How to Wear Jewellery That Complements Your Face Shape

The right jewellery frames your features the way a great haircut does. It balances proportions, softens or sharpens where you want it to, and draws the eye to your best features. Use the guide below as a simple style map, then trust the mirror and choose what feels like you.

For easy, face-flattering options, explore thoughtfully designed pieces across Earrings and Necklaces. Pearls, in particular, act like soft light on the face; you can find modern silhouettes in the Pearl Collection.

Two Simple Principles

• Contrast: Angular features often love curved shapes; softer faces come alive with a hint of structure.
• Proportion: Match scale to your features. Delicate features shine with lighter pieces; stronger features handle mid-to-bold shapes with ease.

Find Your Face Shape

Stand in front of a mirror, pull your hair back, and trace your outline with your finger or a dry-wipe marker. Notice three things: the width of your forehead, cheekbones, and jaw; the length from forehead to chin; and whether your jaw is rounded or angular. Use the descriptions below as a reference point, not a rulebook.

Oval Face

Balanced proportions, slightly longer than wide; forehead gently rounded, jawline soft.

Why it’s easy: Oval faces work with almost every earring and necklace shape. Lean into variety and let the occasion guide your choices.

What flatters:

• Teardrop and wave earrings add movement without overwhelming.
• Hoops (small to medium) underline natural balance.
• Collarbone-grazing pendants echo your vertical line elegantly.

What to watch: Very long, narrow earrings can over-elongate if your hair and outfit are also sleek top-to-toe. Add a touch of width, clusters, hoops, or a pendant with presence—when needed.

Round Face

Cheekbones are the widest point; jaw and forehead are similar in width; length and width feel similar.

Goal: Create gentle length and definition.

What flatters:

• Drop earrings, slim teardrops, and vertical silhouettes to lengthen the face.
• Pendants that fall below the clavicle to draw the eye down.
• Angular details (faceting, marquise/oval shapes) to add structure.

What to watch: Very round studs and tight chokers can emphasise width. If you love studs, pick slightly elongated shapes (oval or marquise) or a cluster with subtle angles.

Square Face

Jawline is defined; forehead and jaw are similar widths; angles are pronounced.

Goal: Soften angles and add flow.

What flatters:

• Curved shapes: hoops, waves, and organic teardrops.
• Pearls and rounded stones to introduce softness and light.
• Pendants with curved edges; chains that sit at or just below the collarbone.

What to watch: Very square or rectangular earrings can echo the jawline too strongly. If you prefer geometric pieces, choose versions with rounded corners or movement.

Heart-Shaped Face

Wider forehead, high cheekbones, narrower or pointed chin.

Goal: Add visual balance lower on the face.

What flatters:

• Teardrops and tapered drops that add weight below the cheekbones.
• V-necklace shapes or pendants that echo a soft V.
• Small hoops or clusters that sit just below the lobe.

What to watch: Wide chokers can emphasise the upper face. If you love a close-fitting necklace, keep it minimal and pair with soft, elongated earrings.

Long (Oblong) Face

Face is longer than it is wide; features may be gently angular or softly tapered.

Goal: Add width and light, and avoid extra vertical pull.

What flatters:

• Studs, medium hoops, and clustered drops to broaden the visual line.
• Shorter or layered necklaces that sit at the collarbone.
• Textured or multi-stone designs that create horizontal interest.

What to watch: Very long linear earrings and deep lariats can over-elongate. Save them for looks with volume at the shoulders (blazers, puff sleeves) to balance the effect.

Diamond Face

Cheekbones are widest; forehead and jawline are narrower; chin is often delicate.

Goal: Soften the cheekbone width and add balance at the jawline.

What flatters:

• Curved earrings with movement (teardrops, waves) to soften width.
• Necklaces that sit just below the collarbone to draw the eye down.
• Hoops that aren’t too large, aim for gentle breadth, not drama.

What to watch: Very angular or sharply faceted oversized earrings can highlight cheekbone width. Choose softer edges or mixed textures instead.

How Necklines Change the Picture

• V-necks and wrap fronts: Echo the V with a pendant. It elongates the neck and feels polished.
• Crew necks: Short to mid-length necklaces, pearls, or a curved pendant bring light and definition.
• Button-downs: A pendant that rests between the lapels is tidy; when the collar is closed, let earrings lead.
• High necks/rollnecks: Skip long chains if you have a long or oval face; choose studs, pearls, or mid-drop earrings.

Choosing the Right Scale

Scale is the quiet hero of face-flattering jewellery. If your features are fine, slim nose, delicate jawline, start with lighter pieces for daytime and step up one size for evenings. If your features are strong, defined jaw, high cheekbones, mid to bold sizes read harmonious and intentional. When in doubt, let one area lead: if earrings are statement, keep the necklace quiet, and vice versa.

Pearls: Natural Face-Light

Pearls soften angles, brighten the complexion, and pair effortlessly with tailored shirts and knitwear. Studs add a pinpoint of light; short drops bring movement without lengthening the face too far. For modern silhouettes that still feel timeless, browse the Pearl Collection linked above.

Colour and Contrast

Colour also shapes perception. Deep stones (onyx, navy, forest green) add definition and structure; light or luminous stones (pearls, frosted quartz, aquamarine) lift and soften. If your face shape is angular, lean into rounded stones or luminous finishes. If your face shape is soft, add a touch of contrast with faceted or geometric details.

Hair, Glasses, and Makeup

• Hair length: Short hair or up-dos can handle bolder earrings; long hair may hide small studs, choose drops that peek through.
• Glasses: Keep shapes complementary. Angular frames pair well with rounded earrings; round frames benefit from a little structure.
• Makeup: A strong lip teams beautifully with simple pearl studs; natural makeup can carry a richer gemstone tone without feeling heavy.

Comfort: The Piece You Forget You’re Wearing

Lightweight hooks, smooth clasps, and balanced drops are worth seeking out. If a piece feels good, you’ll reach for it more often, and that’s the real secret to polished style.

Quick Reference: Earring Shapes by Face

• Oval: Almost everything; try teardrops, waves, and medium hoops.
• Round: Drops, teardrops, slim ovals; avoid tight circles near the face.
• Square: Hoops, waves, pearls; minimise sharp corners.
• Heart: Teardrops, tapered drops, soft V pendants.
• Long: Studs, clusters, medium hoops; shorter necklaces.
• Diamond: Curved drops, modest hoops, collarbone pendants.

Care for Lasting Glow

• Put jewellery on last; take it off first.
• Wipe gently with a soft cloth after wear; store pieces separately.
• Avoid perfumes and hairspray directly on stones or pearls.

The best test is simple: if your eyes and smile are the first things you notice in the mirror, your jewellery is doing exactly what it should, framing your face beautifully and feeling like you.