When selecting jewellery, did you know that certain types of jewellery suit different types of face shapes better, depending on face size, features and complexion?
In fact, almost three quarters of surveyed jewellery enthusiasts said that they have avoided wearing certain types of jewellery due to believing that it didn’t suit their face shape. To help us understand more, Pandora UK’s jewellery expert, Emma Fox, reveals the six main face shapes and how to identify yours, plus which style of jewellery enhances each one best.
What face shape do I have?
There are six main face shapes: round, oval, heart, diamond, long, and square. You can easily work out which category yours falls into by following these simple steps:
- Firstly start by tying your hair up, so that you have a clear view of your face with no obstruction.
- Then draw around your face shape in the mirror with an erasable pen so you can get a clear view of the outline of your face. If you don’t have an erasable pen, ask someone to take a picture of you so you can compare your face shape to the images below.
- If you still feel unsure, you should use a tape measure to measure the different areas of your face. Measure your forehead width, cheekbone width, jawline width and face length then find the face shape below that best describes you.
Oval face shape
An oval face shape can be recognised by a forehead that is slightly wider than the chin, with prominent cheekbones. The face length is slightly longer than it is wide with a soft, unpronounced jawline creating a balanced, symmetrical appearance. This shape is often considered one of the most versatile for jewellery styling.
Emma said: “Oval face shapes are perhaps the most versatile in terms of styling jewellery, which means selecting jewellery for this face shape provides a lot of options. Oval’s lend themselves effortlessly to an array of earrings, such as, hoops, huggies, studs and even long drop earrings. However, I’d recommend avoiding earrings with too much of a drop, as oval faces are already quite long so opting for jewellery styles that don’t elongate the face any further is preferable, such as short necklaces, and earrings that fall just above the chin.”
We recommend: Pandora Sparkling Huggie Hoop Earrings and Organically Shaped Circle & Baroque Treated Freshwater Cultured Pearls Drop Earrings
Famous oval faces: Cameron Diaz and Bella Hadid
Round face shape
A round face shape is characterised by the face width and length being nearly equal giving it a circular appearance. The cheekbones are typically the widest part of the face and the jawline is soft and rounded with minimal angles.
“If you have a rounder face, you should choose jewellery that accentuates features such as your eyes and nose. As round faces tend to be on the wider spectrum, to add balance and create the illusion of elongating the face, long drop earrings or angular jewellery work nicely as they contrast with the round lines of the face.” Emma tells us.
We recommend: Pandora Treated Freshwater Cultured Pearl Drop Earrings and Organically V-shaped Open Hoop Earrings
Famous round faces: Selena Gomez and Mila Kunis
Long face shape
The main characteristic of a long face shape, also known as an oblong or rectangular face shape, is that the length is significantly greater than its width. The forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are all about the same width, giving the face a balanced but elongated appearance. The jawline is slightly rounded, and the hairline is often straight.
“This face shape typically has a more pronounced chin and elongated features, creating a sleek and refined look. Jewellery should be styled to detract from the length of the face and add width. Choose short, chunky necklaces or statement studs to give the illusion of a wider face.”
We recommend: Pandora Baroque Treated Freshwater Cultured Pearls T-Bar Collier Necklace and Sparkling Statement Halo Stud Earrings
Famous long faces: Sarah-Jessica Parker and Cher
Diamond face shape
A diamond face shape can be identified by a narrow forehead and jawline with prominent, wide cheekbones. The chin is pointed, and the overall face width is narrow compared to its length. The hairline tends to be narrower as well, adding to the distinct diamond-like contour of the face.
“For a diamond face shape, the best jewellery choices are those that help soften the natural angles of the face. Hoop earrings add contrast and soften the angular features, as well as pear drop earrings which add fullness to the lower part of the face. Shorter style or choker necklaces work well with this face shape as they broaden the appearance of the jaw.” Emma advices.
We recommend: Pandora Organically Shaped 42 mm Hoop Earrings and Sparkling Infinity Heart Collier Necklace
Famous diamond faces: Jennifer Lopez and Rihanna
Square face shape
A broad forehead, wide cheekbones, and a strong, angular jawline, all of which are about the same width, are typical features of those with a square shaped face. The jawline is prominent and sharply defined, often giving the face a more chiselled and structured appearance.
“As the length and width of a square shaped face are approximately equal, contributing to a balanced and symmetrical look with minimal curves, opt for jewellery that softens angles and lines, such as hoop earrings. To balance out a strong jawline, add length with longer necklaces and earrings that draw the attention of the eye up and down.”
We recommend: Pandora Open 65 mm Hoops and Organically Shaped Heart Pendant Necklace
Famous square faces: Kiera Knightley and Demi Moore
Heart face shape
A heart-shaped face consists of a wide forehead that tapers down to a narrow, pointed chin, resembling the shape of a heart. The cheekbones are prominent and typically the widest part of the face. This face shape often features a widow’s peak hairline, further emphasising the broader forehead.
“Use jewellery to help counter-balance the distinctive narrow chin of a heart-shaped face. Opt for pear-drop earrings that will complement this face shape perfectly, thanks to their wider bottom. Short, choker style necklaces will also add to the illusion of a wider jawline.”
We recommend: Pandora Infinite Sterling Silver Lab-grown Diamond Drop Earrings and Sparkling Infinity Collier Necklace
Famous heart faces: Halle Berry and Sydney Sweeney
Pandora UK has the perfect selection of jewellery for every face shape available to shop online.