Earrings are one of the most personal pieces of jewellery you can wear — they sit right at your face, and the wrong choice can make even the most beautiful earring look slightly off. The good news: there are some straightforward principles that make choosing between drop and stud earrings much easier, especially when you factor in face shape.
Stud Earrings: What They Do
Studs sit at the lobe and don't move. They're clean, symmetric, and let the face speak for itself. They add a point of interest at the ear without changing the perceived shape of the face. For most face shapes, a well-chosen stud is the safest, most universally flattering choice.
OAK + EVE Studs Worth Knowing:
The Natalie Earrings — bold dome studs in gold or silver. A statement stud that has real presence without any movement. Perfect for square and oval faces. Shop the Natalie →
The Nina Bow Earrings — a delicate gold bow stud that sits elegantly at the lobe. Universally flattering. Shop the Nina →
Drop Earrings: What They Do
Drop earrings hang below the lobe and create vertical movement. They elongate the face and neck, which is flattering for some face shapes and less so for others. They also draw attention downward — toward the jaw and neck — which can either define or soften depending on your bone structure.
OAK + EVE Drops Worth Knowing:
The Arriana Drop Earrings — a breathtaking bridal drop earring with modern floral detail and freshwater pearls. For oval and heart-shaped faces especially. Shop the Arriana →
The Argyle Drop Earrings — a clean teardrop silhouette in gold filled. Elegant and elongating. Shop the Argyle →
The Kate Drop Earrings — a pearl drop in sterling silver. Delicate, feminine, and beautifully flattering on most face shapes. Shop the Kate →
By Face Shape
Oval: Lucky — both work. Medium drops and medium studs are equally flattering. Almost no wrong answer.
Round: Longer drops elongate. Avoid small circular studs that mirror the face shape. The Arriana or Argyle drops are excellent.
Square: Soft, rounded shapes soften angular jaws. Round studs (Natalie) or curved drops (Kate Drops) work well. Avoid very geometric drops that echo the jaw.
Heart: Wider shapes at the bottom of the face balance a narrower chin. Short drops or medium studs. The Argyle or Nina Bow work beautifully.
Long: Wider, shorter earrings add width. Studs and small hoops over long drops. The Natalie Studs or Diana Huggies are ideal.