Decided to invest in a pair of classic pearl earrings to wear for years to come and need some inspiration? Or perhaps you’re looking for a specific set of pearl earrings to elevate your favourite outfit? Whatever your shopping intention, your face shape is an important factor to consider.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the best pearl earrings for round, square, rectangle, oval, heart and diamond faces – plus how to determine which face shape you have. You’ll be able to pick a design that enhances your natural beauty, and which you can cherish for years to come.
Establishing your face shape
Before choosing the right pearl earrings for your face, you need to know what shape you have.
The six main face shapes are:
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Round
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Square
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Rectangle
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Diamond
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Heart
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Oval
You can determine your face shape by taking the measurements of your forehead, cheekbones, jawline and face length.
Note which measurement of these is the largest – then check the guide below…
Round faces
Round faces have soft features (especially the jawline) but a wide hairline. Evenly proportioned, the cheekbones of round faces are the widest part of the face, and the forehead and jawline are around the same width.
Square faces
Square faces are distinguished by wide hairlines and strong, angular jawlines. As long as they are wide, the forehead, cheekbones, and jawline of a square face should all measure roughly the same.
Rectangular faces
Also known as oblong, rectangular faces have soft jawlines. Longer than they are wide, the forehead, cheeks, and jawline of a rectangular face typically come to the same width.
Diamond faces
With diamond faces, the face length is the largest measurement, followed by the cheekbones. The jawline is smallest on diamond faces, which have high cheekbones, a narrow forehead and a distinctly pointed chin.
Heart faces
Heart faces have less pointed chins than diamond faces, but the chin is still likely to be narrow (like the point of a heart). The cheekbones are widest on a heart-shaped face.
Oval faces
Oval faces are typically longer than they are wide, and the forehead is the broadest feature of all. Both the jawline and chin of oval faces are usually round.
Choosing the right pearl earrings for your face shape – a how-to guide
Pearl drops or angular earrings for round faces
Because round faces are perfectly proportioned in terms of face width and length, they can benefit from the elongation offered by pearl drop earrings.
A versatile design like our white freshwater pearl ‘build your own’ long drop earrings is a perfect way to add length to a round face. If white isn’t your colour, we have a similar design made from copper freshwater pearls.
Alternatively, angular pearl earrings like our black Tahitian pearl and amethyst ‘Gatsby’ earrings can juxtapose very well against the softer angles of round face shapes. Wear solo or with the matching pendant for evening attire.
Hoops or studs for square faces
Unlike round faces, square face shapes can benefit from the softening effect of circular, round pearl earring designs.
Pearl stud earrings effectively soften the facial contours of square faces. Choose a timeless design like our white Akoya pearl earrings on yellow gold, or embrace the darker tones of our black Tahitian pearl and diamond accent ‘tsarina’ studs.
Pearl hoop earrings are also excellent options for square face shapes. Our white freshwater pearl and gold-plated hoop earrings will take you from morning brunch to evening drinks with ease.
Cuffs or hooks for rectangular faces
Similarly to square faces, when choosing pearl earrings for rectangular faces, you’re aiming to add width rather than length.
Rectangular face shapes are particularly flattered by pearl studs and pearl cuff earrings. Our black freshwater pearl ‘cuff’ studs add a contemporary twist on a classic look, and can be worn with a complementary black pearl necklace for an impactful evening look.
Pearl hook earrings will also work on rectangular faces because they have a shorter drop length. Our white freshwater pearl 18ct gold hook earrings will reflect the light to naturally enhance the radiance of the wearer.
Hoops or drops for diamond faces
The tapered chin and shorter foreheads of diamond faces mean that earrings that add width to these features are best. Soft, round designs are also best for diamond faces.
Small or medium pearl hoops can highlight the cheekbone area of diamond faces. A ‘huggie’ design like our large diamond pearl drop set is perfect, as is a pair like our black freshwater pearl ‘skinny hoop’ earrings.
A medium-length pearl drop design like our white freshwater and seed pearl drop earrings also helps to balance the distance between a diamond face’s forehead and chin.
Drops for heart faces
Pearl drop earrings are perfect for heart-shaped faces. They add width to the lower part of the face, balancing out the narrow chin whilst still subtly accentuating the cheekbones.
The round curves of a classic Coleman Douglas Pearls design like our black Tahitian pearl ‘tsarina’ white-drop earrings are ideal for heart-shaped faces.
Alternatively, a design like our black and grey freshwater pearl large drop earrings is perfect for adding width to the chin without overwhelming the features of a heart face shape. Other sets that work equally well include our white baroque freshwater pearl drop earrings.
Take your pick for oval faces
Oval faces have the best of all worlds, as they can wear almost any length of pearl earring.
A set of classic pearl hoop earrings will complement the symmetry of an oval face, whilst pearl drop earrings perfectly balance the distance between the chin and forehead.
Oval faces can also get away with wearing more abstract or geometric designs. Pair a design like our black freshwater pearl and rock crystal ‘twinkling light’ earrings with matching pearl necklace for an eye-catching double act inspired by the flashing lights of boats at sea.
Design the perfect pearl earrings for your face shape
Create a pair of bespoke pearl earrings perfectly matched to your face shape by booking a consultation with Coleman Douglas Pearls.
As pearl experts for over thirty years, we’ll bring our knowledge to help you craft a design that’s unique to both your personality and face shape.
