STYLE & BODY TYPE GUIDE
Earrings & Face Shapes: The Simple (and Fail-Notch) Guide
If there is no rigid rule in style, a few morphological landmarks help to choose
earrings that immediately highlight the face. Whether round, oval, square, heart-shaped
or rectangular, each face can gain harmony thanks to the right proportion
(size), the right line (shape) and the right texture (smooth, hammered, twisted).
In this guide, Ylume gives you a clear instruction manual, quick charts, look ideas, as well as
comfort and maintenance tips specific to the 18 k 3 μ champagne gold plating .
, and nickel-free, lead and cadmium-free. The result: soft light and everyday comfort.
Discover our selections: Creoles,
small curls,
and
ear rings.
Identify your face shape in 2 minutes
No one has a “perfectly” round or square face. The idea is simply to identify the
dominant trend to guide your choices. Have a mirror and an elastic band to tie your hair up
. Observe:
- Forehead : Broad, narrow or aligned with the cheekbones?
- Cheekbones : are they the widest part of the face?
- Jaws : rounded, marked, angular?
- Length : Does the face look longer than it is wide?
| Shape | Visual | Purpose of the loops |
|---|---|---|
| Round | Width ≈ length, soft angles, full cheeks | Lengthen and Stand |
| Oval | Balance, soft forehead and jaw, length > width | Emphasize without overloading (freedom) |
| Square | Marked jaw and forehead, visible | Rounding and softening |
| In the heart | Wide forehead/cheekbones, thin | Balancing the lower face |
| Rectangular/Elongated | Significantly longer than the width | Visually expand and create horizontality |
3 universal principles that do (almost) everything
- Proportion : The right diameter or length highlights without stealing the show. In hoop earrings,
the daily “sweet spot” is often between 20 and 30 mm ; in pendants, aim for the middle of the neck. - Line : angular faces gain softness with round/hammered shapes ;
the round faces are balanced with ovals, drops, pendulous. - Texture : smooth = minimal and easy to combine; twisted/hammered = more light and character.
Round face: lengthen without weighing down
The objective: to stand up. Look for lines that direct the eye from top to bottom and elongating proportions.
- Shapes : pendulous, drops, ovals, mini elongated hoop earrings.
- Sizes : 24–32 mm in hoop earrings, dangling to the middle of the neck.
- Textures : smooth (minimal) or hammered (soft light) so as not to visually widen.
- Avoid : very large, perfectly round and wide hoop earrings that accentuate the roundness.
Pair with a thin necklace (40–45 cm) to extend the vertical.
See the pendants.
Oval face: you can dare anything
Balanced by nature, the oval face accepts round and oval hoop earrings, graphic pendants and generous bullet points.
The key is the overall harmony with the outfit.
- Shapes : all. I love the twisted (light) and the hammered (solar spirit).
- Sizes : 20–34 mm daily; larger if the rest of the look is clean.
- Pro tip : vary the textures (smooth at the neck, hammered at the ears or the other way around).
Explore our 20–30mm gold-plated hoop earrings for the perfect go-to.
Square face: soften the angles
The forehead, cheekbones and jawline are aligned and angular, so we bet on rounded and flexible contours.
- Shapes : smooth or hammered round hoops, soft drops, rounded pendulous.
- Sizes : 24–32 mm for balance; beyond that if you have a refined hairstyle.
- Textures : organic hammering or light twist that breaks the rigor.
- Avoid : very sharp angles (severe geometric) near the face.
Tip: A 45–50 cm medallion necklace around the neck softens the whole by creating a round focal point.
Heart-shaped face: balance the lower face
The upper part of the face (forehead/cheekbones) is wider than the lower (thin chin). We try to bring visual volume to the bottom.
- Shapes : drops, soft V pendants, wider oval hoop earrings at the bottom.
- Sizes : 24–30 mm; length below lobe to mid-neck.
- Textures : mother-of-pearl (softness), hammered (friendly relief), avoid too fine tips on the chin.
Balance with mother-of-pearl drop pendants or thin ear cuffs on the opposite side to rhythm without overloading.
Rectangular/elongated face: visually enlarge
The challenge is to create a horizon : rounded shapes that are a little more “present” laterally.
- Shapes : hoop earrings 26 –34 mm wide, generous chips, shorter pendulous ones.
- Pruning : avoid very long pendants that accentuate verticality.
- Textures : twisted or hammered that spread the light on the sides.
Pair with a 40 –45cm necklace rather than 60cm so as not to make it any longer.
Hairstyles & necklines: the duo that changes everything
Hair
- Attached : allow more volume or length to the ears.
- Long loose : prefer 26–34 mm hoop earrings or visible pendants.
- Short / square : beautiful with mother-of-pearl drops or oval hoop earrings.
Necklines
- Round neck : classic hoop earrings + 45 cm necklace.
- Deep V : Dangling/drops that follow the line.
- Turtleneck : large hoop earrings or medium pendants, hair tied back.
- Shirt : oval 24–30 mm, minimal chic.
Gemstones & skin tone: choosing the right note
The finesse of the Ylume champagne color goes with all skin tones. The stones add an emotional nuance.
- Mother-of-pearl : milky softness, perfect on cream linen and light to medium skin.
- Onyx : chic contrast with black dresses, sublime dark and dark skin.
- Quartz : clarity and transparency, ideal for daytime.
- Labradorite : changing reflections, magical in natural light.
Find our earrings adorned with stones in the Natural Stones collection.
Size guide (diameters & lengths)
| Category | Recommended | Effect | Faces |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini hoop earrings / huggies | 12–18 mm | Discreet, perfect multi-piercings | All, ideal office/minimal |
| Medium | 20–30 mm | Versatile, balanced silhouette | Oval (all), round (ovals 24–30), square (rounds 24–30) |
| hoop earrings | 32–40 mm | Presence, statement | Oval, square (with clean hairstyle), rectangular (enlarge) |
| Short | up to under the lobe | Discrete | All (especially office) |
| pendulous | Mid-neck | Vertical, elegant | Round, Heart, Oval |
| Long | above the shoulder | Very statement | Oval, square (sparingly), avoid elongated rectangle |
Compose your loop set (3 pieces to do everything)
- Mini hoop earrings 16–18 mm : daily base, multi-piercing, comfort.
- Hoops 24–30 mm (smooth or hammered): maximum versatility.
- Medium pendants (drop/oval link): elegant verticality for evenings.
These three pieces cover 95% of situations and adapt to all face shapes with the adjustments mentioned above.
Explore hoop earrings and pendants.
7 Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
- Copy-paste trends without taking into account their morphology: adapt the size/shape.
- Load everything (XXL curls + imposing necklace + voluminous hairstyle): leave only one “star”.
- Ignore the hairstyle : long hair hides curls that are too small.
- Forget about comfort : weight and clasp are decisive for long-term wear.
- Neglect maintenance : water, perfume, rubbing wear out any gilding.
- Standardize textures : a smooth/hammered contrast brightens the face better.
- Do not test in motion : walk, smile, tie/untie your hair before buying.
Comfort & quality: what to check
- Weight : Ylume buckles are designed to be lightweight for extended wear.
- Clasp : Reliable “click” hinge, smooth shanks, secure end caps.
- Hypoallergenic : nickel, lead, cadmium free for sensitive skin.
- Gilding : 18k 3 μ gold plated, champagne hue, long-lasting shine.
Care & Longevity (18k Gold Plated 3 μ)
A few reflexes are enough to preserve the light of your curls.
- Remove before shower, pool, sea.
- Apply perfumes and treatments before putting them on.
- Store in a dry, separate pouch , away from rubbing.
- Clean with a soft chamois cloth , without abrasive products.
Discover our Gold-plated jewelry care page.
10 Looks Ideas for Every Face Shape
Oval
Blazer + 26 mm twisted hoop earrings + 45 cm medallion.
Black dress + smooth 34 mm hoop earrings + bare cuffs.
Square
White shirt + hammered round hoop earrings 24–28 mm .
Round neck sweater + mother-of-pearl drops + fine bangle.
Heart
Silky top + soft V dangling + semi-tied hair.
Straight dress + ovals 26 mm wider at the bottom.
Rectangular
Cardigan + hoop earrings 30 mm twisted (enlarge).
T-shirt + generous chips + necklace 40–45 cm.
All
Weekend: 16–18mm mini hoop earrings + extra buckles in accumulation.
Evening: medium pendants + medal 50–60 cm.
FAQ — Face Curls & Shapes
- I can’t identify my face shape. What to do?
- Trust the feeling : test 2–3 models (oval, round, pendulous). The mirror and photos in natural light are your best allies.
- What if I have a “mixed” face (e.g. oval-square)?
- It’s very common. Apply the 80/20 principle: take the recommendation of the prevailing trend, then adjust the size/texture to the desired style.
- Are Ylume curls suitable for sensitive skin?
- Yes, our jewelry is nickel, lead and cadmium free and 3 μ gold for a beautiful hold.
- Can I keep my curls on in the shower?
- We do not recommend it to preserve the shine of the gilding. Remove them before shower, pool and sea.
- What versatile size for a first pair?
- 24–28mm hoop earrings (smooth or lightly textured) work with most faces and outfits.
Ready to find the pair that lights you up?
Explore our selections of Creoles,
dangling,
small loops and
ear rings.
Compose a solar set with our medallions and
rushes.
