Necklaces - How to Choose the Correct Length

by Linda Gale
Isn't it curious: Thousands of years ago our ancestors proudly displayed a precious trinket on their chest, hung from a leather thong - quite often a pretty stone. Now, we dangle even more beautiful stones, polished and embellished - often still using a leather cord instead of a fancy chain - from our 'modern-day' necks!
Personal pride remains a powerful part of who we are. We all have that basic desire to make ourselves feel special, more attractive, and more unique.

Adorning ourselves fulfills another need. It satisfies the urge to create something beautiful with our own hands.

The biggest smile always belongs to the person who proudly says, "I made it!"

If you're a wire-wrapper, you probably create more necklace pendants than anything else. Earrings, bracelets, and other wire adornments often take a back seat.

The true "stars" of our jewelry world are a gemstone cabochon, beautifully framed in an intricate weave of wire.

Our personal design styles vary from simple to elaborately detailed. Whether we work with copper, silver, gold, or vibrant colored wire, every creation serves one purpose. It becomes a showpiece, worn proudly near the bust line or chest.
It's All About Appearance
Necklace lengths have always evolved with fashion. In Victorian times, women often wore neck bands or chokers. They also adorned their blouses with a brooch pinned high at the collar.

The allure of plunging feminine necklines has remained constant through the ages.

As necklines dipped lower, necklace lengths followed suit. They draw the eye with equal elegance.

Today, necklaces often extend between the bust line and the waist. A tassel, charm, or gemstone adds graceful movement.

I'll let you guess the reason behind this extra-long style!

Layering remains a key trend.

What began as stacking necklaces of different lengths soon inspired designs with multiple "faux layers" hanging from a single chain. This look stays stylish.
Whether for fashion, fun, or simple comfort, it's helpful to keep a "map" of necklace lengths at your workbench for quick reference.

Even better, this guide is perfectly sized to fit on a 4" x 6" index card.

You might want to print two copies one for regular use and another as a backup for when the first becomes too worn to read.
Print the chart below.

Glue it to a card.

Keep it handy in your tool box as an instant reference for making necklaces of Any Length - Any Combination - Any Time!
Linda Gale's Necklaces - How to Choose the Correct Length - , Wire Jewelry Design, Design, necklace length card

Materials

Gold Filled Ball Chain 2 mm - 24 inches - Pack of 1
C4-121F
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $46.67
  • Gold Club Price: $35.00
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Gold Filled Ball Chain 2mm - 18 inches - Pack of 1
C4-122F
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $75.19
  • Gold Club Price: $56.39
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Gold Filled Beading Chain .70mm - 20 inches - Pack of 1
C4-125F
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $24.32
  • Gold Club Price: $18.24
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Tools

Premium Wire Jewelry Tool Kit
Y4-1
  • Y4-1
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $99.97
  • Gold Club Price: $74.98
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  • Category: Design
  • Technique(s): Design