What Is the Difference Between A Necklace and A Pendant? Tips for Choosing the Chain Length that Suits You

2023-11-30

Necklaces and pendants are often thought to be the same thing, but to be more precise, necklaces are a general term for accessories worn around the neck, and pendants are a type of accessory classified as necklaces. The main difference between necklaces and pendants is that pendants have a hanging decoration called a ``pendant top.''

 

Necklaces and pendants are convenient items that can be worn easily and elevate your outfit. Unlike rings, you don't have to choose the size, so they are popular as gifts. However, there are many things that people need to learn, such as the difference between a necklace and a pendant and how to choose the length of the chain that suits you. Knowing the difference in chain length is beneficial, as it dramatically impacts the visual impression. Please read this book and find it helpful for those planning to purchase a necklace or pendant and those who want to use the items they already have.

 

Types of chain length

There are no exact rules regarding the length of chains for necklaces and pendants, but they are classified and called by different lengths. Please remember the different names depending on length, as this is useful when purchasing necklaces and pendants.

 

Choker｜Approx. 30-40cm

The type of necklace or pendant with the shortest chain is called a choker. It refers to a type of necklace that fits around the neck, but the length of the chain varies depending on the design, ranging from those that fit snugly like a collar to those that are slightly looser. At first glance, it may seem difficult, but it goes well with any top that shows the neck, such as a round neck, V-neck, or boat neck, and is extremely easy to use. Since it comes close to your face when you wear it, it makes your features look more gorgeous, but it tends to emphasize the thickness of your neck, so we recommend a type with a thinner chain for first-time buyers.

Princess｜Approx. 40-45cm

The length of the chain where the longest part touches the collarbone is called the princess. It is the most standard length among necklaces and pendants, and it is easy to stack with chains of different lengths, so it is helpful to have one on hand. It goes well with almost any outfit, but if you wear a top with a round neck or boat neck, depending on the depth of the neckline, the chain or pendant top may be hidden inside your clothes. V-necks and turtlenecks are more accessible to wear without worrying about such things. Princess-type necklaces and pendants also go well with casual outfits. Wear it on a simple T-shirt to take your outfit to the next level.

Matinee｜Approx. 50-60cm

The chain length where the tip is just between the chest is called matinee. Matinee means "morning" in French, but the "daytime performance" stage term is also well-known in Japan. The name used to describe the chain length is said to come from French socialites wearing necklaces and pendants of this length to daytime gatherings. The advantage of matinee-type necklaces and pendants is that they are easy to match with any collar design, not only with round necks and other open-neck clothing but also with turtlenecks and overshirts.

Opera｜Approx. 80cm to 100cm

When worn, the length that goes around the solar plexus is called the opera. It came to be called this because it was the length women wore to match their gorgeous dresses when attending the opera, which was also a social gathering at night. Nowadays, it is increasingly being worn with casual clothes to add variety to an outfit. Still, as the name suggests, it also goes great with party dresses and other glamorous outfits.

Rope｜Approx. 100cm~

The rope is a long necklace that is about waist length when worn. We do not recommend using it as a pendant as the top of the pendant will get in the way, but it is long enough to be made into two or three rows to enjoy various expressions with one. It goes well with vertically long clothes, such as a simple long dress, making you look slimmer and slimmer.

 

Tips for choosing chain length

When it comes to necklaces and pendants, just paying attention to the length of the chain can significantly change the look. If you can choose well, you can change the impression depending on the occasion and show off your style. Here are some tips for choosing a chain length that will make a great impression.

Princess type who makes women look cute on dates

Princess-type necklaces and pendants suit both round and long faces, giving a modest and cute impression. A princess-type pendant is especially recommended for a date. Eyes naturally draw to the top of the pendant, making it easier for the other person to see your face and talk to you. Also, since the chain creates a V-shaped line, it makes your face line look ideally egg-shaped.

I want to appear mature and intelligent at work.

Matinee-style necklaces and pendants are perfect when you want to impress at work. The matinee type lowers the center of gravity of your outfit and gives a calm impression. It also has the effect of making your face look longer and making you look more mature.

I want to look slimmer.

When you want to look slimmer in clothes, it is often said that it is adequate to focus on vertical lines like the letter I. Similarly, with necklaces and pendants, wearing vertical items will give you a slimmer look. Opera-type necklaces and pendants are perfect for highlighting your I-line. I-line coordination, which looks plain with just clothes, can be made to stand out and create a gorgeous impression by simply adding an opera-type necklace or pendant. Among them, opera-type pearl necklaces are easy to match with casual and elegant styles; if you have one, you can use it multiple times.

I want to add volume to my chest.

Simple knits and cut-and-sews are convenient for mixing and matching, but they make your chest look lonely. Wearing two or three rope-type necklaces will add volume to your chest and balance out your outfit. By making your breasts look more extensive, you can also expect the synergistic effect of making your waist smaller.

Enjoy the best length with an adjustable chain.

It is convenient to choose chains for necklaces and pendants that allow you to adjust the chain length to match the outfit. The position of the top will change when wearing thin clothes like T-shirts and cut-sews and thick clothes like sweaters. Also, when it comes to chains that can be used as necklaces or pendants, the length will vary depending on the weight of the top of the pendant. To ensure you always wear it at the best length, choose one with features that allow you to adjust the length, such as an adjuster or slide chain.

If it is a type of necklace that fastens with a market and a pull ring, it is possible to buy just the adjuster part and attach it later. Still, the colors of the chain and the adjuster may not match, so if it seems complicated to do it yourself, you can purchase the adjuster part and attach it later. Please take it to a specialist repair shop and have it consulted.

 

In conclusion

When choosing the chain length for a necklace or pendant, don't just choose it randomly; instead, consider your body shape and clothes. What is important is balance when looking at the whole body. Try on a large mirror, like a full-length mirror, before trying on the item before purchasing. From now on, when you wear a necklace or pendant, please enjoy the change in impression depending on the length of the chain.