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What Is a Short Necklace?
A short necklace sits at or just above the collarbone, generally between 14 and 18 inches — longer than a choker, which hugs the base of the neck, and considerably shorter than a long necklace, which falls below the chest. In Western jewelry terminology, the most common point in this range, around 18 inches, is traditionally called "princess length," though the two terms describe essentially the same category from slightly different traditions.
This guide covers where short sits in the broader necklace family, how it relates to princess-length terminology, why it's generally considered the most versatile of all necklace lengths, and how to choose within the range based on neck and body proportion.
Where Short Sits in the Necklace Family
- Choker: 12 to 14 inches, sitting close against the base of the neck; see our choker necklaces collection
- Short necklace: 14 to 18 inches, sitting at or just above the collarbone — this collection
- Long necklace: 24 inches and beyond, sitting below the chest; see our long necklaces collection
For the fuller distinction between a choker and a general necklace, see our guide on choker vs. necklace.
"Princess Length" and Other Terms You'll See
Western jewelry terminology uses a slightly different naming system, built around traditional pearl-necklace lengths, that overlaps closely with the short necklace category:
- Princess length — generally 17 to 19 inches, most commonly cited at 18 inches, falling just below the collarbone. This is the most popular single necklace length in Western jewelry terminology, and it sits squarely within the short necklace range.
- Matinee length — 20 to 24 inches, technically a step beyond what we classify as short, sitting on the upper chest rather than the collarbone
If you come across "princess length" while shopping elsewhere, it's describing essentially the same category covered here — a difference in naming convention, not a meaningfully different product.
Why Short Is the Most Versatile Length
This is the length that suits the widest range of necklines, which is the main reason it's often recommended as a safe first purchase or gift:
- Unlike a choker, which generally needs an open, low, or wide neckline to work well, a short necklace sits low enough to work with closed, collared, and sweetheart necklines as easily as open ones
- Unlike a long necklace, which can visually elongate past the point a simpler outfit calls for, a short necklace stays close enough to the collarbone to read as balanced across most proportions without needing a specific neckline to justify it
- It transitions easily from daytime to evening, and from casual to slightly formal, without needing to be swapped out the way a more occasion-specific length might
Choosing Within the Range by Neck and Body Proportion
The 14 to 18 inch range isn't one-size-fits-all — where you land within it can be adjusted based on proportion:
- Shorter or fuller necks generally suit the longer end of the range, closer to 18 inches, since a shorter length can feel crowded rather than balanced
- Longer necks can comfortably wear the shorter end of the range, closer to 14 to 15 inches, or even move into choker territory without feeling tight
- Broader shoulders tend to look more balanced with a piece that sits slightly lower within the range, rather than the very shortest option
None of this is a strict rule — it's a starting point for understanding why the same "short necklace" label can feel different on two different people, and a reasonable way to decide where to start if you're unsure.
Positioning a Pendant at This Length
If the piece includes a pendant, positioning matters as much as the base chain length. For the cleanest look, the pendant should rest with its base at the natural intersection of the collarbones, rather than sitting noticeably above or below it. This is part of why two pendant necklaces at the same stated chain length can look different once worn — the pendant's own size and drop shift where the visual weight actually lands.
Styling and Occasion
A short necklace's versatility means it doesn't require the same occasion-specific planning that a choker or long necklace often does — it works as a daily default, a layering anchor, or a simple finishing piece for most outfits without much extra thought. For the fuller breakdown of styles and pairing options within this length, see our short necklaces collection.
FAQs
What length is considered a short necklace? Generally 14 to 18 inches, sitting at or just above the collarbone — longer than a choker but well above the length of a long necklace.
Is "princess length" the same as a short necklace? Essentially yes — princess length, typically 17 to 19 inches, sits within the short necklace range and describes the same general category using different traditional terminology.
Why is a short necklace considered the most versatile length? It works across a wider range of necklines than a choker (which needs open space) or a long necklace (which can look disproportionate on simpler outfits), making it the easiest length to wear without planning around a specific outfit.
Should I choose a shorter or longer length within the 14 to 18 inch range? Shorter or fuller necks generally suit the longer end (closer to 18 inches), while longer necks can comfortably wear the shorter end (closer to 14 inches) or even a choker length.
Where should a pendant sit on a short necklace? Ideally with its base resting at the natural intersection of the collarbones, rather than noticeably above or below it, for the most balanced look.
Is a short necklace a good gift if I don't know someone's exact preferences? Yes — its versatility across necklines and occasions makes it one of the safer necklace lengths to choose without detailed knowledge of the recipient's specific style.
Explore the full range in our short necklaces collection at Mine of Design.
