Where each length sits
| Length | cm | Where it sits (average adult) |
|---|---|---|
| 16 in | 41 cm | Base of the neck, close fit |
| 18 in | 46 cm | On the collarbone; a common length for women |
| 20 in | 51 cm | Just below the collarbone; a common length for men |
| 22 in | 56 cm | Upper chest; good for pendants |
| 24 in | 61 cm | Mid chest; easy over clothes |
| 30 in | 76 cm | Long, low statement length |
Width
- 2–4 mm: everyday and for pendants.
- 5–8 mm: noticeable on its own.
- 9 mm and up: a statement piece; heavier, so it sits flatter and costs more in gold weight.
Choosing a length
- Measure a chain you already like, clasp to clasp, laid flat.
- Neck size and build change where a chain falls; a larger neck needs 2 in more for the same look.
- With a pendant, go one length longer so it hangs freely.
- Layering: space chains about 2 in apart, for example 18, 20 and 22 in.
Popular styles
- Cuban (curb): flat interlocking links, the classic bold chain.
- Rope: twisted links that catch light.
- Franco: tight V-shaped links, strong and smooth.
- Tennis: a line of set stones, for diamonds that move.