The Gatwards guide to choosing jewellery to suit your face shape

The best jewellery doesn’t just sparkle, but makes you sparkle too, promoting your best assets and natural beauty.

Choosing jewellery specifically designed to enhance your features is a great way of bringing that inner sparkle out. We previously looked at how to choose pieces that complement your skin tone; now we give you our guide to choosing jewellery to complement your face shape.

Determining your face shape

There are thousands of types of face shape but they can be generally divided into 5 categories: Round, oval, square, heart and long.

To determine your face shape, pull back you hair and look straight into a mirror. You may be able to tell from sight alone but if in doubt, fix some tracing paper to your mirror and draw the outline of your face shape. Compare the silhouette you have drawn to each of the shapes and see which one is the best match.

For round faces: Long, elegant lines

Long earrings are a great way of adding definition and enhancing the features of round faces, making your face appear more slender. We particularly love Sarah Ho’s dramatic Crop Circle Fringe Earrings – ideal for making a stylish statement.

Babette Wasserman’s silver entwine earrings are also a great choice for round faces. The angular detailing will bring out your cheekbones and create a strong, elegant look.

Keep it long with necklaces, too. Think simple and elegant, like Viventy’s Multicoloured Stone-set Silver Chain, for a slimming and sophisticated look.

For heart-shaped faces: Pear shapes and pearls

Chandelier and drop earrings that are wider at the bottom will really showcase your delicate chin and jawline.

Viventy’s sterling silver and quartz drop earrings are a great option for an evening out with their soft round shape working well with the fine features of heart shaped faces. For day wear, try Alyssa Smith’s Tweetie studs. Fun, flirty and very flattering.  

When it comes to necklaces, go for something short and round. A simple strand of pearls will really enhance the features of a heart-shaped face, as will chokers and short necklaces, such as Fope’s Flex’It Collar.

For square faces: chic circles

Square faces are characterised by a broad forehead and strong, defined jawline, with wide set cheekbones.

To stylishly set off a strong jawline, hoops are ideal. We love Sarah Ho’s hooped earrings. Her oversized Crop Circle Earrings have a fantastic softening effect while her Mari Rush Hoops are a fun and feminine way of framing the toned jawline of square faces.

Think long and round again when is comes to choosing necklaces. Babette Wasserman necklaces are a fantastic choice for square face. The Deco Pendant is a great day-to-night piece with a soft shape that complements defined features, while the long lines of the Link Necklace will showcase your toned face.

For long faces: Big, bold statements

Go big and bold statement earrings such as elaborate drop earrings or chandelier earrngs to add definition. They should be wider rather than long to draw attention to your cheekbones.

Sarah Ho’s Mari Splash Earrings are fantastic for oblong face and make a fun and stylish statement too. If you prefer your earrings a little smaller however, Nicole Barr’s Dreamcatcher Earrings are a softer, simpler option and equally as flattering. 

Similar to earrings, look for necklaces that feature short, wide shapes that will complement a delicate chin and forehead. Lalique’s Red Heart Pendant is a chic and sweet option while Babette Wasserman’s Chameleon Pendant is a great if you like a little sparkle.

For oval faces: Unique chic

It is said those with an oval face can wear anything, which makes you very lucky! With that in mind we recommend wearing something that really reflects your personality. Trollbeads are great for creating a truly individual look and Links of London’s jewellery and charms have been designed to lend themselves to being personalised.

Above all, whatever your face shape, have fun with your jewellery. If you wear what you love, your beauty will always shine through.