Most pendant necklaces look best at 45cm, sitting right at the collarbone, which is why it's the length you'll see most often and the one we use across the Good Goods Icon collection. The right length for you comes down to your neckline, your height, and whether you want to wear it alone or stack it with other pieces. Here's how to choose with confidence.
The main necklace lengths, explained
Necklace length is measured in centimetres from clasp to clasp, laid flat. Once you know where each length actually sits on the body, choosing gets easy.
| Length | Where it sits | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 38–40cm (Collar) | Base of the throat | High necklines, worn as the top layer |
| 45cm (Princess) | Collarbone | Most necklines, everyday wear, our most popular length |
| 50–55cm (Matinee) | Above the bust | V-necks, button-ups, a little more drama |
| 60cm+ (Opera/Rope) | Below the bust | Layering the bottom piece, plain tees, long lines |
How to choose based on your neckline
A crew neck or high collar needs a little breathing room, so 45cm or longer keeps the pendant visible instead of hidden under fabric. A scoop or V-neck can carry a shorter 38–40cm piece beautifully, since the neckline is already doing some of the work. Button-up shirts and blazers pair well with 45–50cm, landing the pendant just above the top button. If you're not sure, 45cm is the safest first purchase. It works with almost everything in your wardrobe and it's the length most of our customers reach for first.
Layering pendant necklaces at different lengths
The trick to layering is spacing, not matching. Two necklaces at the same length just sit on top of each other and disappear. Instead, pair a shorter 38–40cm piece with a longer 50cm+ piece so each one has its own space to sit. If you're building a stack, start with your favourite pendant at 45cm as the anchor, then add a shorter chain above it or a longer one below. Mixing colours works too. A blush enamel pendant next to a citrine stone reads as considered, not cluttered, especially when the lengths are doing the separating.
Good Goods pendant necklace lengths
Every Icon Pendant Necklace we make sits at 45cm, our most versatile length, so you can wear it on its own from day one or start building a stack around it later. Each one is handcrafted in small batches of 20, in 18k gold vermeil over sterling silver, set with rose quartz or citrine. Browse the full range in necklaces, or start with our bestsellers if you want the pieces our customers keep coming back for. For everything else in the world of Good Goods, the full collection is here.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular necklace length?
45cm, also called princess length, is the most popular necklace length. It sits at the collarbone, suits almost every neckline, and is the length we use across the Good Goods Icon Pendant Necklace collection.
What length necklace should I get if I'm not sure?
Go with 45cm. It's the most versatile length, working with crew necks, V-necks, and button-ups alike, and it gives you the easiest starting point if you want to layer or stack necklaces later.
How do I layer necklaces of different lengths?
Pair pieces with at least 5–10cm of length difference so each one has its own space. A 38–40cm piece paired with a 45cm or longer piece avoids the "clumping" look you get when two necklaces sit at the same spot.
Does necklace length matter for height or neck shape?
A little. Petite frames and shorter necks often suit 38–45cm, since longer chains can visually shorten the torso. Longer necks and taller frames can carry 45–55cm comfortably. Neckline still matters more than height, so start there first.
Are Good Goods pendant necklaces adjustable?
Our Icon Pendant Necklaces are set at 45cm, chosen because it's the length that works for the widest range of necklines and body types straight out of the box.
Found your length? Shop the bestsellers and find the pendant that's yours. Wear the joy.