Types of Necklaces: How to Choose the Right Length and Create a Harmonious Look

Necklaces are not just jewelry. They are style accents, magnets for the eyes, and keys to a complete look. To ensure they ideally complement your outfit, it is important to understand their types.

We have created a handy guide for you, with the most common necklace types, grouped by length in centimeters, and matched with the necklines they complement best. At the end, our favorite part: why you can get 3, 7 or even 12 necklaces at once with just one necklace from Orxata!

From the neck to the solar plexus: types of necklaces by length

Collar Necklace

Length: 30–35 cm

It sits tightly around the neck — hence the name. It is the shortest version of the necklace, which can be in the form of a velvet ribbon, several strings with miniature pearls, a metal structure that looks like jewelry armor, or something like that.

Best matched with: dresses with thin straps, v-necklines, or completely open shoulders.

Choker

Length: 35–40 cm

The word «choker» no longer intimidates — it fascinates. It is not as tight as a collar, yet still fits around the neck and can have a lot of variations: from thin laces and chains to more accentuated options with gems. It gained fame during the Victorian era and was later revived by Coco Chanel.

Best matched with: deep necklines of all shapes, off-the-shoulder looks, or even a turtleneck — it all depends on your mood.

Princess Necklace

Length: 42–47 cm

A golden classic. This is exactly what most people call a necklace. It falls gently at the collarbone, sometimes reaching the upper décolleté. Modern jewelry brands offer the widest variety in this category — and for good reason. It’s incredibly versatile.

Best matched with: open necklines or high-necked dresses.

Matinée Necklace

Length: 50–60 cm

The French morning — matinée — gave this length its name. Women used to wear this necklace for morning visits and informal meetings. Most often, it was a string with pearls or small gems. Nowadays, it is a sophisticated and versatile solution for the office, dinner, or even a casual look.

Best suited with: super-deep necklines or closed necklines.

Opera Necklace

Length: 70–85 cm

This aristocratic length is perfect for wearing over clothing — to the theater, an elegant event, or to add drama to a simple “shirt and jeans” look. A lot of modern fashionistas also experiment with such necklaces and wear them in two rows to get a trendy layering effect.

Best matched with: high turtlenecks, round- or square-cut tops.

Sautoir / Rope / Lariat

Length: 90–200 cm

These three terms refer to the longest necklaces in the jewelry world, which differ slightly in design and how they are worn. Some are knotted, others looped multiple times or fastened with a clasp. They may feature pendants, rings, or several strands on one base. In any case, these are the ultimate shape-shifting pieces — transformers even by traditional jewelry standards.

Best matched with: any necklines, because they are created to be an accent.

Orxata: necklaces that transform with you

In the Orxata Transforming Jewelry universe, our pieces embody the philosophy of functional essentialism — where quantity and quality aren’t opposites, but work in synergy. With just one necklace, you unlock 3, 7, or even 12 options and step into a world where creativity meets engineering.

Each necklace is an engineering object that transforms: from choker to princess, from princess to matinée or opera, and beyond. One piece — dozens of lengths, shapes, and focal points. Your look — your formula!

Choose your transformer and create a piece of jewelry to suit your mood.