Necklace Size Charts for Women and Men

When you decide on a necklace for yourself or your loved one, you have a lot of decisions to make to ensure that it is the perfect one. Everything from the size and style of the necklace to what is going to be put on the chain will determine what type of chain you need.

If you are not sure about the different sizes of beads, charms, and pendants, keep reading for an understanding of sizes and how you need to purchase a chain with these different necklace offerings. 

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Chain Style and Weight – Bead

When it comes to beads on your chain, it is important to first know the diameter of the bead. They can come in sizes as small as 2 mm and as large at 18 mm. There are various sizes, allowing you to customize the bead that fits your personal style.

• 2 mm
• 3 mm
• 4 mm
• 5 mm
• 6 mm 
• 7 mm
• 8 mm
• 9 mm
• 10 mm
• 11 mm
• 12 mm
• 14 mm
• 16 mm 
• 18 mm

Notice that there are some numbers missing, and that is not a misprint. It is very rare for beads on necklaces to have a diameter outside those posted above. 

Not only is the thickness of the bead the only thing measured, but the length of a bead can be just as diverse. In fact, some beads can be smaller or larger than the diameter. Bead length ranges anywhere from 1 mm to 25 mm, giving you the variety and flexibility you are looking for in bead sizes for your chain. 

If you are planning to add beads to the necklace that you are purchasing for yourself or a loved one, you should be looking at smaller chain options so that the beads do not break under pressure. 

Necklace Size Chart – Charms & Pendants

Depending on the size of the charm or pendant, there are various chain options available for small, medium, and large options. For small pendants and charms, your chain designs vary into 12 different options. 

• Fine cable
• Fine spiga
• Fine curb
• Forged beaded
• Medium box
• Light cable
• Light spiga
• Connected hearts
• Medium rolo
• Light curb
• Light rope
• Medium Reverse rope

These chains have the ability to hold different-sized small pendants or charms that you want to be displayed on your necklace. Should the plan for the necklace include beads for one or more sizes, then the smaller chains are where you should be looking. 

Medium pendants do not have as many options, as they can only choose from seven types. There are no beads or even small charms being added to the necklace, making it a direct purchase for the pendant that is going to be added. 

• Medium curb
• Medium rope
• Twisted link
• Medium cable figaro
• Medium spiga
• Heavy box
• Medium cable

These are designed to hold the weight of medium pendants. It is important that pendants are paired on chains where they are similar in size. This is to offset the weight and make sure you are not losing your pendant shortly after putting on your necklace.

The larger pendants have a significant amount of chains to choose from also. There are more options for these large chains, but they are all larger versions of the small and medium-chain options. 

Necklace Size Chart Guide

There are three different necklace sizes that are made by necklace manufacturers when they send out designs and advertising. They include the following:

• Women
• Men
• Children

The smallest chains and necklace sizes will be the children’s necklaces because they are designed for the smallest of necks. Even the longest lengths are still pretty short for an adult necklace. Children’s necklaces have five different size options and children will outgrow them quickly because of how fast they grow.

Keep in mind that women wear the most sizes in necklaces, so there are 10 different styles for women’s necklaces compared to six for men. 

FAQs About Necklace Size Charts

Why Are There No Long Necklace Options For Children?

When it comes to necklaces and children, the reality is that they are not going to be wearing them as regularly as their parents do. The necklace size guide is safe measurements for children so that they are not getting too distracted by their necklace and want to take it off. The different sizes also offer a level of comfort so that they can wear their jewelry and be comfortable. 

Can I Put Smaller Beads On A Larger Chain?

While it is possible to add the smaller beads to the larger chain, do not expect them to have the same appearance when you wear them as if they would on a smaller chain. The beads will run tight and not move. This may be good initially, but eventually, the change in pressure will cause the beads to start snapping off slowly but surely. 

 Is It Common To See A Lot of Small Beads?

While there are beads at the 2 mm, 3mm, and 4 mm sizes, they are not as common as you might think. Most beads that are considered small are around 5 mm and 6mm so that you can see the patterns and have the bead fit comfortably on the necklace.