Have you ever tried on a pair of earrings that looked stunning in the shop, only to feel they were not quite right on you? Very often the reason is shape. Earrings and necklaces sit right next to your face, so they either echo its lines or balance them. Once you know your face shape, choosing jewellery becomes much easier.
First, find your face shape
Pull your hair back, look straight into a mirror and notice three things: the widest part of your face, the shape of your jaw and the length of your face compared with its width.
- Oval: slightly longer than wide, with a gently rounded jaw.
- Round: about as wide as it is long, with soft cheeks and jaw.
- Square: a strong, angular jaw and a forehead about as wide as the jaw.
- Heart: a wider forehead and cheekbones, narrowing to a pointed chin.
- Long or rectangular: noticeably longer than wide, with fairly straight sides.
Oval faces
Lucky you: almost everything works. Studs, hoops, danglers and statement pieces all suit an oval face. Use the freedom to experiment with bold shapes like emerald-cut drops or a toi et moi ring that becomes a talking point.
Round faces
The goal is to add length. Long drop earrings, linear danglers and pendants on longer chains draw the eye downward. Angular shapes such as emerald cuts and marquise drops add definition. Large round hoops and big cluster studs can make a round face look wider, so keep those for occasional wear.
Square faces
Soft, curved shapes balance a strong jaw. Think round or oval studs, hoops, teardrop and pear-shaped danglers, and pendants with rounded outlines. Very geometric earrings that end at the jawline can make the jaw look heavier.
Heart-shaped faces
Add a little width near the chin. Earrings that are narrow at the top and fuller at the bottom, like chandelier styles or pear drops, are ideal. A short pendant or a delicate choker also balances a wider forehead.
Long faces
Go wide rather than long. Studs, clusters, short drops and hoops add width at the sides of the face. Chokers and shorter necklaces help too. Very long danglers can exaggerate length, so save them for an evening look with your hair down.
A few tips that work for everyone
- Consider your neckline. V-necks love pendants; high necks love statement earrings.
- Think about your hairstyle. Hair up shows off longer earrings; hair down suits studs and short drops.
- Do not overthink it. These are guidelines, not rules. If a piece makes you feel wonderful, wear it.
Explore our earrings and neck pieces, or ask us to design something made just for you.
