Before you decide to buy a necklace for yourself or as a gift, did you know that there are many things you have to consider before you make a final decision? You can have that unerring eye for picking out the perfect necklace for you or for your friend by considering certain factors.

1. Face shape – In the same way that your hair style is determined by the shape of your face, this can also guide you on knowing what type of necklace suits you best. The usual face types are round, oval, heart-shape, and square. Know your face type, and you can tell what kind of necklaces and pendants work for you.

Face a mirror, pull you hair away from your face, and by tracing the outline of your face, you can determine from the four types on which your face shape falls. If you have a round face, you know that you better stay away from necklaces with circular style, or pendants with large orbs or in round shapes, and the like.

2. Neck length - The shape and length of your neck helps you determine if a thick chain, a choker, a strand of pearls or precious stones, or others best fits your body type. Chunky necklaces look best on slender necks. On short necks, longer necklaces give it the extra length. People with thick necks should choose thin, delicate necklaces while small women should avoid large pendants or beads, which may look overpowering on their small frame..

3. Necklace length - To know the necklace length you should go for together with a good fit, measure the size of your neck. If you know your size, you will know what type to choose and order. Necklace lengths are usually standardised depending on type.

Short necklaces such as collars and chokers have lengths of 12 to 16 inches. Collars are shorter than chokers and wrap around your neck that have lengths of 12 to 14 inches. Chokers, which rests on your collarbone and enhances the neckline have lengths of 14 to 16 inches. Longer necklace lengths vary from the usual 17 inches up.

Pendants are best on necklaces with lengths of 17 to 19 inches and are called princess type necklaces. Necklaces that reach down to the chest that have length of 20 to 25 inches and are called matinee. Opera style necklaces have even longer lengths than that of a matinee at 28 to more than 30 inches. Other longer length necklaces are called lariat and ropes. Know all the type of necklaces and necklace lengths to better to choose the necklace that fits you.

4. Outfit - The kind of neckline and type of dress you wear should match the necklace you choose to wear. Matinee type of necklaces is best matched with business style clothing. For V-necks, scoop and boat necks, and ensembles, a strand of beads or pearls are better choices. Chokers flatter strapless gowns and straight necklines. Meanwhile, pendants are best shown off through V-necks and crew necks. Try and match your necklaces with the different outfit and dress styles you have, to know what matches best.