Why Diamond Hoop Earrings Are a Style Staple—Then and Now
Hoop earrings have it all: they’re sassy, stylish and historic (that’s right). Hoops, the hero earring silhouette of the last several years, can be traced back to ancient times. While no one knows the origin story, there is a certain logic to the circular shape going from the front to the back of the lobe; think of it like the jewelry equivalent of the invention of the wheel.
History of Diamond Hoops
What is known with certainty about the history of hoops is that diamonds made their sparkling entrance into the design during the 19th century. (Jewels from the classic era had mainly been composed of gold.) While it may seem surprising that the prim Victorians loved the sexy silhouette, one must consider their chosen style, that of the shape of hoop earrings worn by the Etruscans in ancient Italy. The design became popular during the neoclassical revival when hoop earrings were being unearthed during archeological digs. Women acquired them as extravagant souvenirs from their Grand Tours of Italy.
Since the 19th century diamond hoops have never gone out of favor, but they have ebbed and flowed in terms of popularity. Right now, it is not an overstatement to describe the popularity of hoops as a tidal wave.
During the last several years hoops transformed from a cool summer jewelry style to a year-round look. They have also evolved from daytime style staple to red carpet stunner. In fact, so many celebrities have worn diamond hoop earrings at major events that it would almost be easier to list who hasn’t worn the look.
Meet the Expert
- Marion Fasel is an esteemed jewelry expert, author, curator, and trend forecaster.
- She is the founder and Editorial Director of The Adventurine online jewelry magazine.
- She is the author of several books, including The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance
Celebrity Hoop Moments That Shaped the Trend
One of many favorite celebrity hoop earring looks from the last several years includes Rihanna at the Clive Davis pre-Grammy party in 2014. She wore her diamond hoop earrings alongside layers of other diamond jewels and a sunshine yellow Alexandre Vauthier couture dress. The easy breezy styling set a tone for the way diamond hoops would be worn in the years to come.
In 2016, Margot Robbie took classic diamond hoops by Forevermark to the jewelry Super Bowl, otherwise known as the Oscars. The star paired the simple diamond earrings with a gold gown by Tom Ford. Margot Robbie is known for giving her red carpet jewelry looks a modern glamour twist, with thanks to natural diamonds, of course
The ever-stylish Julianne Moore looked radiant in large diamond hoop earrings at a premiere for her 2017 independent film Suburbicon. The jewels lit up her black and white Givenchy cocktail dress.
At Wimbledon in 2017, the Duchess of Cambridge, otherwise known as Kate Middleton, sparkled in her personal pair of small Asprey gold and diamond Oakleaf hoop earrings and a green Dolce & Gabbana dress.
The queen of hoops in Hollywood, Jennifer Lopez has worn diamond hoops countless times. In fact, hoops are such a signature style of hers that everyone understood when she poked fun at herself in an SNL skit titled simply “Hoops” on December 19, 2019.
Of all the iconic Jennifer Lopez hoop earrings looks, without a doubt the most glam moment was at the 2017 Met Gala when she complemented a turquoise blue Valentino gown with Harry Winston three-row hoops set with 42.54 carats of diamonds, plus a vintage bracelet set with 57.30 carats of diamonds, a Mrs. Winston Bracelet set with 45.05 carats of diamonds and four diamond and platinum rings.
Diamond Hoops: A Style for Every Ear
Diamond hoops may share a circular silhouette, but the styles span a dazzling spectrum. From subtle and sleek to bold and statement-making, there’s a hoop for every occasion—and personality. Here’s a look at some of the most coveted types of diamond hoop earrings today:
Classic Hoops
Timeless and versatile, classic diamond hoops are usually medium-sized circles with diamonds set either inside-out or on the front-facing edge. They offer everyday elegance and can easily transition from day to night.
Huggie Hoops
These mini hoops “hug” the earlobe closely and often feature pavé-set diamonds. Huggies are perfect for stacking with multiple earrings or wearing solo for a minimalist look.
Inside-Out Hoops
Designed for maximum sparkle, these hoops feature diamonds along both the outside front and the inside back, so the gems are always visible—no matter the angle.
Chandelier Hoops
For those who want to make a statement, chandelier hoops combine the circular shape with dangling diamond details for added movement and drama.
Geometric Hoops
Designers are reimagining hoops with bold shapes—think squares, ovals, or hexagons—all outlined in diamonds. These modern takes add an architectural flair to the traditional hoop.
Colored Diamond Hoops
From champagne to canary yellow, colored diamonds add a pop of personality to classic hoop styles, aligning with the trend of vibrant, expressive fine jewelry.
Hoops with Charms or Pendants
Some diamond hoops come adorned with dangling elements like pearls, stars, or symbolic charms, adding an extra layer of meaning and texture.
Designers have responded to the demand for hoops today with an array of dynamic styles.
Shop Designer Diamond Hoops
See diamond hoops from some of our favorite designers.
Temple St. Clair Cosmos Hoops, $4,500, templestclair.com
Mateo 14kt Gold Diamond Bypass Hoops, $3,750, mateonewyork.com
Renna Jewels Medium Constellation Hoops, $6,000, rennajewels.com
Anita Ko DIAMOND TWISTED HOOPS, $11,250, anitako.com
Featherstone Fine Jewelry Platinum and Kunzite Hoops, Inquire for Price, featherstonedesign.com
Jacquie Aiche Double Row Diamond Shaker Hoops, $10,725, jacquieaiche.com
Melissa Kaye Enamel CRISTINA EARRING, $3,960, melissakayejewelry.com
Nikos Koulis Yellow Gold Hoop Earrings with White Diamond Baguettes, Inquire for Price, nikoskoulis.com
Harwell Godfrey Knife Edge Hoops, $5,250, harwellgodfrey.com
