How to choose the ideal length and thickness of the chain

The right choice of chain length and thickness determines how elegant your cleavage will look. Each length creates a different visual impression and suits different occasions.

Standard lengths of women's gold chains and their effect

• The choker (35-40 cm) is the shortest version, worn tightly around the neck. This length is ideal for evening occasions and creates a dramatic effect that visually elongates the neck. The choker will particularly stand out in dresses with a wide or deep neckline. Finer chains are suitable for this length and do not appear too massive.
• Princess (42-48 cm) is one of the most versatile lengths. The chain in this length ends just below the collarbones and flatters most types of necklines. It is an ideal choice for everyday wear and formal occasions. This length allows for combination with medium sized pendants and will stand out with most chain designs.
• The matinee (50-60 cm) allows the chain to rest at breast level. This length is practical for layering with other jewellery and suits necklines of all types. Longer chains in this category are ideal for statement pendants or as stand-alone design pieces.
• Opera (70-90 cm) creates an elegant, dramatic effect suitable for evening events. Long chains can be worn individually to create a sophisticated line or doubled for a richer, layered look. This length is also practical for combining with other necklaces of different lengths.

Chain thickness: From thin lines to bold pieces

• Fine chains (0.5-1.5 mm)

Fine gold chains represent the pinnacle of subtle elegance. Their thin lines are ideal for everyday wear, especially in an office environment or on formal occasions where you prefer understated luxury. These chains are usually made in designs such as anker, snake or armour with very fine links.

Fine white gold chains stand out for their modern aesthetic and complement business outfits perfectly. Their minimalist design allows them to be combined with other fine jewellery without overwhelming the overall look.

• Medium thickness (1.5-3 mm)

Medium thickness chains offer the perfect balance between elegance and distinction. They are sturdy enough not to be twisted, yet maintain a sophisticated look. This category is ideal for wearing with medium-sized pendants or as a stand-alone piece of jewelry to accentuate cleavage.

More intricate chain designs such as figaro or valis stand out in this weight range, where the detailed workmanship of each link shows through. The medium thickness also allows for a better presentation of the different gold finishes - from highly polished surfaces to matte textures.

• Distinctive chains (3+ mm)

More substantial chains are for women who are not afraid to be the centre of attention. These pieces serve as a dominant piece of jewelry and often eliminate the need for additional accessories in the neckline. Bold chains are ideal for evening events, formal occasions or as investment pieces with high artistic value.

With wider chains, the craftsmanship of the individual links and the ability to experiment with combinations of different gold colours or interesting finishes are on full display.

How materials affect the style of the chain

• Yellow gold

Women's yellow gold chains represent timeless elegance. The warm shade of yellow gold flatters all skin types and creates a beautiful contrast, especially with darker garments. With yellow gold, all thicknesses stand out - from the finest threads to massive designer pieces.

This material is ideal for women who appreciate classic beauty and traditional jewellery craftsmanship.

• White gold

White gold chains appeal to lovers of contemporary aesthetics. The cooler tone of this material will stand out especially in finer and medium weights, where its pure, minimalist beauty will come through. White gold is electroplated with rhodium, giving it a characteristic silver sheen and exceptional resistance to wear.

• Rose gold

Rose gold chains bring a romantic touch to the world of jewellery. The delicate pink hue of this material is created by adding copper to a gold alloy and has enjoyed a significant renaissance in recent years. Rose gold stands out especially in finer to medium thicknesses, where its delicate colour can be fully expressed.

How to combine chains with pendants

If you plan to wear a gold chain with a pendant, the thickness must match the weight and size of the pendant. Delicate pendants such as initials or small symbols require a fine chain 0.5-1.5 mm thick. Medium pendants need a chain 1.5-3 mm thick, while bold or heavy pendants require a sturdier chain 3 mm or more.

The length of the chain should correspond with the size of the pendant - smaller pendants will stand out on shorter chains, while larger pieces need a longer chain for proper proportion.

How to layer chains

The modern trend is to combine several chains of different lengths and thicknesses. When layering, start with the shortest and finest chain and gradually add longer and thicker pieces.

TIP: A combination of 2-4 chains with shortening lengths of 5-10 cm is ideal.

When layering, keep the material uniform - only combine chains of the same type of gold for a harmonious overall impression.

Practical considerations when choosing a neck chain

When choosing a neck chain, also take into account the practical aspects of everyday wear. Very delicate chains can be more fragile and require more careful handling. Conversely, pieces that are too chunky may be uncomfortable when worn for long periods of time or may become tangled in hair or clothing.

• The quality of the clasp is another important factor. For luxury chains, expect precision-crafted carabiners or other types of clasps that ensure security and ease of putting on. The clasp should be proportional to the thickness of the chain - delicate chains have subtle clasps, while more massive pieces require sturdier mechanisms.
• Maintenance varies according to the thickness and pattern of the chain. Delicate chains require more careful cleaning, while more massive pieces can more easily withstand more thorough care. More complex designs with many links may require professional cleaning for optimal results.

Visit BENY boutiques in the centre of Prague

Choosing the ideal chain requires personal testing and a sense of proportion. At the exclusive BENY boutiques in the very centre of Prague, we offer the opportunity to browse fascinating collections of necklaces from prestigious international brands and our own Beny Jewellery collection. We look forward to your visit.