A hoop makes a bigger statement than a stud, whether it’s worn as a subdued huggie or as a loud door knocker. If you’ve been looking for a new pair, you’ve come to the perfect spot. In order to determine which hoops were the best on the (large) market, I polled a group of exceptionally tasteful individuals, including brand consultants, an antiquities dealer, insiders in the fashion industry, and some of my fellow Strategist team members. Continue reading to learn about the hoops that one writer has on six of her eight piercings, as well as the pair I recently treated myself to. Note that while the majority of the hoops on this page are offered in sets, some are sold individually. I have listed the price for a set unless otherwise noted.
Mejuri Tube Huggie Hoops
With a diameter of only 12 mm, these huggies are among the smallest hoops produced by Mejuri. They also include a sturdy clicker closure to keep them from slipping off ears. For culinary writer Rebecca Firkser, who spent long hours in the kitchen searching for hoops that wouldn’t fall into pie filling or catch on an apron strap, the clicker closure played a significant role in their appeal. Firkser claims that in a year of wearing them nearly every day, the hoops have not corroded in the slightest. They come in Mejuri’s renowned 18-karat vermeil, which is a layer of gold over real sterling silver, as well as a somewhat less expensive sterling-silver variant that costs $38 as opposed to $48.
Studs Small Slim Huggie (Pair)
Sam Daly, the deals editor at Strategist, looked for an earring that she could leave in her second and third ear piercings and forget about it because she has extremely sensitive ears. These huggies are exactly that—they are safe for anyone with sensitive skin since they are plated in either 14-karat gold or rhodium, a metal that resembles silver. “I nearly want to refer to this material as soft? Daly informed me that I could fall asleep in them and not feel anything. She hasn’t grown tired of the gold or silver versions, which she bought in 2018 and 2020, respectively. An additional benefit of the closure hinge is that it makes it simple to open and close the earrings, even for people with short nails.
Although these are marketed as “huggies,” Daly notes that there is a “teeny bit more space” between the lobe and the hoop than is typical of that form of earring. The hoops are $40 for a pair, and they are sold as a single or a pair for $20.
Mejuri Round Topaz Hoops
Liza Corsillo, senior writer at Strategist, has had to give up some of her favourites ever since her 1-year-old son discovered he could hold onto her earrings. With the exception of these hoops embellished with topaz, which are securely fastened with sturdy clickers to keep him out of reach. The hoops are useful and comfy for daily wear, but Corsillo prefers how unique they seem without being overly pricey because each one has a round-cut gemstone dangling from it. She states, “I want to look very grown-up and understated as a mum, and that’s how they feel to me.”
Studs Micro French Twist Huggie (Pair)
With a diameter of 6 mm, which is half the size of the first Mejuri pair, these huggies from Studs are authentic. Similar to the aforementioned Studs hoops, you can purchase them as a single ($22) or a pair ($44), and in rhodium or 14-karat gold plating. Senior editor at Strategist Hilary Reid claims to wear her “beaded” hoops, which are now available in a more croissant-like shape, almost every day as part of her earscape. Hilary Reid owns a sold-out pair of the hoops. According to Reid, “they go well with almost any other style of earring, from slightly larger hoops to baroque pearl drops.” “People have always complimented me on them.”
Machete 1” Perfect Gold Hoops
Hoop earrings need to satisfy a few requirements, according to Ruby Buddemeyer, director of copy and idea at Starface (and former beauty editor at Cosmopolitan): they should be easy to wear and comfortable for everyday wear, not too huge or too little, and thick but not heavy. Buddemeyer virtually snatched these Machete hoops out of her sister’s ears when she noticed that she was wearing them. Since she is just as much of a devotee as I am, I briefly swiped hers before buying my own, according to Buddemeyer. Since then, Buddemeyer has worn hers once a week for the past four years. She informed me, “They’re still shiny without any noticeable tarnishing,” and partly attributed their lifespan to the fact that she always took them off before taking a shower.
I AM Jewelry Casual-Simple Earring Set (3 Pairs)
Buddemeyer has a great tip: CVS sells cheap packs of hoops. When she travels, she usually brings a rucksack. “It’s always the same idea: a big pack of hoops — three to five pairs, give or take — in different sizes,” says Buddemeyer, despite the fact that the inventory both in-store and online is always changing. “They’re practical, affordable, and actually pretty cute.”
Yam Baby Silver Cluster Studs
While collaborating on our stud guide, I came across Yam through digital-marketing strategist Utibe Mbagwu. The label is described by Mbagwu as “a haven for shiny, pretty, everyday things.” These cluster studs, which include three rings hanging from a sterling-silver base, resemble a hybrid stud-hoop. These earrings fit Mbagwu’s category of “I never need to take these off” since the sterling silver has held up well even through showers and nights.
Laura Lombardi Medium Hoop Earrings
Writer Alexis Cheung describes these medium-sized hoops earrings by Laura Lombardi as the “Goldilocks of hoops.” “Just the right amount of golden heft—not too big, not too heavy,” she continues. Though they have a hefty form, the pair is “practically weightless on ears” and has a somewhat “Sade-esque” shape that accentuates the face more than your ordinary pair. Please take note that since they are constructed from hollow brass tubing, some discolouration may occur over time. According to Cheung, “the brass does get a greenish patina.” “However, these polishing pads will restore their original shine.”
J.Colby Smith Sleeper Ring (Single)
In the world of permanent jewellery (think: Catbird’s wrist-welded Forever Bracelet), the Sleeper Ring by J. Colby Smith, the piercer whose Into the Gloss interview “launched a thousand nipple rings,” Cheung tells me, is a mainstay. You choose the diameter of the hoop, which ranges from ¼ to ⅚ and ⅜ for lobe, helix, and rook piercings, and the thickness of the post (18- or 20-gauge). You will then want the expert assistance of a jeweller or piercer to have these placed on (or removed). According to Cheung, owning the semi-permanent earring turns into “a signature like lipstick or perfume, something indelible to your style.” She originally had ten ear piercings overall, but now she only has eight. Six of them are the lobe-hugging Sleepers, which are so tiny that they “barely”register visually.
Awoke Vintage Gold-Plated Sterling Silver Hoops
Jo Rosenthal, a writer, has a lot of hoops and frequently loses them, which is why she adores these reasonably priced ones from Awoke Vintage. (In actuality, Rosenthal purchased them to replace the hoops she was wearing until one of them got lost.) It wouldn’t be a major loss if one disappeared for $28. There are three sizes available for the gold-plated hoops: small, medium, and large. They are also available in sterling silver.
Hey Harper Bella Earrings
For this piece, the majority of the folks I spoke with said they search for hoops they won’t have to worry about taking off, even when taking a shower. Here they are: Hey Harper earrings, which are advertised as “waterproof”; you have undoubtedly seen Instagram commercials for these. Shelby Ying Hyde, a writer for publications including the Cut, Vogue, and Harper’s Bazaar, saw that selling point: She remarks, “I liked not having to take them off.” These have become as her go-to hoops because they have withstood regular use and abuse over the past few months. “They’re surprisingly substantial by design, considering how affordable they are,” Hyde adds. The golden coating on the stainless steel earrings is a coating, not real gold.
Joolz by Martha Calvo Tubular Hoops
According to author Gabriela Ulloa, “a Latina’s go-to gold hoops are like a staple white T-shirt; they’re a must.” “I’m telling you, wearing hoops really brings out the Cubana in me—my attitude changes.” Although her preferred hoops (from Studs) are now sold out, Ulloa recommends these 14-karat gold-plated hoops from Martha Calvo, a Miami-based artisan from whom she has bought numerous pairs. The tubular hoops come in 1.5, 2, and 2.5-inch diameters, so you can go big or tiny.
Quince 14K Gold Pave Diamond U-Huggie Hoops
These are “diamond earrings so subtle you’ll do a double take,” according to Cheung. The 14-karat gold hoops, which come in eighteen pairs, are adorned with 0.14-carat diamonds from Quince. Cheung finds this pair more intriguing because of the U-shaped hoop, which differs from the usual O-shaped hoops. She also observes that the stones descend in a delicate line with a subtle shimmer. Moreover, their price made them difficult to resist. Without diamond earrings, Cheung declares, “I wouldn’t own them.”
Mejuri Bold Huggie Hoops (Pair)
These Bold Huggie Hoops from Mejuri’s fine range are ‘a good bargain if you don’t have too large of a budget’, according to Strategist writer Dominique Pariso. Mejuri’s fine line uses 14-karat solid gold rather than the 18-karat gold vermeil used in its demi-fine line. At $90 for a single and $178 for a pair, you can’t beat the price. (An additional version of the hoops, dubbed small, medium, and big, is available for $348 per pair.) Pariso’s only issue with the hoops is the inside carving, which is a cost-cutting measure for the firm even though the hoops are solid gold in the sense that they are not hollow.Yet, Pariso adds, “you can’t really see that design quirk, so I don’t mind it as much.”
Agmes Celia Silver Hoop Earrings
Brand consultant Aemilia Madden says, “I like the look of a silver sculptural hoop for a big impact.” She used to adore the large earrings from the now-defunct Mexican brand Tuza, but she now sports this Agmes pair in her first of nine piercings. She remarks, “This pair isn’t so big and heavy that it hurts my ears.” “But when I wear them, they’re still chunky enough to give an outfit a dressier vibe.” These are shaped more organically and are rounded out; Madden calls them “bold but sleek.”
Didi Rose 14k Gold Knife Edge Hoop Earrings
Collector Xarissa, who publishes under the username @jewelboxing, alerts everyone to the existence of these intriguing, knife-edged hoops. She remarks, “They’re heavy, but not in a heavy way.” Additionally, it maintains them erect at all times. When hoops are too light and tangle in my hair, it bothers me. The hoops come in two sizes: 11 mm and 25 mm, and are created by hand in Didi Rose’s Georgian studio. According to Xarissa, she chooses the larger size.
Mejuri Oversize Thin Hoops
Photographer Julia Stotz refers to these as her “special hoops,” which she only wears on special occasions due to their larger size than her regular chunky huggies. A 14-karat solid gold (or white gold) sliver, the hoops are a “statement piece that doesn’t disappoint.” When her hair is up, she will wear the hoops to showcase them.
Bleue Burnham Bound Willow Earrings
Handbag creator Camille Albertine, who admits she doesn’t shop, gave Bleue Burnham an exception because of the company’s dedication to quality and environmental philosophy. Albertine claims that her sterling-silver set, which is supposed to mimic a bound willow, really reminds her more of cake icing. Even though these are made of sterling silver, Albertine advises removing them before taking a shower to prevent soap buildup in the creases. (And if cleaning is necessary, she recommends using just dish soap, a little toothbrush, and a polishing cloth.)
Jennifer Fisher Samira Huggies
According to Tyler McCall, a freelance writer and former chief editor of Fashionista, “I have yet to be disappointed by something from Jennifer Fisher. Her jewellery is honestly a steal for the quality you get.” In her cycle of hoops, McCall’s favourite is the Samira huggies. Compared to other huggies, these are tubular, thicker, and far more irresistible.
She claims that these hoops “are the platonic ideal of a daily hoop earring.” The hoops themselves are constructed of hollowed-out brass and have a 14-karat gold post. McCall told me she doesn’t even feel the earrings on her ears. And aside from slight wear on the backing, the pair is still in fairly good condition after five years. “But who cares, because no one can see that?” McCall asks.
Tiffany T Hoop Earrings
This pair of Tiffany’s T-line hoops are the only true gold ones that Buddemeyer owns. Despite the name, the earrings appear more J-shaped than T-shaped because of the bar at the ends of each one, which rests directly on the lobe and the other at the back of the ear. Buddemeyer remarks, “I’ve never seen hoops like these before.” At over $2,000, they are a true investment—elegant but understated. But the quality inside the tiny blue box is unbeatable; the 18-karat gold hoops are still as bright as the day Buddemeyer received them more than two years ago.
Celine Daoust Marquise Moonstone and Diamond Single Hoop Earring (Single)
This 14-karat pure gold hoop, studded with diamonds, has a moonstone hanging from it. It’s the tiny earring that Madden wears every day without knowing realising it’s in her ear. It lines her top cartilage. “It’s not irritating; I find the movement to be enjoyable,” she remarks. “It doesn’t bother me to wear headphones or run with the earring on.” Madden wears hers with studs and other hoops to complement her nine piercings. The hoop layers nicely as well.
Collette Ishiyama Diamond Slither Snake Hoop (Pair)
I recently splurged on this set of hoops that Collette Ishiyama created for Catbird. Little snakes slither around the hoop of each earring. I chose a variant with a serpent that shimmers with diamonds from top to tail because, well, I enjoy a little bling. They cost $470 for a single or $940 for a pair. (Ishiyama also creates a version of the earrings that only have diamonds on the head of the snake.)
Gabriella Kiss Small Snake Hoop Earrings
Former Ted Muehling apprentice Gabriella Kiss works with natural forms, such as carnelian beans or peridots suspended from antlers. According to antiques trader Erica Weiner, these hoops resemble “real snakes poised to strike.” (You might even think of them as a snake eating its own tail, or the Ouroboros.) Each snake has “tiny, glittery diamonds for eyes” and is crafted from 18-karat gold. These are the most expensive pair of hoops here, handcrafted in the Hudson Valley. Weiner states, “They’re pricey, but anyone who owns a pair will tell you they’re worth it.”
