Whether you are looking at updating your own jewellery box with a new necklace or treating a loved one to a pendant, you’d be forgiven for assuming that the only thing you need to consider is how pretty it looks.

When choosing a new piece of jewellery, the most important things to consider are always quality and aesthetics.

However, when it comes to selecting a necklace, there is a little more to think about, which you may not have considered before.

We’ll walk you through it all in this blog post so you have all the information you need before you make your selection.

The style and colour

Firstly, you need to consider the style of the necklace or pendant. Would this piece work well with the clothes you usually wear, or the style of your recipient if it’s a gift? Think about the type of necklace that is normally worn by the person you are buying for, also.

For example, if someone usually wears yellow gold, it may not be wise to buy them a white gold or sterling silver necklace. Having said that, they might appreciate a two-tone pendant, featuring both white and yellow gold.

The pendant

9ct Yellow Gold Open Oval Red Ruby Pendant

Secondly, it’s time to pay attention to the pendant itself, unless you’re opting for a simple chain. With a wealth of pendant types to choose from, you need to narrow your options down from the outset.

Select from diamond pendants, gem pendants, lockets, heart pendants, infinity pendants, and so much more. Consider the wearer’s preferences and favourite colours. Perhaps the pendant could feature your or their birthstone?

The length

The length of a necklace is something that many people don’t spend enough time considering — especially if it’s a surprise gift being bought.

However, the length can make a world of difference between a necklace that sits fairly well and looks OK, and a necklace that looks absolutely perfect and suits your style, face and body shape.

So, how do you find that perfect necklace?

Below we have outlined each necklace length, its name, and the necklines, height, face shape and body shape it works best with.

The collar necklace

• 14 inches.
• This necklace fits tightly around the neck.
• The collar necklace works best with open-necked clothes, such as V-necks, off-the-shoulder tops, and scoop necks.
• This necklace length softens the angles associated with square and oblong face shapes.

The choker necklace

• 16 inches.
• This necklace fits tightly around the base of the throat.
• The choker necklace works well with most necklines — except polo necks, turtlenecks and high crew necks.
• This necklace length is particularly flattering for square, oblong and heart-shaped faces as it softens angles.
• The choker works well for those who are below average height.

The princess necklace

• 18 inches.
• This necklace sits on the collarbone.
• The princess length works well with most necklines, but especially well with a plunging neckline and any clothes with a high neck.
• This necklace works well with heart-shaped faces as it helps to balance out angles.
• The princess length works well for those who are below average height.
• This necklace length works well for those with pear-shaped bodies as it helps to broaden the shoulders.

The matinee necklace

• 20-24 inches.
• This necklace sits between the collarbone and the bust.
• This necklace length looks good worn with anything and can be both casual and professional depending on what it is teamed with.
• This necklace has the visual effect of elongating the face and is perfect for those with a round or oval face shape.
• The matinee necklace works well for people of any height.
• This necklace length works well for those with pear-shaped bodies as it helps to broaden the shoulders.
• This length also works very well for hourglass figures as it helps to accentuate the body’s curves.

The opera necklace

• 28-36 inches.
• This necklace sits on or just below the bust.
• This necklace length can be worth with anything but works best with evening wear and high necklines.
• This length of necklace works best for those of average height or taller.
• The opera necklace looks particularly flattering on athletic builds, as it helps to elongate the body.
• This length also works well for the inverted triangle body type because it draws the eye to the smallest part of the body.

The rope necklace

• 36-42 inches.
• This necklace is long, as the name suggests, and is usually worn wrapped around the neck twice. It then rests on or near the bust. It looks perfect worn with elegant evening or business wear.
• This length of necklace works best for those of average height or taller.
• The rope necklace can help to elongate an athletic build.
• This length also works well for the inverted triangle body type, as it draws attention to the smallest part of the body.

If you are looking to treat yourself or a loved one, you can explore our online necklace and pendant collection, or visit us in-store to try some pieces on.