Which size of necklace is best for you?  

The answer to that question depends on what you are wearing, time of day, and
if you intent is to dress "up" or dress "down" an outfit.  The article below by Ann
Marie Dwyer gives a great deal of guidelines to help you choose the right length
of necklace.  

The time of day has a large impact on the type of necklace, and length, you
select. In the mornings and midday, jewelry should be light and simple. Long
strings should be thin and delicate. In the evening, you can select thicker and
longer pieces that reflect the light and enhance the richness of your look.
(*article by Sarah Perryman).

These are only suggestions.  You decide if you wish to wear a pearl necklace
with your blue jeans to dress it up a little or a turquoise necklace with your little
black dress to dress it down a little.  The most important thing is how you feel
about your jewelry, regardless of how others view it. Pick a length you are
happy with and feel good about your decision














Collar (12-13 inches)
Collar necklaces lie snugly around the middle of
the neck. They are a must-have when wearing
V-necks, boat necks, and off-the-shoulder
fashions.














Choker (14-16 inches)
Both classic and versatile, a 14-16 inch choker
falls perfectly around the base of the neck. A
simple choker necklace matches any outfit and
just about any neckline.













.
Princess (17-19 inches)
As the most popular necklace length, the princess
necklace is best suited for crew and high
necklines, falling just below the throat. Typically
17-19 inches long, you can wear the princess
length as a contrast to low, plunging necklines.
Add a pendant for a bold, eye-catching look."














Matinee (20-24 inches)
Longer than the princess necklace, and slightly
shorter than an opera length, a 20-24 inch
matinee necklace is the right choice for casual or
business dress.












Opera (28-34 inches)
Ranging from 28-34 inches, the opera necklace is
the longest of all lengths. Wear it as a single or
double strand. Perfect for high or crew necklines,
its versatility allows the opera necklace to
transform from day to evening wear with elegant
ease.












Rope (over 45 inches)
Measuring at least 45 inches in length, the
versatile rope necklace is a must-have
accessory! Infinitely elegant and classic, this
necklace dresses up any outfit night or day.
Often, hidden clasps placed in strategic locations
allow this necklace to be transformed into
multi-strand necklace and bracelet combinations.

Pictures and suggestions on this column was
contributed by QVC
How to determine the best necklace length for an
outfit
by Ann Marie Dwyer

The following no nonsense guidelines can ensure your
necklace is always the proper length for your outfit.

No Cleavage Neckline: Choker length is best, snug against
the neck. Second choice is the multi-strand necklace that
will cover from the choker length to within one inch of the
neckline.

Cleavage Exposing Neckline: Your necklace should frame
the neckline along the fabric, but not extend more than two
inches beyond. If your necklace is too long, it will detract
from your outfit.

Turtleneck: No necklace. Although popular in the 1970s,
this fashion fell by the wayside before 1985. Wear a
brooch.

Boat neck: Wear the longest necklace in which you feel
comfortable. Boat necks are rarely fitted, leaving plenty
area for longer necklaces. Never wear a short necklace, it
will be lost in your lack of collar.

Collared Blouse: Your necklace should fall half-way
between your neck and the first buttoned button of your
blouse. Do not wear a necklace on the outside of the
collar.

Princess neck: Wear a medium width choker or a slender
necklace half-way between your neck and the neckline of
the outfit. Anything longer defeats the purpose of the
neckline.

Scoop neck, untucked: This loose fit is perfect for longer
necklaces and combinations of one on the skin with one
past the neckline.

Scoop neck, tucked: Your necklace should only touch your
skin. Choker length to within one inch of your neckline is
best.

V-neck, no collar: Wear whichever necklace best matches
your outfit. There are no rules here!

Necklaces always add that finishing touch to an outfit.
Wear the one that won't wear you!