A necklace is built in three steps: choose the chain and its length, choose the metal, then choose the pendant or charms that hang from it. Each piece is chosen separately, so you can change one part without changing the others.
1. Choose a chain length
Chains are stocked in 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 and 36 inches. Necklaces sold as a finished piece come in 16, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 30 and 36 inches. The easiest way to decide is to measure a necklace you already wear and note where it falls. For how to measure, see the chain size guide.
2. Where the pendant will sit
A pendant hangs at the lowest point of the chain, so length is what decides how high or low it sits. Exactly where a given length lands depends on your neck and torso.
| Length | How it tends to sit |
|---|---|
| 12–16 in | Highest, close around the base of the neck. A pendant shows above most necklines. |
| 17–20 in | At or near the collarbone. A common range for a single pendant. |
| 22–24 in | On the upper chest, usually below a collar or neckline. |
| 26–30 in | Lower on the chest, and it swings more as you move. |
| 36 in | The longest stocked. Worn long, or doubled for a layered look. |
3. Choose a metal
Chains and pendants are made in Sterling Silver, 14K and 18K Yellow Gold, 14K and 18K White Gold, 14K Yellow-White-Rose Gold, Bronze, Stainless Steel and Titanium, plus two-tone combinations. Matching the pendant's metal to the chain gives the quietest result; a two-tone pendant is one way to wear two colors on a single chain. Care differs by metal — see jewelry care and safety tips.
4. Add a pendant or charm
Charms come in Small, Medium and Large. The product page lists the sizes offered for a given charm, and if you are pairing a charm with a separate chain, check both product pages. A longer chain leaves more room if you plan to hang several charms. For a birthstone piece, the birthstone guide lists the stone for each month. Start with charms, necklaces and chains, or engravable styles with the engraving guide.
Not every length or metal is offered on every style — the options listed on a product page are what is available for that piece. Shipping and return details are on the shipping policy and refund policy pages. For help with a combination, use contact.