From ancient civilisation to present day, hoop earrings have been a staple accessory that spans centuries and cultures across the world. Used as both a symbol and a fashion statement, here is an overview as to why hoop earrings are so timeless.
Historical Background of Hoop Earrings
Hoop earrings have a long rich history of being a desired item of jewellery, worn by many cultures. The Sumerians, Egyptians, and Romans wore hoops often crafted in gold, sterling silver and gemstones. The cultural significance of hoops was prominent during the Egyptian era as they believed the hoops could ward off evil spirits. Pharos including Nefertiti, Hatshepsut, Tutankhamen, and Cleopatra wore hoops as a symbol of a high social status, wealth and power. This social symbol continued being worn by men and women into the Roman Empire and in the 17th century were brought by European settlers to colonial America. Some African and Indigenous American cultures viewed hoops earrings as symbols of tribal identity and social status. Other areas associate them with spirituality and protection.
Sailors used hoop earrings as a bragging signal they’d travelled around the world and some used them as insurance policies that could be sold and the money would pay for a proper burial if they died at sea. In some parts of Europe, doctors believed the hoop earrings could cure headaches and improve eyesight. The Hmong women in Vietnam have worn hoops for thousands of years and have the sun and moon carved into their hoops representing the gods of power. Hindu gods and goddesses wear hoops, with the left earring of Lord Shiva being said to represent women whilst the right represents men and together represents the balance of male and female energy. In western society, the church banned hoop earrings at one point as, in the early 1900s, pierced ears had a negative stigma from the association with Native American and Latin cultures considered barbaric.
How Gold Hoop Earrings Can be Styled for Various Occasions
Gold hoop earrings have the advantage of being able to work for all occasions, just consider the size and style of your hoops first.
Causal and Everyday
For everyday causal wear opt for smaller sized ones as they aren’t heavy and won’t feel uncomfortable to wear all day long. They will add touch of glamour to jumpers, comfy summer dresses and everyday casual shirts and denim tops.
Office and Work
Medium hoops with crisp white shirt and denim jeans are a staple choice. Huggie style hoops or medium hoops will create a sophisticated look paired with fitted dresses or trouser suits, ideal for adding elegance to your office attire.
Formal and Fancy
Going out and need a dramatic, party look? Try pairing larger hoops with shoulder skimming style outfits, with a slick back hairstyle to highlight them even more. Gold hoops will shimmer in contrast to an all-black outfit, this can be enhanced more with a bold lip colour. Tube tops and dresses with gold hoops will allow you to further emphasise the length of your neck.
Avoid larger hoops if you have a high collar or roll neck jumper and try petite hoops to prevent catching on the material. Understated hoops like huggies, medium sized hoops or barley style large hoops are a great choice for a classic, elegant look for a more formal event such as a wedding.
Celebrity Influence: Celebrities who have popularised gold hoop earrings
With hoops being so versatile it’s no surprise that many prolific figures from multiple industries have adorned hoop earrings:
- In the 1920s hoops were commonly seen on women with bobs or short hairdos; American-born French entertainer Josephine Baker frequently wore gold hoop earrings on stage.
- In the 60s and 70s hoops were symbolic of the feminist movement and were worn by singers like Diana Ross.
- The 1980s saw Madonna accessorise with gold hoop earrings, notably whilst performing at 1985’s Live Aid concert in Philadelphia.
- The 1990s and 2000s continued to see stars sporting hoops such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears and Paris Hilton.
- Sonia Sotomayor, a Supreme Court Justice who was appointed by Barack Obama in 2009, wore hoops for her swearing in ceremony despite being advised not to which inspired the youngest ever congresswoman, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, to wear the same style earrings for her oath ceremony in 2019.
Why Gold Hoop Earrings Remain a Must-Have Accessory
With the range of designs, metals and sizes available, hoop earrings are a standout piece of jewellery that manages to be iconic but versatile simultaneously. It is no wonder this style has stood the test of time and will likely be seen for decades to come.
Resources:
https://www.wmagazine.com/gallery/celebrities-hoop-earrings
https://www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/magazine/world/world/the-history-of-hoop-earrings
https://otiumberg.com/blogs/journal/how-to-style-hoop-earrings
