The 7 Hoop-Earring Styles To Try – And How To Wear Them
Gold hoop earrings are a modern-day jewelry classic and the perfect transitional jewel for day-to-night dressing. Here, CHARLIE BOYD rounds up the seven iconic styles that will complete the ultimate fine-jewelry collection
Oversized hoops
A pair of oversized hoops is always a chic companion to a classic white shirt or tee (see Sade in the ’90s) – and there’s no need to add a necklace, as shoulder-grazing styles do all the hard work for you. In our NET SUSTAIN edit, David Yurman’s ‘Cable Edge’ hoops are crafted from 18-karat recycled gold and have scores of diamonds tracing the twisted grooves. Supersized, bigger-than-big hoops are trending in 2024, so don’t shy away from jumbo designs that hark back to Jennifer Lopez’s signature style circa the early 2000s – Anita Ko’s large hoop earrings, Jennifer Meyer’s ‘Double Dome’ style, and Suzanne Kalan’s diamond-scattered hoops are all perfectly proportioned.
Huggie hoops
Huggies earned their name by the way they cuddle the ear lobe – a sweet name for a stalwart of fine-jewelry styling. If you have multiple piercings up the lobe, style up a scintillating combination of small hoops for maximum impact – consider mixing different motifs, pavé-diamond and diamond-drop designs. Stone and Strand does everyday hoops in 10-karat yellow gold, while Suzanne Kalan’s signature baguette-cut diamonds adorn 18-karat white gold earrings that feel ultra-fresh for spring. Don’t be afraid to experiment with vibrant huggies, either: emeralds, sapphires, rubies and semi-precious gemstones can bring personality to an all-gold earscape – consider choosing the birthstones of loved ones, or simply an array of tonal hues.
Chubby hoops
Chunky hoops with an exaggerated silhouette will always feel modern. Lié Studio’s editor-approved designs – such as its ultra-puffy ‘The Simone’ hoop – are a cult favorite, while Yvonne Léon’s triple-hoop earrings make a striking statement. Those wanting to invest in a precious pair that will last a lifetime should turn to Sorrelina’s 18-karat gold and diamond ‘Marea’ style – delicately scattered diamonds trace the waved edges to ensure they scintillate from every angle.
Contemporary diamond hoops
Whether you choose a design that is entirely dripping with diamonds or one that features just a small accent stone, you can’t go wrong with a pair of diamond-set hoop earrings. A small- to medium-sized silhouette is subtle enough to wear every day, yet sufficiently versatile to take you through to the evening and beyond. David Yurman’s Art Deco-inspired ‘Zig Zag Stax’ earrings and Anita Ko’s white-gold huggies flaunt contemporary classicism in spades, while Spinelli Kilcollin’s ‘Casseus’ style feels a little more fashion-forward, with its edgy arrangement of interlocking mixed-metal loops. Elsewhere, Ananya’s ‘Chakra Icon’ hoops have a chunky horseshoe shape highlighted by a row of scintillating diamonds – they’ll look as chic styled with casual denim as they will a slip dress and heels.
Illusion-piercing hoops
If you love the effect of earrings climbing up the ear but don’t want to brave the piercing studio, some hoop earrings can fake the effect for you. Maria Tash is the go-to guru for piercing curation and can create an entire ear ‘story’ with a mix of studs, huggies and hoops. Her ‘Eternity’ hoop earring, available in white or yellow gold, effortlessly mimics the effect of three hoops from just one piercing; while Jennifer Meyer offers a similar ‘Double Hoop’ design that removes the hassle of putting in multiple pairs at once. The ultimate showstopper piece? Diane Kordas’s eye-catching 18-karat gold earring, which decorates the ear with precious topaz, peridot and citrine stones.
Pearl hoops
Hoop earrings with gleaming pearls feel ultra-special when worn with dressed-down materials such as linen and denim – and designs by Mateo and Mizuki will work with any of your weekend hero pieces. Alternatively, Sophie Bille Brahe’s ‘Boucle Perle’ is a striking choice for an asymmetric look – try wearing it with a single pearl stud in the other ear. The prettiest everyday pair? Melissa Joy Manning’s 14-karat recycled-gold drops, strung with lustrous Keshi pearls and inspired by Icelandic landscapes.
Classic yellow-gold hoops
Designer Octavia Zamagias, founder of NET SUSTAIN-approved brand Octavia Elizabeth, makes all her jewelry locally in Los Angeles using 100% recycled 18-karat gold. Simplicity at its best, with subtle, hammered-gold detailing, her 18-karat recycled-gold ‘Gabby’ hollow hoops are crafted to be weightless, so you won’t suffer any ‘hoop-droop’ pain. Lauren Rubinski’s diamond-sprinkled hoops are perfect for evening, while sleek, minimal styles by Stone and Strand and Anita Ko are ideal for everyday wear.
The people featured in this story are not associated with NET-A-PORTER and do not endorse it or the products shown