When
you are making jewelry for yourself, you can try it on to determine the
best length.
But, when creating jewelry and accessories for other people, there are standard
lengths to use as a guide.
Standard
jewelry lengths are:
Choker: 15-16"
Princess necklace: 18-20"
Matinee necklace: 23-27"
Bracelet: 7"
Anklet: 9-10"
Standard necklace lengths can also give you
an idea of what type of neckline would look best. Princess-length necklaces
work with a variety of necklines, including scoop, V and boat neck. Matinee-length
necklaces look good with turtlenecks and button-downs.
Use a
bead board to help determine the length of a design as you’re beading.
A bead board also lets you see what a design will look like before you
string it. That way you don't have to re-string the entire design if you
find out that you don't have enough beads to complete the pattern you
have in mind.
Use the measurements on the outside of the bead board to determine (in
inches) how long a design in the outer channel will be. The numbers along
the inside indicate the length of a design in the inner channel in centimeters.
For example, a pattern that reaches 7 1/2 on both sides in the outer channel
would make a 15" necklace. Once you add a 1” clasp, the necklace
will be 16” long, which is standard length for a choker.
There are also standard lengths for other accessories, like eyeglass
chains and purse straps. Eyeglass chains are typically 22”-32”.
Purse straps range from 18” for a handbag to 32” for a shoulder
bag. A badge lanyard, like health workers and teachers often wear, is
typically 28-32” long.
For more information about necklines and necklace lengths, look for the
book 30-Minute Beading by Katie Hacker, published by Hot Off the Press.
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