Craft Gossip

Independent craft blog since 2007

You can’t please all diva’s

by

dontdrivetraffictome

CraftGossip.com prides itself on being up to date with all the latest craft news and gossip and as a result 1000’s of readers come to our site to find product reviews and links to great craft sites.

Our editors find gossip all over the internet and send our readers to these websites by writing a post which may feature images from their website. Credit is always given in the form of a very valuable link back to the originating website.

Occasionally you come across a website that has strict No Image Use policy and our editors abide by that rule when it is clearly visible.

Having your product featured on a website or having your website mentioned on another website is a great honor or at least we here are CraftGossip.com believe so. We love seeking out blogs and websites that have linked to us and enjoy reading peoples reviews of our websites and that is after 10 years of running a website. The novelty has not worn off. We love when people link to us and we love when people talk about our posts and projects.

So when blog and website owners come to us and demand their product or other images be removed despite giving them credit and linking to their website and driving 100’s if not more of craft readers to their website, then we oblige by deleting the whole post.

If you have a blog or website and don’t want people to use your images under any circumstances (even if it means 100’s of people visiting your site) then be sure to add a “Don’t Drive Traffic To Me” banner on your site.

We of course do not condone image or text stealing without credit and definitely do not condone image or text stealing without links.

We certainly will not link to those websites in this post as bad publicity is still good publicity and these websites don’t deserve any.

Comments

  2. I can understand certain sites or bloggers not wanting their ideas/images/etc posted with out first asking permission. If they are an established site with a high traffic volume already, they may be concerned that traffic is now seeing their content elsewhere. Thats the only reason I can think of that would cause distress if they are given full credit in the postings on this site. I don’t really mind myself, but I am just starting out and don’t have a high traffic volume, but I know SEO and linkbacks from a well established (and really good) site like this would benefit everyone, I would think.

  3. As my Mom likes to say “They are cuting off their noses to spite their faces!” What dummies.

    I would faint if I was featured and then I would blog about it!

  4. I fail to understand why anybody in their right mind would NOT want links back to their sites, as that only means driving greatly needed traffic to that particular site, but also can mean increased sales for the site owners. we at SewingBusiness.com LOVE your site and know you’ve put in a lot of effort to glean all the wonderful projects and information you provide.

    Thanks for all your hard work.

    Sarah J Doyle
    http://PatternsThatFitYou.com
    http://SewingBusiness.com blog

  5. With the rampant use of images on the internet today (even big name advertising agencies are taking photos with out credits or payment) the best way for website and blog owners to protect their images is to watermark them.

    By the way I would love your site to mention my tiny little blog so I would need a BIG sign that said “drive traffic to ME”

  6. I agree with what everyone has said here. Not only would it be fantastic to feature on a blog like this but I have lost count of the amount of blogs I have clicked through to and then started following because of a post on here. So many I would not have known about if it weren’t for you. And I have noticed that in many of your posts you link two or three times back to the original post AND the picture clicks back to them too.

    Their loss.

  7. i personally love all the links you do of mine! thanks for driving more traffic my way and giving me some new followers as well. appreciate it tons. -V

  8. I don’t get why they even HAVE a website if they 1) don’t want traffic to it and 2) are afraid their images/ideas are going to be copied.

    1) Links ARE the Internet. You only exist if someone links to you.

    2) If it’s on the Internet, someone is going to steal it. Get used to it. Be smart.

    Obviously these sites/companies/people just don’t have a clue about how the world works… let alone the Internet.

  10. Divas is the plural. You have used the possessive with that apostrophe and you don’t mean it. Please stop miseducating people. Many thanks.

  11. This is a tough call for me. Personally I would love it if my website were featured, not because I need more business but because I love to hear people brag about my product. At the same time I can understand people being possessive about their images. I think it isn’t really theft though if you are borrowing an image to feature their product and give them full credit and help boost their google rankings. You are essentially paying for the usage by posting a link back to them. You are correct that if they do not want their images taken for even spotlight blog articles then they need to post it clearly or have a blog policy in place. There is also simple HTML codes that they can put on their website to make right clicking difficult (but not impossible). Anyhow keep up the good works highlighting smart Divas who appreciate and bask in the glow of the spotlite!

  13. please, feel free to find my blog. write about my blog. link to my blog. link from my blog. you may take and use pictures of my husband, my dog, my dog’s husband and any knitted item i may have made. you may link to me to tell me you ain’t gonna link to me. i guarantee you this diva ain’t gonna complain.

    i’m just saying.

  15. So why are they posting stuff on the internet then! If they are that possessive of their images then they should set up their site to block any thing from being lifted off their sight. As long as credit is given where credit is due what is the big deal!

Have you read?

Necklace Length Guide For Handmade Jewelry Makers

Choosing the right necklace length can make a huge difference to how a handmade necklace looks and feels. You can use beautiful beads, the perfect clasp, and the prettiest pendant in the drawer, but if the necklace length is wrong, it may not sit the way you imagined.

This necklace length guide is designed for beginner jewelry makers who are making beaded necklaces, pendant necklaces, pearl necklaces, charm necklaces or layered jewelry at home. It covers the most common necklace lengths, where they usually sit, how to measure yourself, and how to adjust the length for different beads and pendants.

If you are new to handmade jewelry, you might also like this wire necklace tutorial or this DIY birthstone necklace.

Why Necklace Length Matters

Necklace length affects comfort, style and wearability.

A necklace that is too short may feel tight. A necklace that is too long may disappear under clothing or sit awkwardly with a pendant. A heavy beaded necklace may need a different length than a delicate chain.

When you are making jewelry by hand, you have the advantage of custom sizing. That means you can make a necklace that suits the wearer rather than relying on a standard shop-bought length.

And honestly, that is one of the nicest things about handmade jewelry. It can actually fit the person it is made for.

Standard Necklace Length Chart

Here is a simple guide to common necklace lengths for adults.

Necklace StyleApprox. LengthWhere It Usually Sits
Collar12–14 inchesHigh around the neck
Choker14–16 inchesClose to the base of the neck
Princess17–19 inchesAround the collarbone
Matinee20–24 inchesBelow the collarbone
Opera28–34 inchesLower on the chest
Rope36 inches or longerLong, layered or wrapped

These are general measurements. Body shape, neck size, clothing and bead size can all change where a necklace sits.

Collar Necklace Length

A collar necklace usually measures around 12 to 14 inches and sits high around the neck.

This length works best for:

  • delicate chain necklaces
  • tiny beads
  • layered chokers
  • formal styles
  • open necklines

Collar necklaces need to fit carefully because there is not much room for error. Always measure the wearer before making one.

If using beads, choose small beads that curve comfortably around the neck. Large beads can make a collar necklace feel too tight.

Choker Necklace Length

A choker is usually around 14 to 16 inches and sits close to the base of the neck.

Chokers are popular for:

  • simple bead strands
  • velvet ribbon necklaces
  • small pendants
  • pearl chokers
  • seed bead necklaces

For comfort, add a short extender chain if possible. This gives the wearer a little flexibility and makes the necklace easier to fit.

Chokers are lovely, but they are not very forgiving if the measurement is wrong. Measure first, bead second.

Princess Necklace Length

A princess necklace is usually around 17 to 19 inches and sits near the collarbone.

This is one of the most popular necklace lengths because it works with many outfits and styles. It is a good choice for beginner beaded necklaces because it is comfortable, versatile and easy to wear.

Princess length works well for:

  • simple beaded necklaces
  • birthstone necklaces
  • pearl necklaces
  • pendant necklaces
  • charm necklaces
  • everyday handmade jewelry

If you are not sure what length to make, an 18-inch necklace is often a safe starting point.

Matinee Necklace Length

A matinee necklace is usually around 20 to 24 inches and sits below the collarbone.

This length is lovely for:

  • larger beads
  • gemstone necklaces
  • layered jewelry
  • office outfits
  • longer pendant designs
  • statement bead necklaces

Matinee necklaces give a little more space for feature beads or a pendant. They can also be more comfortable for people who do not like necklaces sitting close to the neck.

Opera Necklace Length

An opera necklace is usually around 28 to 34 inches and sits lower on the chest.

Opera length necklaces work beautifully for:

  • long pearl strands
  • dramatic bead designs
  • evening jewelry
  • layered necklaces
  • slip-over styles without clasps

Because this length is longer, you may need more beads than expected. Check your bead count before you start, unless you enjoy the suspense of running out halfway through.

Rope Necklace Length

A rope necklace is usually 36 inches or longer.

This length can be worn long, doubled, knotted or layered. It works well with lightweight beads, pearls and chains.

Rope necklaces are very versatile, but they can be heavy if made with large glass or gemstone beads. For comfort, choose lighter materials or space heavier beads with chain.

How To Measure Necklace Length At Home

The easiest way to work out necklace length is to use a soft measuring tape.

Wrap the tape around the neck where you want the necklace to sit. Add extra length depending on the style and comfort level.

If you do not have a soft tape measure, use a piece of string or yarn, then measure it with a ruler.

When making a necklace for someone else, ask for their preferred necklace length if possible. If it is a surprise gift, choose a standard princess length or add an extender chain.

Remember To Include The Clasp

When measuring handmade necklaces, remember that the clasp, jump rings and extender chain add length.

For example, if you want an 18-inch finished necklace, the beaded section may need to be slightly shorter depending on your clasp.

Before crimping or finishing the necklace, lay the whole piece flat and measure from end to end.

This little step can save you from making a necklace that is accidentally longer than planned.

How Bead Size Affects Necklace Length

Large beads take up more space around the neck because they sit away from the body. This means a necklace made with large beads may feel shorter than the same length made with tiny seed beads.

If you are using chunky beads, add a little extra length for comfort.

As a rough guide:

  • tiny seed beads need little extra length
  • 4mm–6mm beads work well with standard lengths
  • 8mm–10mm beads may need extra length
  • large statement beads often need more room

This is especially important for chokers and collar necklaces.

How Pendant Size Affects Necklace Length

A pendant changes where the visual focus of the necklace sits.

Small pendants usually work well on 16 to 18-inch necklaces. Larger pendants often look better on 20 to 24-inch necklaces because they have more room to hang.

If the pendant is heavy, use strong chain, beading wire or cord. A delicate chain may not be suitable for a large pendant.

For more necklace inspiration, this DIY birthstone necklace is a good example of a simple pendant-style handmade necklace.

Best Necklace Lengths For Layering

Layered necklaces look best when each necklace has a clear gap between them.

Try this simple layering formula:

  • 16-inch choker
  • 18-inch princess necklace
  • 22-inch matinee necklace

Or:

  • 18-inch small pendant
  • 24-inch beaded necklace
  • 30-inch long chain

When layering handmade necklaces, vary the bead size, chain texture or pendant shape so the necklaces do not tangle as easily.

Best Necklace Length For Handmade Gifts

If you are making a necklace as a gift and do not know the wearer’s exact size, an 18-inch necklace with an extender chain is usually a practical option.

For handmade gifts, consider:

  • 18 inches for everyday necklaces
  • 20 inches for relaxed pendant necklaces
  • 24 inches for larger beads
  • adjustable cord for casual styles
  • extender chain for flexibility

A small extender chain is one of the easiest ways to make a handmade necklace more gift-friendly.

Necklace Length Tips For Different Necklines

Different tops suit different necklace lengths.

Crew Neck

Try longer necklaces, pendants or matinee lengths that sit below the neckline.

V-Neck

Try a pendant necklace that follows the V shape. Princess length often works well.

Scoop Neck

Try shorter necklaces, chokers or layered beads.

Button-Up Shirt

Try a princess necklace, small pendant or layered chain.

Turtleneck

Try longer matinee, opera or rope necklaces that sit over the fabric.

Of course, jewelry rules are really more like suggestions. If you love how something looks, wear it.

Common Necklace Length Mistakes

Forgetting The Clasp Length

Always measure the full necklace from end to end, including clasps and jump rings.

Making Chokers Too Tight

Chokers need comfort room. Add an extender chain if possible.

Using Large Beads Without Adding Extra Length

Large beads make necklaces feel shorter. Add extra length for comfort.

Not Checking Pendant Placement

A pendant may sit higher or lower than expected depending on the necklace length.

Guessing Gift Sizes

If unsure, choose a flexible length and add an extender chain.

Handmade Necklace Ideas By Length

16-Inch Necklace

Great for chokers, seed bead strands, tiny pearls and delicate charm necklaces.

18-Inch Necklace

Perfect for beginner beaded necklaces, birthstone necklaces and everyday pendants.

20–24-Inch Necklace

Lovely for gemstone beads, larger pendants and relaxed handmade jewelry.

30-Inch Necklace

Great for long bead strands, slip-over necklaces and boho-style designs.

36-Inch Necklace

Ideal for rope necklaces, layering, knotting or wrapping.

More Jewelry Making Ideas

Once you understand necklace lengths, your handmade jewelry will fit better and look more intentional. Try making a simple beaded necklace, then use leftover beads to create matching earrings or a bracelet.

For more beginner jewelry inspiration, see this easy silk thread earrings tutorial, this wire necklace tutorial, and this DIY wrap jewelry project.

A good necklace length guide is one of those practical references worth keeping nearby. It helps you make handmade jewelry that not only looks pretty on the table, but actually sits beautifully when worn.