There are many factors that affect which jewellery you choose to wear. From your outfit and the occasion, to your body shape and skin tone, there’s a lot to think about.
As you’ve probably guessed by now, in this post we’re going to focus on how to pick the best jewellery for your face shape.
What different face shapes are there?
Of course, we’re all unique in our own ways and no two face shapes are exactly identical. However, the general outline of your face can usually be described as one of the following shapes:
- Oval
- Round
- Square
- Rectangular
- Pear shaped or triangular
- Heart shaped
How to figure out your face shape
Don’t know which face shape you have? Don’t worry, you can easily work it out.
Here’s what to do:
- Pull all your hair back away from your face
- Use tracing paper and draw around the outline of your face in a mirror
- Look at the shape that’s on the paper
- The shape that closely resembles the shapes above is your face shape
If you have no tracing paper to hand, here’s another method:
- Pull all your hair back away from your face
- Get someone to take a photograph of you
- Either print the photo or put it into a piece of editing software, and draw around the outline of your face
- The shape that closely resembles the shapes above is your face shape
Now you’ve worked out your face shape, it’s time to find out which kind of jewellery best suits you.
The best jewellery to suit your face shape
Each of the different face shapes has its own characteristics, and your jewellery can accentuate these features. But what looks good on one person may not look right on another.
You can use your jewellery to make the best of your face shape, by showing of its best parts or by softening its harsher features. Here’s how to choose the best jewellery for your face.
Oval faces
An oval shaped face is widest at the top, around the forehead and temples. They are slightly longer than they are wide, leading down from the top to a curved chin. If you have an oval shaped face, it’s generally accepted that you can wear just about any kind of jewellery and look great.
However, a short or medium length earring that features an angular shape, such as a triangle, is a perfect option as it offsets the oval shape of the face. Pretty much any necklace will look good with an oval face shape, so you’re free to experiment. Try choosing a necklace that matches your neckline for an effortlessly stylish look.
Our jewellery picks for oval faces:
Oval is deemed by many people to be the ideal face shape, but other face shapes can be complimented perfectly with different styles of jewellery that highlight your best features and soften others.
Round faces
Perhaps the most similar face shape to the oval is a round face. The major difference between the two is that a round face is roughly as wide as it is long. The lines of a round face are soft and curved, with a rounded jawline.
For many women, the goal is to draw attention away from the roundness of the face to the features, such as eyes and nose.
To achieve this, large hoop or dangly drop earrings that extend down below the chin are perfect for softening the roundness of your face. A dainty necklace with a pointed pendant is also a good investment as it draws the eye down the neckline and has a slimming effect on the face.
Some jewellery options for round faces:
Square faces
A square face is characterised by its similar width from the top to the bottom. This means the forehead, cheeks and jawline are all roughly as wide as each other. A square face is also around the same width and height. The straight lines of a square face create an angular jawline.
The key to accessorising when you have a square shaped face is to soften these angles and lines. When choosing earrings, opt for large oval hoops or tear drop shapes which attract attention from the squareness of your face. Narrow chandelier style earrings can also have the same effect.
In terms of necklaces, try to avoid short choker styles as these cut off the neck and emphasise the squareness of your jaw. Try a longer necklace that falls into a U shape, such as a simple pearl necklace, as this can help to draw the eye down your neck and elongate the face. Alternatively, a chain with a curved pendant can work well.
Some jewellery picks to suit square faces:
Rectangular faces
A rectangular face is pretty similar to a square face in the it is the same width across the forehead, cheeks and chin. However, where a square face is a similar length to width, rectangular faces are longer than they are wide.
The best look with a rectangular face is to wear jewellery that plays down the length and angles of your face. To do this, choose a short necklace that sits high up your neck, and therefore doesn’t elongate your face any further. If you also have a long neck, a choker necklace is a great option. Bold, short statement necklaces are perfect for drawing attention down towards the neck.
Earrings can be used to soften the squareness of your cheeks and jawline. Opt for oval shaped earrings, small hooks or hoops. Try and avoid wearing dangle earrings that drop below the chin as this will accentuate the length of your face.
Some jewellery ideas for rectangular faces:
Pear shaped or triangular faces
A pear shaped face, sometimes referred to as a triangular face, is narrower at the forehead and brow, with a prominent jawline. The face tapers in at the cheekbones and at your temple.
The trick for picking jewellery to suit a pear shaped or triangular face is to choose items that soften the jawline. This is easily done by wearing a short necklace that has a soft curve in it.
You can bring balance to the face with a pair of earrings that are narrower at the bottom than at the top. A pair of studs that feature a narrow statement drop are also a great option, helping to soften the angles of your face.
Jewellery for pear/triangle shaped faces:
Heart shaped faces
A heart shaped face is pretty much opposite to the pear shape. They are widest at the forehead and cheeks, with the lines moving down and tapering to a sharper jawline and chin.
If you have a heart shaped face, you can bring balance by wearing jewellery that gives off the impression of a wider jawline, whilst also narrowing the forehead. In order to achieve this, try wearing a short, choker style necklace. The key here is to create a sense of fullness around the jawline and close to a chin, so a beaded necklace or one that features chunky stones is a great idea.
When it comes to earrings, again aim for something that offers additional width around the jawline. Tear drop shapes are perfect, as they naturally hang down and gradually get wider. Triangles can also have the same effect, but try to avoid small studs as these won’t help to widen the jawline or chin.
Jewellery picks for heart shaped faces:
How do you make the most of your face shape?
Have you ever considered how your jewellery can complement the shape of your face? Perhaps you have your own tips for choosing pieces based on face shapes – please share them by leaving a comment below.
And if you’re ready to start experimenting, follow some of our tips above and let us know how you get on!
