry.
5. Lariat Necklace (32-34 inches)
The lariat — also called a Y-necklace or rope necklace — has no clasp. Instead, one end of the chain or cord loops through a ring or slides through itself, creating a hanging Y-shape down the front. Length typically runs 32-34 inches, placing the drop point at the sternum or below.
The lariat is one of the most versatile long necklaces because the length is adjustable by how far you pull the end through. Wear it long for a single-drop look, or tie it at a shorter length for a different silhouette. Works best with V-necks and open necklines where the Y-drop has visual space to read.
6. Charm Necklace (24 inches)
The charm necklace is the longer counterpart to the charm bracelet — a base chain at matinee length with multiple individual charms attached. The appeal is personal: each charm represents something meaningful, and the necklace builds over time as a wearable collection. Pandora normalized charm jewelry at scale, but charm necklaces predate that trend by decades.
The mix-and-match nature of charm necklaces means they can shift from casual to sentimental depending on what is on the chain. A necklace with travel charms reads differently from one with birthstones and initial discs. Vintage charm necklaces from the 1950s-70s are a strong resale and collector category.
7. Collar and Choker Necklace (12-16 inches)
The choker sits snugly at or near the base of the throat — the tightest-fitting necklace category. At 12-14 inches it fits at the throat; at 15-16 inches it rests just above the collarbone. The collar necklace is the stiff, structured variant — think the bib-style Egyptian collar shape. The choker is the flexible version: velvet ribbon, gold chain, or braided cord.
Chokers have appeared across every major fashion era from ancient Egypt to the 1990s to now. According to Vogue, chokers consistently resurface as a trend every decade because they frame the neck and collarbone more dramatically than any other necklace length. For current styling context, see whether chokers are still in style in 2026.
Styling rule: chokers demand low or open necklines. A high collar with a choker creates visual noise. A V-neck, scoop neck, or off-shoulder with a choker creates a clean, deliberate look.
8. Bib Necklace (12-19 inches)
The bib necklace is one of the boldest statement styles in the category. It features multiple layered chains or a large single element that covers the chest from collarbone to breastbone — literally covering the area a bib would. Common formats include tiered gemstone clusters, layered chain constructions, and wide beaded spreads.
The bib is a statement-first piece. It should be worn with a simple, solid-color outfit — the necklace does all the talking. High-end bib necklaces in fine gemstones are red-carpet staples; fashion versions in acrylic, resin, or base metal bring the look to casual wear. Pair it with a fitted top or dress with a wide or low neckline.
9. Shoulder Necklace (variable)
The shoulder necklace extends beyond the standard necklace frame — it drapes from the neck across the shoulders, sometimes attaching at multiple points. It is the most dramatic necklace silhouette and is designed specifically for formal occasions: galas, weddings, black-tie events.
This style is rare in everyday jewelry but specific to high-fashion and bridal contexts. When done well it replaces the need for any other jewelry piece — rings, earrings, and bracelets compete with it rather than complement it.
10. Princess Necklace (17-19 inches)
Princess length is the most universally flattering necklace length — it sits just below the collarbone, creating a focal point that works with nearly every neckline. At 17-19 inches, it is longer than a choker but shorter than a matinee, placing it in the sweet spot for everyday and formal wear alike.
The term refers to length, not design. A princess-length chain pendant, a princess-length riviere, and a princess-length beaded necklace are all princess necklaces. Most fine jewelry necklaces default to 18 inches — right in the middle of princess range — because it is the most commercially versatile length.
11. Riviere Necklace (14-16 inches)
The riviere is a single or double strand of graduated gemstones set in precious metal — stones decrease in size from center to clasp, creating the impression of a continuous stream of gems. The word is French for river. High-end versions use diamonds, sapphires, or emeralds in closely-set prong or bezel mounts; fashion versions use cubic zirconia or crystal.
The riviere is a formal necklace — its purpose is to display gemstones with minimal distraction from the setting. The links between stones are intentionally minimal so the eye travels across the stones rather than the metal. One of the most classic choices for black-tie events and formal portraits.
12. Locket Necklace (18 inches)
The locket is a hinged pendant that opens to hold a photograph, lock of hair, or small memento. It is one of the most emotionally significant jewelry forms — a wearable keepsake rather than purely decorative accessory. Lockets date to the Victorian era, when they commonly held portrait miniatures and hair from loved ones.
Modern lockets are most often princess-length and made in sterling silver or 10-14k gold. The interior typically holds one or two small photos. Lockets are among the most consistently popular gift jewelry items — significant without being imposing. For a comparison of gift-worthy jewelry metals, see whether gold chains make good gifts.
13. Negligee Necklace (19 inches)
The negligee is an evolved lavaliere from the Edwardian era (early 1900s). It features a central pendant from which two drops hang asymmetrically — one longer than the other, or different shapes. The asymmetry is the defining feature; the drops can be symmetrical in weight but are rarely identical in form.
Like the lavaliere, the negligee is delicate and feminine. It is less commonly produced today than in its Edwardian peak but remains a distinctive vintage-inspired option for dressier occasions.
14. Altered Art Necklace (18 inches)
The altered art necklace belongs to the handmade and mixed-media jewelry category. It combines disparate found or vintage elements — old locket halves, vintage charms, faux pearls, ribbon, broken brooch pieces, antique buttons — into a single composed necklace. Each piece is unique by definition.
This style peaked as a DIY and artisan jewelry trend in the 2010s and remains active in craft jewelry communities. It fits the casual wardrobe — t-shirts, jeans, vintage dresses. Not a fine jewelry category but a highly personal one.
15. Sautoir (36 inches+)
The sautoir is a long chain necklace — at least 36 inches — typically ending in a tassel, pendant, or decorative tip. The term is French and was popularized during the Art Deco era when long beaded sautoirs with tassel ends became a signature look. At full length it can reach 90cm (about 35 inches).
The sautoir is versatile despite its length: worn long it creates a dramatic drop; doubled around the neck it becomes a layered shorter look. The rope necklace is the casual equivalent — the sautoir implies a more decorative end piece and often finer materials.
Additional Types: The Complete List
Beyond the 15 main styles above, here are the remaining necklace types that complete the full taxonomy of 26, with their standard lengths:
- Torque (14-16 inches): A rigid open-ended metal necklace — no clasp, just a stiff bangle-style construction worn around the neck. Celtic and ancient in origin.
- Chain Necklace (17-19 inches): A simple metal chain without pendant — link style (cable, curb, box, rope, herringbone) is the defining feature. See snake chain vs. box chain for a comparison of the most common formats.
- Rope (36 inches): A long necklace that can be worn as a single long drop, doubled for a two-strand look, or knotted. Often twisted chain or braided cord.
- Statement Necklace (16-19 inches): Any necklace designed to be the focal point of an outfit. Usually bold, oversize, or colorful. For how to use them with specific outfits, see statement necklaces for V-neck dresses.
- Opera (30-36 inches): Named for the length appropriate to wear to the opera — long enough to drape elegantly with formal dress. Often worn doubled for a shorter look.
- Graduated (17-19 inches): A necklace where the center element (stone, bead, or link) is the largest, with elements decreasing in size toward the clasp. Creates a symmetrical, polished look.
- Twisted (14-19 inches): Two or more strands of chain, beads, or cord twisted together into a single necklace. Can be subtle (two fine chains twisted) or bold (thick braided rope).
- Matinee (20-24 inches): Named for afternoon theater wear. Sits on the chest, below the collarbone but above the breastbone. One of the most classic lengths for fine jewelry pendants.
- Plastron (17-23 inches): A wide, armor-like bib that covers the chest. More structured than a standard bib necklace — often made of rigid linked elements. Common in ancient Egyptian and medieval-inspired jewelry.
- Multi-Strand (12-16 inches): Multiple chains or strands worn together as a single piece. Can be uniform strands or mixed materials. Often gives the layered necklace look without requiring separate pieces.
- Thread Necklace (14-20 inches): An ultra-fine chain — often 0.5-1mm link width — worn close to the skin. Minimalist by design. Popular in 14k gold for stacking or solo delicate wear.
The Bottom Line
Knowing the name and length of each necklace type removes the guesswork from buying, gifting, and styling. The 18-inch princess pendant is your everyday workhorse. The choker is your close-to-neck statement piece. The lariat and sautoir give you length and drama for layering. Everything else falls into place once you understand that length determines category, and design determines personality. If you are building out your necklace collection and want to know which styles are currently performing in the market, check whether statement necklaces are still in style — the category answer applies to several types on this list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular necklace type for women?
The pendant necklace at princess length (17-19 inches) is consistently the best-selling necklace category across all price points. It suits the widest range of necklines, is easy to personalize, and works for both casual and formal wear. After pendant necklaces, chain necklaces (worn without a pendant) and chokers are the next most popular styles.
What necklace length is most flattering?
18 inches (princess length) is the most universally flattering because it sits just below the collarbone — a focal point that works with V-necks, crew necks, scoop necks, and button-downs. For shorter necks, a longer length (20-22 inches) creates an elongating effect. For taller frames, opera-length pieces balance proportion better than short styles.
What is the difference between a collar and a choker?
Length and construction. A collar is typically 12-13 inches and sits at the base of the throat — it is often rigid or structured in design, lying flat against the neck like a collar. A choker is 14-16 inches and slightly looser, sitting just above the collarbone. The collar emphasizes the neck; the choker frames the collarbone. Both are considered choker-range necklaces in general usage.
What necklace type works best for layering?
Thread necklaces, simple chain necklaces, and pendant necklaces at different lengths layer most cleanly. The standard layering formula: one choker or collar piece at 14-16 inches, one princess pendant at 18 inches, and one matinee or opera piece at 22-28 inches. Keep metals consistent or deliberately mix them. Avoid layering two pieces at the same length — they will tangle and compete visually.
What is the difference between a lariat and an opera necklace?
Both are long necklaces, but the construction differs. A lariat has no clasp — one end passes through a loop or slide, creating a Y-drop that hangs from the center. An opera necklace (28-36 inches) is a standard necklace with a clasp, worn at full length or doubled. The lariat is adjustable in its drop; the opera is a fixed length.
What is a sautoir necklace?
A sautoir is a long necklace (36 inches or more) that ends in a tassel, pendant, or decorative tip. It was most popular during the Art Deco era of the 1920s, when long pearl or beaded sautoirs with tassel ends were a signature formal accessory. At full length it can reach 90cm. It can be worn long for a dramatic drop or looped around the neck twice for a layered shorter look.
Stephanie is a jewelry lover when she was a teenager. Her major was fashion design when she was in college. She is a jewelry designer at SOQ Jewelry and other design companies. Now she is also a writer for our website. She writes a lot of designs&brands posts with very actionable tips.