Hoop earrings

Hoop earrings: a timeless style.

Creole. The word first evokes the shape: a simple ring that encircles the ear and forms a clean circle around the face. Archaeologists have found them among the Greeks and Romans. Fashion then carried them along maritime routes. The term became established in French in the 19th century to refer to solid rings seen in ports and colonies. History mainly remembers their resurgence: the 1920s with their sleek hairstyles; the 1960s and 70s for their free spirit; and the 1990s and 2000s when the ring became an urban symbol. Today, the Creole earring is a jewelry staple. It adapts, growing larger or becoming miniature. It is crafted from tubular wire, wire, or twisted shapes, sometimes set with stones.

At Castafiore, hoop earrings are a simple idea, but one that's meticulously crafted. Our selection includes pre-owned earrings and vintage pieces. Yellow gold for a bright, clear shine. White gold for a fresh look. Rose gold to soften the lines. White silver when the material calls for understated elegance. We choose hoops that fit snugly on the earlobe and are gentle on the ear. Precise hinges. Secure clasps. The circle must remain true from morning till night.

Some pairs focus on the essentials. A thin, polished ring that completes an outfit without overwhelming it. Others reveal a bygone design. A fluted tube from the 70s. A chiseled grain from the 50s. Mini hoops embellished with pearls or onyx. A few models feature aligned diamonds, a pavé setting of cubic zirconia, or a touch of rock crystal. These aren't decorative additions. They are ways of letting the circle speak for itself.

Styles and materials: thin rings, full volumes, rare signs

One word is all it takes to categorize hoop earrings: diameter. The more discreet the diameter, the closer the hoop sits to the earlobe, making it suitable for everyday wear. Medium-sized hoops frame the face. Larger hoops make a bold statement and elongate the neck. The cross-section is just as important as the diameter. A thin white gold hoop minimizes bulk and emphasizes the design. A solid yellow gold hoop evokes a vintage look. A rose gold twist adds dimension without altering the overall appearance. Oval hoops soften the profile. Flat hoops play with the light.

The materials dictate the look. White gold interacts with diamonds and cubic zirconia for a crisp white. Yellow gold remains the natural choice for classic hoop earrings. Rose gold often features in recent designs for a touch of warmth. Silver offers a simple, affordable alternative and looks stunning in rhodium-plated white silver. Stainless steel exists, but our collection favors gold and silver for their lasting durability. We indicate when a pair is gold-plated, when a pavé setting combines cubic zirconia and natural stones, and when a rock crystal or lapis lazuli adorns the rim.

We want to highlight designs rarely seen today. Openwork hoop earrings reminiscent of metal lace. Circles punctuated with tiny set stars. Beveled rings that make the surface shimmer. These are finds that liven up an outfit and offer a subtle reminder of times gone by. An updo, a simple collar, and the ear becomes a place of history.

Wearing and styling: choosing hoop earrings for the occasion

Hoop earrings don't force anything. They complement. For an active day, choose delicate hoop earrings in white gold or silver. They maintain a clean look and blend seamlessly into the rhythm. For an evening out, a medium-sized hoop in yellow gold adds a touch of edge and vibrates with simple makeup. For a date, oval hoops in rose gold soften the lines and accentuate femininity. A delicate pavé setting of cubic zirconia enhances a black outfit. A few diamonds placed in a line are enough to enliven the eyes without being heavy.

The ear's placement is important. A high-pierced lobe is best suited to a small-diameter hoop earring. A lower piercing calls for a medium-sized hoop to maintain balance. We specify the width, weight, and clasp system: click hinge, post with notch, or tube attachment. These details make all the difference when worn. Hoop earrings are also available in pairs with small, removable drops: a white gold circle combined with a rock crystal drop, or a yellow gold ring adorned with a pearl. The pair changes its look without changing its basic design.

Our product descriptions detail the metal, stone color, condition, and diameter. The price reflects the material, the period, and the signature (when present). Sales are conducted transparently with accurate photos. Shipping is handled with care. Our stock changes rapidly. We regularly add new hoop earrings for women and, less frequently, for men when the style is suitable.

Authenticate, maintain, transmit: the Castafiore support

Each pair passes through the hands of discerning collectors. Hallmarks are checked. Alloy verified. Settings inspected. We indicate the presence of diamonds, cubic zirconia, or precious stones. When a surface treatment is visible, we specify it. In the case of gold plating, this information is clearly stated. We document the probable origin and period. The selection blends antique hoop earrings with contemporary jewelry.

Maintaining hoop earrings is simple. Use warm water and mild soap for gold and silver. A microfiber cloth will restore their shine. Rhodium-plated silver may need to be repolished. Store the earrings flat to protect the hoops. Avoid spraying perfume directly on the metal. Occasionally checking the hinges is all it takes to prolong the life of your jewelry.

Passing on knowledge is part of our business. You buy a well-documented pair of earrings, ready to wear. You can also resell them. We appraise, describe, publish, and agree on a fair price with you. The hoop earrings join the collection, find a new ear, and continue their story.

Useful questions

• Where does the Creole word for earrings come from? From the circle worn in Atlantic and Caribbean cultures. The term became established in French in the 19th century to designate solid hoop earrings.
• Which hoop earrings should you wear every day? Small diameters in white gold or white silver. Slim profile. Secure clasp. They move with you without weighing down your ear.
• Yellow gold, white gold, rose gold: which to choose? Yellow gold for a sunny presence. White gold to highlight white pavé or diamonds. Rose gold for a softer look. White silver remains a simple and affordable option.
• Zirconium or diamond pavé? Zirconium oxide offers a brilliant white at a reasonable price. Diamonds are more durable and reflect a deeper light. Our product descriptions specify the type of stone.
• How do you know the right size? Measure a hoop earring you already like or rely on the diameter indicated. A thin earlobe is better suited to a small hoop. A lower earlobe calls for a medium diameter.
• Can I find truly rare hoop earrings? Yes. Our selection includes pieces with designs that are impossible to find today: openwork, gadroons, beads mounted on rings, lapis lazuli, or rock crystal. These are statement pieces, not just for show.