Jewelry Making

DIY Jewelry, Beads And Patterns

Your opinion please!

by

engagement ring with garnet settingWeddings and rings are bound together in our culture. With my own wedding coming up quickly, I’ve given a lot of thought to jewelry and its value lately. Some jewelry is precious simply because of the sentimental attachment we have to it. From macaroni necklaces presented proudly by your three-year old niece to antique pieces made of cheap metal and glass “stones,” these pieces are precious for the thought put into making them or because they were once owned and worn often by your grandma.

Fine jewelry that has inherent value from its component materials such as precious metals and precious stones obviously has more monetary value. The rarity of these resources make them precious and somehow more desirable. I think engagement rings are the perfect example of jewelry that is precious both sentimentally and monetarily.

Do you think the monetary value of a piece makes it more precious or simply more desirable as a status symbol? For my own engagement ring, I selected a garnet as the central stone. Garnets are my birthstone and I love the color red. For both these reasons, a garnet had more sentimental value to me than a diamond. Diamonds are beautiful but are they truly worth all the mystique we attribute to them? My intended is from South Africa, one of the world’s largest producers of exquisite diamonds; I am from Arkansas, the Diamond state. It seems to me the value of diamonds and their dominance as THE stone for engagement rings is rather arbitrary. What is your opinion on the value of jewelry and diamonds? Does a more expensive price automatically mean a more precious piece? Do you believe a diamond is forever as the ad says and think it the best symbol of love? What do you think?

Comments

  1. I played no part in picking out my engagement ring. My husband did it completely on his own (I didn’t even know he was planning to ask me to marry him.) It was always more important to me for him to find something that he liked and felt that I would love too. I wouldn’t have it any other way. :0) Oh, and congratulations!

  4. I agree, except for insurance purposes, the “value” is all in the sentiment. Thank you for the well wishes. I like the way you think, Lori Ann! Our furry friends need all the love and support they can get 🙂

  6. I agree. Feeling the band around my finger reminds me of feeling safe in his arms and I envision beautiful brown eyes asking me to be his always. The beautiful ring is just icing on the cake.

  8. I’m very practical, too. I think you’ve made a very good choice in husbands! I love that he got a good deal on a beautiful ring you love and I also like that your ring is eco-friendly.

  9. The eternal ring symbolizing love, faith in the commitment from another person and the promise to keep the bond alive every day has always been my measure of worth in a gift beyond a price tag.
    Your care and guarding of your ring will make it more precious as each act of love and kindness adds to the glow you captured in the photo. You captured the essence in the photo sought after by so many photographers.
    I have jewels, baubles and odd whimsical creations I can’t keep up with but the most valuable ones shine brightest when they smile.

  10. I wanted to use an amethyst and diamond ring that my grandmother gave me for my wedding ring because it has a lot of sentimental value to me. I don’t wear much jewelry because I tend to lose it, so to me the meaning behind a ring or gemstone is what matters. They’re all just rocks {albeit beautiful ones!} when it comes down to it, so any monetary value assigned to them is somewhat arbitrary. I say where what makes you happy!

  11. I don’t think something has to be expensive to be precious or valuable.
    My birthstone is diamond and I’ve always wanted a diamond wedding ring with smaller sapphire stones on either side of the diamond.
    Or maybe emerald…
    lol I’d never be able to decide.
    Very pretty ring, btw!

Have you read?

Necklace Length Guide For Handmade Jewelry Makers

Choosing the right necklace length can make a huge difference to how a handmade necklace looks and feels. You can use beautiful beads, the perfect clasp, and the prettiest pendant in the drawer, but if the necklace length is wrong, it may not sit the way you imagined.

This necklace length guide is designed for beginner jewelry makers who are making beaded necklaces, pendant necklaces, pearl necklaces, charm necklaces or layered jewelry at home. It covers the most common necklace lengths, where they usually sit, how to measure yourself, and how to adjust the length for different beads and pendants.

If you are new to handmade jewelry, you might also like this wire necklace tutorial or this DIY birthstone necklace.

Why Necklace Length Matters

Necklace length affects comfort, style and wearability.

A necklace that is too short may feel tight. A necklace that is too long may disappear under clothing or sit awkwardly with a pendant. A heavy beaded necklace may need a different length than a delicate chain.

When you are making jewelry by hand, you have the advantage of custom sizing. That means you can make a necklace that suits the wearer rather than relying on a standard shop-bought length.

And honestly, that is one of the nicest things about handmade jewelry. It can actually fit the person it is made for.

Standard Necklace Length Chart

Here is a simple guide to common necklace lengths for adults.

Necklace StyleApprox. LengthWhere It Usually Sits
Collar12–14 inchesHigh around the neck
Choker14–16 inchesClose to the base of the neck
Princess17–19 inchesAround the collarbone
Matinee20–24 inchesBelow the collarbone
Opera28–34 inchesLower on the chest
Rope36 inches or longerLong, layered or wrapped

These are general measurements. Body shape, neck size, clothing and bead size can all change where a necklace sits.

Collar Necklace Length

A collar necklace usually measures around 12 to 14 inches and sits high around the neck.

This length works best for:

  • delicate chain necklaces
  • tiny beads
  • layered chokers
  • formal styles
  • open necklines

Collar necklaces need to fit carefully because there is not much room for error. Always measure the wearer before making one.

If using beads, choose small beads that curve comfortably around the neck. Large beads can make a collar necklace feel too tight.

Choker Necklace Length

A choker is usually around 14 to 16 inches and sits close to the base of the neck.

Chokers are popular for:

  • simple bead strands
  • velvet ribbon necklaces
  • small pendants
  • pearl chokers
  • seed bead necklaces

For comfort, add a short extender chain if possible. This gives the wearer a little flexibility and makes the necklace easier to fit.

Chokers are lovely, but they are not very forgiving if the measurement is wrong. Measure first, bead second.

Princess Necklace Length

A princess necklace is usually around 17 to 19 inches and sits near the collarbone.

This is one of the most popular necklace lengths because it works with many outfits and styles. It is a good choice for beginner beaded necklaces because it is comfortable, versatile and easy to wear.

Princess length works well for:

  • simple beaded necklaces
  • birthstone necklaces
  • pearl necklaces
  • pendant necklaces
  • charm necklaces
  • everyday handmade jewelry

If you are not sure what length to make, an 18-inch necklace is often a safe starting point.

Matinee Necklace Length

A matinee necklace is usually around 20 to 24 inches and sits below the collarbone.

This length is lovely for:

  • larger beads
  • gemstone necklaces
  • layered jewelry
  • office outfits
  • longer pendant designs
  • statement bead necklaces

Matinee necklaces give a little more space for feature beads or a pendant. They can also be more comfortable for people who do not like necklaces sitting close to the neck.

Opera Necklace Length

An opera necklace is usually around 28 to 34 inches and sits lower on the chest.

Opera length necklaces work beautifully for:

  • long pearl strands
  • dramatic bead designs
  • evening jewelry
  • layered necklaces
  • slip-over styles without clasps

Because this length is longer, you may need more beads than expected. Check your bead count before you start, unless you enjoy the suspense of running out halfway through.

Rope Necklace Length

A rope necklace is usually 36 inches or longer.

This length can be worn long, doubled, knotted or layered. It works well with lightweight beads, pearls and chains.

Rope necklaces are very versatile, but they can be heavy if made with large glass or gemstone beads. For comfort, choose lighter materials or space heavier beads with chain.

How To Measure Necklace Length At Home

The easiest way to work out necklace length is to use a soft measuring tape.

Wrap the tape around the neck where you want the necklace to sit. Add extra length depending on the style and comfort level.

If you do not have a soft tape measure, use a piece of string or yarn, then measure it with a ruler.

When making a necklace for someone else, ask for their preferred necklace length if possible. If it is a surprise gift, choose a standard princess length or add an extender chain.

Remember To Include The Clasp

When measuring handmade necklaces, remember that the clasp, jump rings and extender chain add length.

For example, if you want an 18-inch finished necklace, the beaded section may need to be slightly shorter depending on your clasp.

Before crimping or finishing the necklace, lay the whole piece flat and measure from end to end.

This little step can save you from making a necklace that is accidentally longer than planned.

How Bead Size Affects Necklace Length

Large beads take up more space around the neck because they sit away from the body. This means a necklace made with large beads may feel shorter than the same length made with tiny seed beads.

If you are using chunky beads, add a little extra length for comfort.

As a rough guide:

  • tiny seed beads need little extra length
  • 4mm–6mm beads work well with standard lengths
  • 8mm–10mm beads may need extra length
  • large statement beads often need more room

This is especially important for chokers and collar necklaces.

How Pendant Size Affects Necklace Length

A pendant changes where the visual focus of the necklace sits.

Small pendants usually work well on 16 to 18-inch necklaces. Larger pendants often look better on 20 to 24-inch necklaces because they have more room to hang.

If the pendant is heavy, use strong chain, beading wire or cord. A delicate chain may not be suitable for a large pendant.

For more necklace inspiration, this DIY birthstone necklace is a good example of a simple pendant-style handmade necklace.

Best Necklace Lengths For Layering

Layered necklaces look best when each necklace has a clear gap between them.

Try this simple layering formula:

  • 16-inch choker
  • 18-inch princess necklace
  • 22-inch matinee necklace

Or:

  • 18-inch small pendant
  • 24-inch beaded necklace
  • 30-inch long chain

When layering handmade necklaces, vary the bead size, chain texture or pendant shape so the necklaces do not tangle as easily.

Best Necklace Length For Handmade Gifts

If you are making a necklace as a gift and do not know the wearer’s exact size, an 18-inch necklace with an extender chain is usually a practical option.

For handmade gifts, consider:

  • 18 inches for everyday necklaces
  • 20 inches for relaxed pendant necklaces
  • 24 inches for larger beads
  • adjustable cord for casual styles
  • extender chain for flexibility

A small extender chain is one of the easiest ways to make a handmade necklace more gift-friendly.

Necklace Length Tips For Different Necklines

Different tops suit different necklace lengths.

Crew Neck

Try longer necklaces, pendants or matinee lengths that sit below the neckline.

V-Neck

Try a pendant necklace that follows the V shape. Princess length often works well.

Scoop Neck

Try shorter necklaces, chokers or layered beads.

Button-Up Shirt

Try a princess necklace, small pendant or layered chain.

Turtleneck

Try longer matinee, opera or rope necklaces that sit over the fabric.

Of course, jewelry rules are really more like suggestions. If you love how something looks, wear it.

Common Necklace Length Mistakes

Forgetting The Clasp Length

Always measure the full necklace from end to end, including clasps and jump rings.

Making Chokers Too Tight

Chokers need comfort room. Add an extender chain if possible.

Using Large Beads Without Adding Extra Length

Large beads make necklaces feel shorter. Add extra length for comfort.

Not Checking Pendant Placement

A pendant may sit higher or lower than expected depending on the necklace length.

Guessing Gift Sizes

If unsure, choose a flexible length and add an extender chain.

Handmade Necklace Ideas By Length

16-Inch Necklace

Great for chokers, seed bead strands, tiny pearls and delicate charm necklaces.

18-Inch Necklace

Perfect for beginner beaded necklaces, birthstone necklaces and everyday pendants.

20–24-Inch Necklace

Lovely for gemstone beads, larger pendants and relaxed handmade jewelry.

30-Inch Necklace

Great for long bead strands, slip-over necklaces and boho-style designs.

36-Inch Necklace

Ideal for rope necklaces, layering, knotting or wrapping.

More Jewelry Making Ideas

Once you understand necklace lengths, your handmade jewelry will fit better and look more intentional. Try making a simple beaded necklace, then use leftover beads to create matching earrings or a bracelet.

For more beginner jewelry inspiration, see this easy silk thread earrings tutorial, this wire necklace tutorial, and this DIY wrap jewelry project.

A good necklace length guide is one of those practical references worth keeping nearby. It helps you make handmade jewelry that not only looks pretty on the table, but actually sits beautifully when worn.