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

Bulgari’s expanded factory in Valenza, Italy
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in Italy

Located in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.

Jason McNary accepting FGI Fine Jewelry Rising Star award for Paola Sasplugas
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ Award

Paola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.

1999 Cosmograph Daytona, Ref.16516
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to Auction

A platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.

gia1d100 btyb.jpg
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

The risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.

Carmelo Anthony and Jaylen Brown David Yurman campaign
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen Brown

The basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.

Weekly QuizApr 18, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Woman wearing Zales jewelry
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine Jewelry

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

JAR Apricot Blossom bracelet
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry Collection

The 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.

gia-topimage 0325.jpg
Brought to you by
A Brilliant Future Is Here

Get online education from GIA experts.

National Jeweler columnist Lilian Raji
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of Mouth

Lilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.

Avi Levy
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth Officer

GCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.

Scottsdale Fine Jewelers store exterior
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow Independent

The Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Cartier Exhibition Installation at Victoria & Albert Museum
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display

“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Bill and Birdie Levine of Van Cott Jewelers
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 Years

Van Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.

IJO Director Samantha Larson
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise Strategy

Industry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.

Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host Convention

The two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.

Daymond John
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las Vegas

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

Dukachi Easter Bread Pendant
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ Pendant

The Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.

Bremer Jewelry
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated Store

The jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.

Tiffany & Co. Strong Like Mom campaign
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day Campaign

The “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.

Athena Calderone x John Hardy Collection
CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired Collection

Interior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.

Movado Connect 2.0 watches
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs Impact

During a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.

Natural Diamond Council Diamond Learning Center Graphic
Lab-GrownApr 17, 2025
NDC Launches Its Diamond Learning Center

The free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.

Jewelers of America logo
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2025
Jewelers of America Requests Tariffs Testimonials from Members

The feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.

Technology Therapy Group logo
TechnologyApr 17, 2025
Technology Therapy Group Expands AI Training for Jewelry Retailers

The online sessions are designed to teach jewelers to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to grow their business.

Catbird Chicago
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Catbird Expands to Chicago

The opening marks the jewelry retailer’s first location in the Midwest.

Foundrae United in Love Campaign
CollectionsApr 16, 2025
Foundrae’s First Commitment Jewelry Collection Unites Through Love

The “United in Love” collection offers tangible mementos of hearts entwined with traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.

Robert and Rose-Marie Goodman outside Robert Goodman Jewelers
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Indiana Jeweler to Host Black Jewelry Designer Pop-Up

Robert Goodman Jewelers will hold a “Black Jewelry Designers and Makers” event on April 27.

×

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