Hoop Earrings

Hoop earrings have been around for thousands of years, and are culturally and symbolically significant throughout all parts of the world.

In particular, hoop earrings once had great significance to Latino cultures. Worn by immigrants arriving from South America to Europe and North America, the hoop earrings were said to symbolise identity, strength, diversity and resistance to discrimination.

Today, hoop earrings are still regarded as symbols of strength, empowerment and international fashion and culture. Their complete circular shape is also said to signify wholeness, infinity and unity.

In times gone by, hoop earrings were also worn by Royalty to show their social status. While hoop earrings may not necessarily be regarded as a status symbol today, those who wear them are said to be making a bold, impactful, powerful and confident statement. Think of the many famous celebrities who are renowned for wearing hoop earrings, such as Jennifer Lopez, Michelle Obama and Christina Aguilera, and you'll realise that these women all fall under the powerful, strong and confident category.

Having been around for so many years, hoop earrings also symbolise timeless, ever-lasting longevity.

What makes hoop earrings eternally popular is that they are incredibly versatile, and work well with any kind of outfit, in almost all settings. But, if you've been lucky enough to receive or buy a pair of diamond hoop earrings, you may well wonder if the standard hoop earring rules still apply.

Diamond hoop earrings are better suited for special occasions rather than everyday wear. Because they are extremely elegant, they will add a touch of luxury to any outfit, so will be the perfect accompaniment if you're going out to dinner, visiting friends, attending a party or event, etc.

Of course, there are lots of different styles of diamond hoop earrings, so how you wear one pair may vary compared to another. 

Small, dainty diamond hoop earrings hug the earlobe and are discreet yet ooze elegance. These work well with lots of different outfits, face shapes and hairstyles and can happily combine with other diamond jewellery, even another pair of small earrings.

The larger the hoop diamond earrings, the more you may need to refine your look to ensure the earrings become the standout feature of your outfit. In particular, large diamond hoop earrings deserve to be seen, so these work best with updo hairstyles so they can command attention. Team with an elegant dress or a stylish tailored suit that shows you mean business, wherever you're heading.

Hoop earrings have a long and enduring history, dating back over 4,500 years, so there's no chance that this earring type is likely to go out of fashion anytime soon. This ensures that hoop earrings will continue to be a stylish and fashionable choice in 2022, and beyond.

So, what kind of hoop earring styles can we expect to be popular this year? You'll never go far wrong with plain gold hoop earrings, but this year things are also glamming up a little, with diamond hoop earrings proving especially popular for wear at special occasions and events. 

After all, having been cooped up indoors for the last couple of years due to covid-19 restrictions, being out and about is now a cause for celebration and what better way to do this than showing off your ears with a sparkling pair of eye-catching diamond hoop earrings?

Since hoop earrings differ so much, it can often be confusing knowing what size to go for, and even how you measure hoop sizes in the first place. This can be specially compounded if you decide to purchase hoop earrings online.

There is no such thing as the perfect size, as much depends on your personal preference and style, whether you prefer lobe hugger hoops or shoulder grazers.

When it comes to measuring a hoop, this involves calculating the hoop's diameter, typically in millimetres or inches. Earrings can range from a tiny 5mm in size up to a whopping 120mm.

Very small hoops are often referred to as huggies. They tend to fit neatly around the lobe of the ear, without offering much dangle, making them perfect for everyday wear.

Hoop earrings that are considered small tend to be around 26-50mm in size. These are ideal for minimalists; they let your earrings stand out without being overbearing. This size of hoop earrings suits fuller faces and those with short hairstyles such as bobs.

Medium hoop earrings typically measure 51-76mm in size. This type of earring flatters all face shapes, and is especially clever at softening square-shaped faces or making narrow faces seem fuller. If you're looking to make a bold and playful statement without making any style faux pas, you're onto a winning streak with medium size hoop earrings.

Big or oversized hoops range from 77m-120mm in size, and they're just the job if you're looking to make a big style statement. Because this size of earring will command all of the attention, avoid wearing other earrings, and keep the rest of your jewellery plain and simple. 

Long hair and updo styles suit this size of hoop earring, and because they make a bold, impactful statement, these earrings are preferable for casual, informal occasions. Maximalists and partygoers are especially drawn to oversized hoop earrings.

As with any pair of earrings, how you look after them matters, so regularly cleaning your hoop earrings will keep them in perfect condition. Clean earrings will also keep your earlobes healthy, ensuring they don't come into contact with any accumulated grime.

How you clean your hoop earrings often depends on the metal type and any stones it may have, so don't assume one size fits all. When cleaning earrings pay attention to all parts, especially the back bits.

Most hoop earrings can be safely cleaned by soaking them in warm soapy water for around half an hour. A soft brush can be used to remove any dirt from the earrings. After rinsing the earrings, they should then be dried with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Some people also swear by placing solid gold hoop earrings without any stones in some alcohol solution for a few minutes to remove any dirt and oil, followed by rinsing the earrings and drying them with a lint-free cloth.

Take a look at the beautiful range of hoop earrings available at Abelini Jewellery.