Stone Necklaces: Lengths, Clasps and How to Choose

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Necklaces of very different lengths

A stone necklace can be worn at several heights, and the length changes everything: the look, the neckline it suits, and the way the stone rests on the skin or the garment. The terms below are jewellery-trade conventions, with small variations from one maker to another; when in doubt, rely on the length given in centimetres.

Name	Approximate length	Where it falls
Choker	35 to 40 cm	Against the base of the neck
Princess	45 to 50 cm	On the collarbone
Matinée	55 to 60 cm	On the upper chest
Opera	70 to 80 cm	Below the bust
Sautoir (rope)	90 cm and more	At the waist, or wrapped in several turns

This page is part of the stone and metal jewellery guide.

How to choose your length

Measure with a cord or a tape: place it around the neck at the height you want, then measure its length laid flat. Necklaces with a clasp often have an extension chain of 3 to 5 cm, which lets you vary the length. A shorter chain suits an open neckline; a longer one is worn over a sweater. A pendant works well at a length of 40 to 50 cm. For a bead necklace or a sautoir, the length mainly determines whether the necklace is slipped over the head (without a clasp) or fastened with a closure.

Clasps

• Lobster clasp: a small spring hook operated with the nail; strong and common.
• Spring ring: a ring opened by a small lever; slim but more delicate.
• Screw clasp: secure, but slow to close.
• Magnetic clasp: easy to close, useful for those with less dexterity. It is not suitable for people wearing certain medical devices, such as a pacemaker: ask your doctor for advice.
• Toggle clasp: a bar that slides through a loop; decorative and fairly secure.

The quality of the clasp is often the key to a necklace's lifespan: a slender clasp under a heavy necklace will eventually open.

Settings: threaded beads, rough stones, cabochons

• Threaded beads: on silk or nylon thread, sometimes with a knot between each bead. The knot prevents losing every bead if the thread breaks. It is classic for fine pearls and gemstone beads.
• Coated cable: a steel cable covered in nylon, stronger, for heavier necklaces.
• Stones alternating with metal beads: a lighter design.
• Rough stones or chips: small fragments threaded for a natural look; check that no chip is sharp.

Weight matters: a necklace of large 12 mm beads can weigh several dozen grams. A thin thread then breaks more easily, and the necklace becomes tiring to wear all day.

Safety and comfort

• Do not sleep in a necklace: a thread can catch.
• For children, avoid long or tight necklaces and choose a bracelet instead. A necklace can present a strangulation risk, and small beads can be swallowed.
• Take the necklace off before sport, riding a motorbike or working with machinery.
• If you are sensitive to nickel, check the metal of the clasp and chain (see silver, steel, brass).

Care

A necklace of hard stones is cleaned with a soft, slightly damp cloth, then dried. Avoid water for soft stones and silk thread. Lay it flat or hang it from a wide hook, never loose among other jewellery. Perfumes, hairsprays and creams should be applied before putting the necklace on, not after. Have the thread checked every one to two years if you wear it often. See caring for your stone jewellery.

Wearing your necklace with the rest of your outfit

A few simple guidelines help you pair a necklace well. With a round neckline, a princess length (45 to 50 cm) sits nicely on the collarbone. With a V-neck, a pendant or a longer necklace follows the line of the garment. A choker suits an open neckline or a backless top, but not a turtleneck. To layer several necklaces, stagger them with length differences of at least 5 cm, and keep only one “strong” piece (large beads or a large pendant) alongside fine chains.

In practical terms, a stone necklace slips easily under clothing, but hard beads can knock against a watch, a button or glasses. Remember to take it off before doing DIY or carrying a backpack, whose straps can catch the threads.

How to choose

For a first stone necklace, a length of 45 to 50 cm with 6 to 8 mm beads is versatile. Prefer a sturdy clasp, a knot between each bead and a hard stone if the necklace will be worn often. Add an extension chain if you are unsure about the length. Find our necklaces in the necklaces section.

Frequently asked questions

Also read

The meanings mentioned belong to tradition and symbolism. They are neither promises of results nor medical advice. Back to Guide to stone jewelry.