Trends

Hoop There It Is: The Trend That’s Taking Us Into 2017

TrendsDec 05, 2016

Hoop There It Is: The Trend That’s Taking Us Into 2017

The definitive guide to what’s hot in hoop earrings right now.

20161205_Hoop-1HEADER.jpg
Image courtesy of J. Hannah

New York--A hoop earring never goes out of style, but it can experience a major resurgence, which is exactly what is happening now.

“Hoop earrings are so on trend right now,” said Stone Paris designer Marie Poniatowski, who is known for her never-take-off “creoles” that incorporate religious symbols like Byzantine crosses. “They are so easy to wear and complete every look. We do especially well with micro-hoops.”

The micro-hoop or huggie, named for its close fit to the earlobe, has been the herald of the hoop’s renewed popularity over the past few years, coinciding with the rise in upscale multiple piercings by piercing artists like J. Colby Smith of New York Adorned and piercer/designer Maria Tash.

 

“Given that multiple piercings have become more mainstream, people have become more creative, building personalized, unique ‘earring stories,’ often incorporating hoops,” said designer Melissa Kaye, who creates a host of hoop sizes. “For example, wearing smaller huggie hoops in second and third piercings, wearing multiple hoops in the same ear (has become a trend).”

Designer Marc Alary’s latest collection (left) introduced enamel rings in patterns that continue the safari-esque feel of his animal jewelry, albeit in a more universally-appealing manner. For Alary, transitioning from rings to hoop earrings was a natural progression, and one that has resonated with his devotees.

“Many people have multiple piercings and hoops can be stacked on the ear the same way people stack rings on their fingers,” he said.

Ariel Gordon Jewelry’s huggie-style hoops have been so popular among the designer’s customer base that she has introduced several iterations of them, playing with different gemstones and variations of diamond cuts, and even shrinking the style down for the client looking for a super-close-to-the-ear fit.

“I love the versatility of a hoop,” said Ariel Gordon. “I’m so busy, so I need something that transitions from day to night easily. I particularly love a huggie because I can sleep in them, which means I’m always ready.”



Designer Beth Miller of Beth Miller Collections also cited the ease of wearing a huggie as part of its appeal, noting that in 2016, the style was as in-demand as a classic stud earring.

“I’ve always loved a good hoop,” she said. “Our updated huggies are the perfect day-to-night earrings to wear to yoga class and out to dinner. They’re an alternative to the classic stud with an awesome price point.”

Jess Hannah of J.
Hannah has embraced the maximalist mood of fashion, with its move away from dainty, stacking pieces to bolder looks with hefty, tactile hoop earrings, huggie-style included.

“The hoop earring is such a nostalgic, distinct shape and style,” Hannah opined. “To me, the shape is a total classic but I think trend-wise it speaks to a pivot away from tiny, overly dainty pieces and toward those that feel a little more substantive and sturdy.”

Fine jewelry brand Wwake gained a cult following with its unique take on miniscule pieces of jewelry, scaled to showcase tiny diamonds and gemstones, but designer Wing Yau is also feeling a move toward more expressive styles, going so far as to rebrand and expand upon some of her larger costume pieces under the label Closer by Wwake.

Even for her fine label, Yau is playing with size, embracing large hoop earrings that were de riguer in the 1990s.

“A lot of our customers experimented with wearing hoops when they were teens, and so bringing them back now feels nostalgic and fun,” she said. “I personally love them from a sculptural standpoint; they can be voluminous and also introduce a lot of movement.”

Bigger is Better
As the hoop trend has expanded from huggies to also encompass larger styles, designers have felt the freedom to interpret the category through their unique aesthetic lenses.

Yves Spinelli, the designer of Spinelli Kilcollin, has applied his interlocking ring concept to the hoop earring.

"These were an obvious extension of our linked circles," Spinelli said of his brand's new hoop earrings, which are part of an expansion into categories besides rings. "I have always been a big fan of hoop earrings and I am happy that we were able to incorporate some of our signature into them."

Azlee’s Baylee Zwart creates both huggies and larger hoop earrings in a clean, geometric style that is consistent with her brand ethos.

“Since hoops have been around forever, customers want something a little bit different,” she said. “Our Circuit Hoops have been one of our best sellers because they are unexpected and dynamic but still an everyday, easy-to-wear hoop.”

She doesn’t sacrifice design for comfort, placing special emphasis on maintaining the wearabilty consumers equate with hoop earrings.

“A big selling point for our Circuit V Hoops is that they are so comfortable you can sleep in them, since they don’t have a post sticking out the back,” Zwart said. “A lot of customers just never take them off. A hoop is a staple, so it should be a piece people don’t feel like they have to take on and off, so making them easy to wear is crucial.”



The team behind Bario Neal, Anna Bario and Page Neal, also are enjoying the turn of the tide to larger hoops and the creativity that size affords them.

“We just released our Circ Hoops,” the designers explained via e-mail, “a large zig-zag design inspired by Calder mobiles. We wanted to introduce hoops that are large, playful and have a graceful mobility. I think customers are looking for hoops that veer away from the traditional loop.”

Indeed, consumers’ familiarity with hoops allows jewelers to push the boundaries of the traditional shape, without alienating a classic clientele.

“I have noticed that women love our hoops in rainbow colors in all sizes,” said Shebee Gems’ Ann Spence. “A hoop wardrobe of different shapes, colors and metals is a great way to express personal style.”

“Hoops are so easy,” Spence continued, “but they can still pack a statement punch.”

Alary also has noticed the demand for larger hoops from his customers. “I have received a very strong reaction from my clients,” he explained. “People really liked (my enamel huggies) but very rapidly customers asked me if I would make them bigger and larger. I myself started to be obsessed with hoops and would take mental notes every time I would see a woman in the street wearing a cool pair of hoops.”

Like many brands, Walters Faith creates varying sizes of hoops to meet the market’s demand.

“Hoops, to us, are a classic style and a must have in every woman’s jewelry collection,” said Stephanie Abramow, one half of the design duo behind the brand. “Hoops look great on everyone. Our hoops come in several sizes--we love our Clive huggie by day and our Saxon chain link hoop at night.”

Designer Catherine Weitzman echoed this, saying “Hoops are such a timeless jewelry staple. I love designing various interpretations to keep them looking unique and relevant.”

Meanwhile, Kirsty Stone, who has garnered buzz for her brand Retrouvaí among buyers since winning Ylang23’s The Next Now competition earlier this year, summed up the trend’s appeal.

"The hoop is a true American staple as far as I’m concerned," said Stone. "There are so many variations in terms of volume and embellishment, we can all find our match in a pair, or five.”
Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

Bergman Jewelers family
IndependentsApr 01, 2025
Bergman Jewelers in Omaha Closing After 137 Years

The independent jeweler first opened its doors in 1888.

QVC Group Inc. logo
MajorsApr 01, 2025
QVC Group to Cut 900 Jobs in the U.S.

The layoffs come amid the TV shopping channel’s efforts to restructure and focus on live shopping through social media.

Coconut Grove Jewelry & Watch Show
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
U.S. Antique Shows Adds Fall Show in Florida

The debut event will take place in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood this fall.

bench jeweler 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They Deserve

Bench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.

The Jewelry Symposium (TJS)
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
TJS to Host Discussion on Jewelry Industry’s Labor Shortage

The roundtable will take place May 17 ahead of the trade show’s welcome dinner.

Weekly QuizMar 27, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann Collection Bracelets
CollectionsApr 01, 2025
Monica Rich Kosann Says ‘Good Grief’ in Peanuts Jewelry Collection

The “Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann” collection features the comic strip’s classic vocabulary across 10 bracelet designs.

Graphic for What Do We Mean When We Say “Recycled” Gold webinar
Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2025
Watch: What Do We Mean When We Say ‘Recycled’ Gold?

Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.

Facets-of-Fire-Difference-You-Can-See.jpg
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean More

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

Lashbrook ring
MajorsMar 31, 2025
Lashbrook Expands Into Luxury Golf Gifts With Acquisition

The Utah-based company known for making wedding bands has acquired Doubloon Golf.

Bulgari and LVMH Watches CEO Jean-Christophe Babin
WatchesMar 31, 2025
Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin Will Also Head LVMH Watches

The longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.

Surveillance footage of robbery
CrimeMar 28, 2025
2 Suspects Arrested in $1.7M Smash-and-Grab Robbery of NY Jewelry Store

Authorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.

Nephrite and Jadeite by Heinrich Fischer, Richard W. Hughes
SourcingMar 28, 2025
19th-Century Jade Book Now Available in English

Lotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.

LÖF The Valentine Ring
CollectionsMar 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Löf’s ‘The Valentine’ Ring

The ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.

Eggs on a shelf
SurveysMar 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls in March Amid ‘Gloomy’ Outlook

The Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.

Richard Rainsford memorial ring
AuctionsMar 27, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring Linked to Witch Trial Judge Goes Unsold at Auction

However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.

Austin Butler
WatchesMar 27, 2025
Austin Butler Joins Breitling as Brand Ambassador

The Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.

ICA Congress Brazil 2025
SourcingMar 27, 2025
Susan Jacques, Gaetano Cavalieri to Headline 2025 ICA Congress

The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.

Bailey’s Fine Jewelry storefront
IndependentsMar 26, 2025
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Acquires Fellow NC Independent Jeweler

The family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Bulova 150 Art Deco Miss America Watch, 150 Art Deco Pocket Watch
WatchesMar 26, 2025
Bulova Celebrates 150th Anniversary With Art Deco Watches

The “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.

Alex Wellen
MajorsMar 26, 2025
QVC Group Appoints New President

Alex Wellen, formerly CEO and president of MotorTrend Group, has taken on the role.

Jewelers of America’s new logo
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2025
Jewelers of America Announces New Funding Initiative

The Impact Initiative is part of the nonprofit association’s new three-year strategic plan.

Christies regent kashmir sapphire and regal Burmese ruby
AuctionsMar 25, 2025
Christie’s To Auction 35-Carat Sapphire, 13-Carat Ruby

The ruby and the sapphire, which Christie’s calls a “once-in-a-generation masterpiece,” are part of the upcoming Hong Kong jewelry auction.

Diamond earrings held in gloved hand
CrimeMar 25, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Earrings Swallowed Following Grab-and-Run Theft Recovered

The two pairs of earrings, snatched from a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida, are valued at a combined $769,500.

Emmanuel Raheb CEO of Smart Age Solutions
ColumnistsMar 25, 2025
The Smart Lab: Using Short-Form Videos to Sell More Jewelry

The time to start experimenting with video content is now, writes columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

Pomellato Nudo High Jewelry Campaign
CollectionsMar 24, 2025
Pomellato’s Latest ‘Nudo’ Collections Revamp its Classic Design

From striking high jewelry to miniature fine jewelry, the new chapter continues to highlight gemstones featuring its signature 57-facet cut.

Jamie Singleton, Bill Brace, Rebecca Wooters, Bill Luth
MajorsMar 24, 2025
4 Top Executives to Depart Signet Jewelers Amid Turnaround

The jewelry giant is reducing its senior leadership by 30 percent as part of its new turnaround strategy.

Sothebys Watchcheck
WatchesMar 24, 2025
Sotheby's Now Offers Watch Repair Services

The auction house's partnership with online watch servicing platform WatchCheck makes repairs convenient and accessible, it said.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy