The Art of the Layer: A Guide to Necklace Lengths
Welcome back to Sacred Sol Design, your happy place for not your ordinary lanyards, bracelets, wristlets, necklaces, earrings and so much more!
Have you ever gazed at a gorgeous layered jewelry look and thought, "How do they make that look so effortlessly perfect?" Well, here's a little secret: that beautiful, flowing stack—the kind you see in that chic boho style—all comes down to understanding length. A lovely stack of handmade jewelry isn't complicated; it's just an art built on dimension! So, grab a cup of tea, and let's dive into our complete guide to master the five essential necklace lengths. You'll be creating your signature layered flow in no time!
Mastering the Five Lengths
Knowing these five key lengths is your secret weapon for achieving a balanced, luxurious layered look. Our model shows you just how fun it is to mix chain, beautiful gemstone jewelry, and even your favorite statement pieces for maximum impact!
- Choker (14–16 inches): This snug little beauty sits high on the neck and is the perfect starting point—your stylish foundation! It beautifully frames your face and plays wonderfully with any open neckline.
- Princess (17–19 inches): This is a timeless, classic length that rests perfectly just below the collarbone. It's lovely all on its own, but it's an absolutely essential middle layer, sitting neatly between your Choker and your Matinee.
- Matinee (20–24 inches): The Matinee hits the upper-chest area, and it's fantastic for adding gorgeous texture (like those fun teal beads!) to fill out your look. This one is seriously your most versatile friend for everyday wear.
- Opera (30–36 inches): Ah, the drama! This length hangs below the bust line, offering lovely movement and eye-catching length. This is also where many of our longer gemstone lanyards shine brightest! (with a hang length between 19 and 20 inches) The Opera length lanyard is pure professional jewelry—elegant, functional, and definitely not your ordinary lanyard!
- Rope/Lariat (45+ inches): This is the ultimate, flowing statement maker! The Rope or Lariat hangs long, giving you that beautiful vertical line. It's the perfect place to showcase a heavy pendant or a bold chain, adding a powerful final layer of handmade jewelry flair.
Styling Your Layers: From Weekend Flow to Work Chic
Layering isn't just for weekends! By choosing the right lengths and materials, you can create gorgeous looks that transition effortlessly from casual fun to corporate chic.
For that perfectly polished work look, try pairing a simple Princess or Matinee necklace with one of our elegant Opera length lanyards. It's the key to the office, offering a beautiful jewelry-like lanyard design that's functional and oh-so-chic. Don't forget to complete your ensemble with a stack of sparkly bracelets and some lovely earrings for a professional appearance that never, ever sacrifices style!
Now that you know the rules, it's time to play! Layering is all about expressing your unique style and personality. Have fun experimenting with those Matinee and Opera lengths for your favorite work look, or mix up your chain and gemstone jewelry for a truly bold weekend statement.
Explore our latest collection of handmade jewelry—including all the necklaces, sparkly bracelets, and earrings you need—and start building your masterpiece, layer by beautiful layer!