A necklace is the awkward case in jewellery packaging. A ring has one small dimension and a bracelet is a predictable loop, but a necklace can be a 16 inch choker or a 36 inch rope, and neither the chain nor the pendant alone decides the box. The presentation does.
Start with the chain length convention
The jewellery trade uses a set of length conventions that are worth knowing before you design anything:
| Name | Typical chain length | Presentation effect |
|---|---|---|
| Choker | about 14 to 16 in | Coils into a small footprint easily |
| Princess | about 17 to 19 in | The most common retail length, fits a standard pad box |
| Matinee | about 20 to 24 in | Needs a doubled coil or a longer box |
| Opera | about 28 to 36 in | Usually coiled in two or three loops |
These are industry conventions for the jewellery, not stock packaging sizes. They tell you which presentation is realistic before you spend time on a dieline.
Choose the presentation, then measure it
- Flat on a pad. The chain lies across a foam or card pad with the pendant centred. Footprint is generous, depth is shallow. Best for short chains and flat pendants.
- Coiled in a well. The chain coils into a recess and the pendant sits on top. Compact footprint, more depth. Best for longer chains.
- Suspended on a card. The chain hooks over a slotted card so the necklace hangs as worn. Tall footprint, shallow depth, strong retail presentation.
- Roll or pouch insert. The chain wraps a padded roll. Prevents tangling on long chains better than anything else.
Lay the actual necklace out in the chosen presentation, then measure the rectangle it occupies. That rectangle plus clearance is your internal length and width.
Depth belongs to the pendant
Measure the pendant at its thickest point, including any bail or setting that stands proud. Add the pad or insert thickness beneath it. That total, plus a small clearance so the lid does not press on the stone, is your internal depth. A chain contributes almost nothing to depth unless it is a heavy link.
Structure and finish
Most necklace boxes are rigid: a greyboard core wrapped in printed paper or covered in a textured material, with a foam pad inside. Rigid holds a crisp edge, takes foil cleanly and feels like the product it holds. Folding cartons work for lighter retail price points and ship flat, which saves storage. Magnetic closure and shoulder box formats both suit longer chains because they open wide.
Ordering
Minimum order is 100 boxes, and pricing starts from about $0.48 per unit at bulk volumes, confirmed on your written quote. The die and plates, design support, US shipping and a digital proof before anything prints are included, which is why a box drawn to your chain length and pendant costs no more to tool than a near-standard size. Turnaround is quoted per product in three lanes: rush with expedited production plus air freight, standard by air, and cost saver by sea, from about 7 business days, plus 2 to 5 for delivery. Specialty imported items can run up to about 12 weeks. The work is made in West Chicago and in Guangzhou.
If you would rather work from your product range than from a procedure, see what size necklace box do I need. To order, go to custom necklace boxes. Send your chain lengths, pendant thickness and chosen presentation to request a quote.
