Pearl earrings are the one jeweled accessory that can take a look from everyday humdrum to super glamorous. This is because they frame your face. Objectively speaking, a pair of flattering pearl earrings can transform your entire appearance by complimenting your best features.
The truth, though, is that not all pearl earring styles suit everyone. This is because people have different face shapes, and even within these, there are variations and overlaps. However, finding the right pair of earrings for your face shape is an important first step to finding your perfect pearl earrings.
From left to right: Akoya Pearl Lucy Earrings, Freshwater Pearl Alana Earrings, Tahitian Suzanna Earrings, Pearls of Joy. Selena Gomez (Getty Images)
A round face shape is one where the width of the face is approximately the same as its length. People with a round face shape also have a rounded hairline, a softly contoured jawline and their face does not taper too much at the chin. For such face shapes, long, dangling pearl earrings or drop earrings that elongate the face, always look stylish. In addition, these earrings draw attention the eyes and make the cheekbones look more defined.
From left to right: Freshwater Pearl Tess Hoop Earrings, Golden South Sea Pearl Stud Earrings, Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Link Earrings, Pearls of Joy. Bella Hadid (John Nacion/Star Max)
An oval face shape is one where the width of the forehead is smaller than the width of the cheekbones. Additionally, the face narrows a little below the cheekbones and tapers to a rounded but defined chin. People with an oval face shape can carry just about any pearl earring style. Both pearl stud earrings as well as drop-shaped earrings look good on them. Chunkier pearl earrings draw attention to their cheekbones, while pearl hoop earrings make a delicate and alluring frame for an oval face shape.
From left to right: Akoya Pearl Luella Earrings, White South Sea Pearl Maeve Earrings, 11-12mm Tahitian Pearl Stud Earrings, Pearls of Joy. Kate Winslett, top right (Getty Images), Olivia Wilde, bottom left (Getty Images)
Square and rectangular face shapes are quite similar, except that rectangular faces are longer when compared to square. For both face shapes, the width of the forehead, cheekbones and jaw are essentially the same. Square and rectangular faces can also be distinguished by their defined cheekbones and jawlines. For both these face shapes, earrings with circular, round shapes help soften the facial contours. Pearl stud earrings or pearl clusters are always a great choice for these face shapes. Similarly, rectangular and square face shapes look very arresting when framed by hoop earrings. Another great choice for these face shapes are long, sleek, dangling earrings embellished with a large pearl, suspended at the end.
From left to right: Akoya Pearl Pamela Earrings, Freshwater Pearl Jasper Earrings, Freshwater Pearl and Diamond Piper Earrings, Pearls of Joy. Scarlett Johansson (Getty Images/thehairstyler.com)
The diamond or triangle face shape is characterized by high cheekbones that are wider than the chin. The jawline narrows below the cheekbones, and the chin is well-defined. For such face shapes, longer pearl earrings are the best. Slim pearl danglers or chandelier earrings with pearl accents, both bring out the beauty of this face shape.
From left to right: White South Sea Pearl Lina Earrings, Golden South Sea Pearl Mel Earrings, Freshwater Pearl Millie Earrings, Pearls of Joy. Kerry Washing, top middle (Getty Images), Zendaya, bottom right (Getty Images)
The heart shape face presents a forehead that is wider than the jawline and chin. In addition, this face type has a rounded hairline, sometimes defined by a V-shaped widow’s peak. On the whole, heart shaped faces are slightly longer than they are wider and have well contoured jawlines. For such faces, the best pearl earrings are drops. The elongated curves of drop earrings draw attention to the eyes and cheekbones, accentuating them subtly.
A great pair of pearl earrings can unequivocally make your look. This is because earrings frame your face and can be used to enhance your best features. Figuring out which earring style looks best on you is a process of trial and error. But it is a fun process since it allows you to discover not only what looks good on you but also your personal preferences as far as pearl earrings go. Once you have discovered the style that works best for you, looking chic and elegant follows almost effortlessly!
Featured Image: White South Sea Pearl Ryler Earrings, Pearls of Joy
Reema Farooqui is a content writer who loves pearls and pearl jewelry. You can find her on her website The Culture of Pearls or on Instagram at @thecultureofpearls