In 2019, there are plenty of trendy ways to look good and stand out – dye your hair a funky colour, get a tattoo or two, or maybe even spring for a piercing! But if you don’t want to commit to something that drastic just yet, there’s another (simpler) way to do it: through statement accessories, like big hoop earrings.
In this blog, you’ll learn about large hoops, how they came into fashion, and a few tips on how to wear them. Plus, you can scroll down to find out more about WHO’s favourite hoop earrings and where to get them. Let’s get started!
RELATED: The internet is going nuts over Kate Middleton’s $6 earrings
Big Hoop Earrings
While you might think that the ‘60s and ‘70s popularised the oversized earrings trend, but large hoops actually go way back. The hoop earrings we know and love today have their origins in Nubia, an African civilisation that dates back hundreds of years. They were considered a symbol of status and beauty – Egyptian royalty such as Cleopatra, Nefertiti, and Tutankhamen all wore gold hoop earrings to enhance their looks and put their power on display.
Today, extra-large hoops don’t come with the same fanfare, but they are still very much a staple of the fashion industry. Giant hoop earrings make a strong statement when paired with any outfit, and they definitely go well with louder-than-life personalities.
There are different varieties of hoops, from chunky plastic pairs that demand your attention to thin white gold hoops that are more elegant and sophisticated. No matter which pair you pick, hoop earrings will make you stand out. They’re flashy, eye-catching, and a tad bit bohemian – perfect for any young woman’s wardrobe!
Carat vs Karat
If you’ve ever window-shopped for hoop earrings before, you’ll notice that some of them (especially those made out of precious minerals such as gold or silver) boast a particular ‘carat’ rating, while others may have a ‘karat’ rating. It’s understandable to think that these two are the same thing with different spellings, but there’s actually a major difference between the two.
Generally, carat (ct) talks about the weight of a gemstone – you’ll often see this when referring to diamonds in particular. One carat is equivalent to 0.2 grams, so a 10ct gemstone would weigh 2 grams, a 14ct gemstone would weigh 2.4 grams, and so on and so forth.
Karat (K), on the other hand, refers to the purity of gold. A karat measures 1/24th part of gold in an alloy. Pure gold is 24K, so a 12 karat piece of gold would be 12 parts gold mixed in with 12 parts of another kind of metal (usually copper, zinc, platinum, and nickel). Gold is often mixed with other metals to increase durability and add colour.
In the jewellery world, it would be incorrect to use ‘karat’ to refer to gemstone weight. But it is perfectly acceptable to use ‘carat’ to talk about gold purity. An 18ct piece of gold would 18/24 parts gold, while an 18ct diamond would be 3.6 grams.
So, as a summary:
Carat: may refer to the size/weight of a gemstone OR how pure the gold is
Karat: only refers to how pure the gold is
How To Wear Large Hoops: Tips & Tricks
Not all hoops are equal. As we mentioned earlier, there are different sizes, colours, and styles to choose from. Follow these tips, and you’ll soon find a pair you’ll love.
- Size matters. Big hoops make a bigger statement, but they also put more strain on your ears. If your current pair is too heavy (or if it becomes unbearable after a short amount of time), select a smaller pair.
- If you want to wear hoops without having it steal the spotlight, go for thin hoops in an understated colour (white gold or silver work best here). If you want your earrings to take centre stage, choose thick hoops with a fun colour or pattern.
- For most people, hoops are a pretty casual vibe. To dress up your hoops, get them embellished or in a fun style, such as in a bamboo-like shape or decorated with pearls.
The Best Large Hoop Earrings In Australia
Wire Hoop Earrings
Brand: Tiffany
Price: $AUD 2,000
Material: 18K gold
Buy Wire Hoop Earrings from Tiffany here.
The Mini Pearl Wire Hoops
Brand: Luv AJ
Price: $AUD 70
Material: 14K gold-plated brass
Buy The Mini Pearl Wire Hoops from Luv AJ here.
Hoop Earrings
Brand: Best Buy
Price: $AUD 99
Material: 9ct white gold
Buy Hoop Earrings from Best Buy here.
Gypsy Hoop Earrings
Brand: Najo
Price: $AUD 99
Material: Sterling silver
Buy Gypsy Hoop Earrings from Najo here.
Square Tube Hoop Earrings
Brand: Goldmark
Price: $AUD 159
Material: 9ct rose gold
Buy Square Tube Hoop Earrings from Goldmark here.
Fabric Covered Bamboo Hoop
Brand: Lovisa
Price: $AUD 19.99
Material: Satin & bamboo
Buy Fabric Covered Bamboo Hoop from Lovisa here.
Hoop Earrings “Skull”
Brand: Thomas Sabo
Price: $AUD 269
Material: Sterling silver
Buy Hoop Earrings “Skull” from Thomas Sabo here.
Conclusion
Whether you like them big, bold, gold, or thin, there’s a perfect pair of hoop earrings out there for you. Or better yet, splurge on a few different styles so you have one for every occasion!
RELATED: 10 Statement earrings under $20
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
