Septum clickers and facial jewelry are the finishing touch to a complete gothic aesthetic. But unlike necklaces and earrings, facial jewelry is highly personal—it needs to complement your face shape, coexist with other piercings, and work alongside your choker and neckline. This guide covers exactly which pieces suit different facial features, how to style them with your neck jewelry, and why investing in quality materials matters for pieces worn on your face.
Why Facial Jewelry Completes Your Gothic Look
Most people focus on neck and hand jewelry but forget about facial pieces. Yet a well-chosen septum clicker, nose ring, or facial pendant can tie an entire gothic outfit together. It catches light, frames your face, and shows that you've thought about your style head-to-toe.
In short: Facial jewelry is personal styling—it must suit your face shape and coexist harmoniously with your other pieces.
Understanding Septum Clickers and Nose Rings
Septum Clickers
Ornate pieces that sit in the septum piercing (the soft tissue between your nostrils). These are usually larger and more decorative than simple nose rings.- Oxidised silver clickers: Moody and editorial. Pair with black velvet chokers.
- Black enamel clickers: Modern gothic. Work with contemporary outfits.
- Crystal or gemstone clickers: A touch of luxury. Black onyx or dark amethyst feels intentional.
- Minimalist clickers: Single line or simple design. Best for professional settings or everyday wear.
Nose Rings (Hoops and Huggies)
Simple rings worn through the nostril. These are more versatile and work with any aesthetic from minimalist to theatrical.- Thin silver hoops: Elegant and understated.
- Thick gold or rose gold hoops: Less gothic standard but can work in certain contexts.
- Seamless/continuous hoops: Modern and clean-looking.
- Ornate nose rings with charms: More decorative and statement-making. Similar to how blue star of david earrings work as statement pieces.
Nostril Studs and L-Shaped Pieces
Small decorative pieces worn on the side of the nostril. These are subtle and work beautifully with other facial jewelry.- Black diamond studs: Sophisticated and expensive-looking.
- Tiny gemstone studs: Dark purple, black, or deep blue. Similar aesthetic to layered moon and pentagram pendants.
- Simple metal studs: Silver or oxidised silver, barely visible but clearly intentional.
Facial Jewelry and Face Shape
Your face shape affects how large and ornate your facial jewelry should be.
Round Faces
Elongated jewelry pieces that create vertical lines work best. Avoid very wide clickers that emphasize width.- Best choices: Tall septum clickers with downward-hanging elements, longer nose rings
- Avoid: Very wide, flat clickers
- Pro tip: Hanging charms draw the eye downward, creating a lengthening effect. The same principle applies to layered necklace sets.
Oval Faces
The most versatile face shape. Almost any facial jewelry works. You can go bold.- Best choices: Any size or style
- Pro tip: You're lucky—use this freedom to experiment.
Square Faces
Soften sharp angles with rounded or decorative clickers.- Best choices: Curved clickers, ones with dangling elements
- Avoid: Very geometric, angular designs that echo your face shape
- Pro tip: Ornate details soften the overall look.
Heart-Shaped Faces
These have a wider forehead and narrower chin. Balance by choosing clickers that don't overwhelm the center of the face.- Best choices: Moderate-sized clickers, nose rings that draw attention downward
- Avoid: Overly tall or wide pieces
- Pro tip: Simple elegance works better than theatrical pieces.
Long/Oblong Faces
Horizontal elements work better than vertical ones.- Best choices: Wider clickers, or pairing a clicker with nostril studs on both sides (adds width)
- Avoid: Very tall, thin clickers that emphasize length
- Pro tip: Balance height with width in your choices.
Styling Facial Jewelry with Neck Jewelry
Your facial and neck jewelry must coexist harmoniously. They're parts of one cohesive look.
The Color Coordination Rule
If your septum clicker is oxidised silver, your neck jewelry should also be oxidised or dark silver—not bright polished. If your clicker is black, pair it with black velvet or dark lace at the neck. This creates visual unity.The Simplicity Principle
When wearing ornate facial jewelry (like an intricate septum clicker), keep your neck jewelry simpler. Conversely, if you wear a simple clicker, you can layer more complex neck pieces.Think of it like an equation: Ornate face + complex neck = visual chaos. Ornate face + simple neck = intentional and striking. Simple face + complex neck = balanced.
The Rule of Odd Elements
Just like with necklace layering, aim for visual balance. If you're wearing:- Simple nose ring + ornate choker: Simple chain at neck
- Ornate septum clicker + nostril studs: Single simple chain or velvet choker
- Multiple facial piercings styled: Keep neck jewelry minimal
Clicker Style Matching
If your septum clicker features crystals, your neck jewelry can include crystals too. If it's all metal, keep neck jewelry metal-forward. This creates a theme rather than randomness.Material Quality and Durability
Facial piercings touch your face constantly—the material quality directly affects your skin health and comfort.
Best Materials for Facial Piercings
- Surgical steel: Durable, affordable, low-allergy risk.
- Titanium: Hypoallergenic, doesn't corrode, best for sensitive skin.
- Solid sterling silver or oxidised silver: Works if it's quality (real, not plated).
- Gold: If it's solid (14k or higher) and nickel-free, it works—but real gold is expensive.
Avoid These Materials
- Plated metals: The plating wears off quickly.
- Cheap costume jewelry metals: They contain nickel and can cause reactions.
- Unknown alloys: If you don't know what it is, it's not safe for facial piercings.
Styling Facial Jewelry for Different Occasions
Everyday Wear
Single nose ring or minimal clicker. Understated and professional.Professional/Workplace Settings
If your workplace allows piercings: simple studs, thin nose ring, or very minimal clicker (oxidised silver, no charms).Evening and Events
Go bolder. Ornate clickers, multiple facial piercings styled together, gemstone pieces.Festivals and Creative Events
Maximum facial jewelry. Wear all your piercings, add charms, go theatrical if you want.Casual/At Home
Whatever feels good. No rules here.FAQ: Facial Jewelry Questions
Q: Can I wear a septum clicker with a high choker? A: Absolutely. In fact, they complement each other. A high choker draws attention upward, and facial jewelry draws it downward—they create visual balance.
Q: What if I don't have my septum pierced but want to wear a clicker? A: You can't wear a traditional septum clicker without the piercing. But magnetic or clip-on nose rings exist (though they're not ideal for long-term wear). Best option: get the piercing if you love the look.
Q: Should my septum clicker match my other jewelry? A: Not necessarily by metal type, but yes by vibe. If your aesthetic is oxidised silver and black, your clicker should fit that palette. If it's bright and minimalist, choose accordingly.
Q: How often should I clean my septum clicker? A: Daily if it's new. Once healed, clean it 2-3 times a week. Use saline solution or antibacterial soap (gently).
Q: Can I layer facial piercings like I layer necklaces? A: Yes, but more conservatively. Two piercings (septum + nostril stud, for example) read as balanced. Three or more start to look busy unless you're being intentional about a theatrical look.
Q: What if my face is sensitive to metals? A: Titanium is your best bet. It's hypoallergenic and won't cause reactions even on sensitive skin.
Q: Are fake septum clickers (clip-on) worth it? A: Not really. They don't stay in place, feel uncomfortable, and look obviously fake up close. Better to invest in a real piercing if you want the look.
Facial jewelry is where gothic styling becomes truly personal. There's no "right" way—only what works for your face, your piercings, and your aesthetic. Start simple, invest in quality, and let your facial jewelry tell part of your story.
Nightshade Creations is a handmade gothic and alternative jewelry brand based in Israel. Each piece is crafted by hand and ships worldwide. Browse the full collection at nightshade-jewelry.com.