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, huggies allow you to style up a scintillating combination of small hoops for maximum impact, so consider mixing different motifs, pavé diamond and diamond-drop designs. Stone and Strand’s 10-karat-gold huggies feature modern bezel-set diamonds, while Sydney Evan’s subtle evil eye-inspired piece wraps its talismanic emblem around the ear. Meanwhile, those looking for a special diamond-set huggie will admire Anita Ko’s 18-karat-gold huggies set with an unusual diamond cut – ‘bullet shape’ gems that boast a sleek, striking silhouette.

Whether you choose a design that is entirely drizzled 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 versatile enough to take you through to the evening and beyond. New York-based brand Foundrae, which contributes to our NET SUSTAIN edit of consciously crafted collections, offers a heart-shaped motif that has become a cult favorite and is cast from 100% recycled gold. Elsewhere, Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen, another brand in the NET SUSTAIN fold, offers a chic bamboo-inspired 18-karat-gold hoop design, while Azlee’s ‘Staircase’ hoop has a classic silhouette with a slender line of diamonds to add subtle shine.

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’ hoops, available in white or yellow gold, effortlessly mimic the effect of three hoops from just one piercing.

A pair of oversized hoops is always a chic companion to a sweater or shirt – and there’s no need to add a necklace, as shoulder-grazing styles do all the hard work for you. Yvonne Léon’s gray diamond-set style are true showstoppers for after-dark dressing, while Melissa Joy Manning’s diamond hoops, made from 100% recycled gold and ethically sourced Herkimer diamonds, are the perfect choice for everyday glamour. Those seeking just a subtle glimmer will enjoy Carolina Bucci’s extra-large hoops with her signature Florentine finish – a soft gleam created by hand using a diamond-tipped tool to gently etch into 18-karat gold.

Hoop earrings with gleaming pearls feel ultra-special when worn with dressed-down materials like linen and denim, and Mateo’s 14-karat-gold petite pair will work with any of your weekend hero pieces. Alternatively, Sophie Bille Brahe’s single-hoop ‘Petite Boucle Perle’ is a striking choice for an asymmetric look – try wearing with a single pearl stud in the other ear. The ultimate pearl earring for total versatility? Spinelli Kilcollin’s ‘Ara’ hoops, which channel the same laid-back luxe aesthetic as the maison’s best-selling ‘Galaxy’ ring.

NET SUSTAIN designer Octavia Zamagias, founder of 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 ‘Micro Edith’ slender and hollow hoops are crafted to be weightless, so you won’t suffer any ‘hoop-droop’ pain. If you’re seeking a classic design with a chic curveball, check out Jennifer Meyer’s ‘Small Square’ style – a petite 14-karat-gold hoop with sculpted square detailing. Meanwhile, David Yurman weaves three classic hoop motifs – braids, diamonds and smooth gold – into one 18-karat-gold ‘Infinity’ hoop, a symbol representing limitless love.

Most people tend to have one gemstone, or color, that they naturally gravitate towards. If you prefer cool green and blue tones, then Pippa Small’s tourmaline and peridot hoops are irresistible. Meanwhile, if pink tones are more your thing, Shay’s 18-karat gold, pink sapphire-set hoop will add a contemporary pop of color to a white T-shirt and leather jacket – simply stack up the ear with a mix of bold huggies and studs.

Chunky hoops with an exaggerated silhouette will always feel modern. Lié Studio’s editor-approved styles, such as its ‘Andrea’ design, are the epitome of everyday luxury and also speak to PF23’s penchant for silver and white-gold tones. Ideal for weekend wear, Yvonne Léon’s ‘Berlingot’ style is a strong choice if you’re keen to mix metals, while lovers of rose gold should seek out the chubby and charming silhouette of Pomellato’s ‘Iconica’ hoops.