Hoop earrings are among the oldest accessories in the history of humanity. For as long as we have been adorning our bodies with jewellery, we have been wearing hoop earrings, and these particular decorations have important uses and meanings across all cultures.
What to consider when deciding on hoop earrings
When you select hoop earrings, it is a good idea to consider the extensive cultural history and implications involved with these popular pieces of jewellery. By choosing to wear hoop earrings, you are not only putting on accessories to bring out your face shape or match with your outfit; you are making yourself a part of an ongoing historical dialogue about culture, style and the meanings of our fashion choices carry. Hoop earrings have been found in archaeological digs around the world, from Egypt to South America, dating back more than two millennia at the very least, and have been worn more or less throughout the history of the world, waxing and waning in popularity over time. The ideas associated with these adornments have changed over time. For some, they are not merely accessories, but cultural symbols and even emblems of the fight against oppression
Hoop earrings created a cultural backlash
Despite their ongoing popularity across many cultures, the perception of hoop earrings changed substantially during the early 20th Century. In the United States, they began to be associated with Native American and Latino culture, assuming a heavy cultural burden, the repercussions of which are still felt to this day. While, at the time, many people chose not to wear hoops because of these ethnic associations, a lot of women today wear them precisely for that reason, proudly embracing them as symbols of their often downtrodden culture. For these women, hoops are seen as symbols of empowerment.
Hoop earrings around the world
Hoops have been worn on all of the populated continents for thousands of years. The oldest ones that have been found date back to 2,500 BCE in southern Egypt and northern Sudan. Different types of hoops were used as tribal identifiers in some cultures and today are worn by many style icons – sometimes with strong cultural connotations, though this is not necessarily the case.
Hoop earrings are versatile
Leaving aside the cultural associations of hoop earrings, they are an extremely versatile choice that can work with a wide variety of outfits and styles. The term ‘hoop earring’ describes an incredibly broad category of jewellery. They come in a range of sizes and are made in many different metals. They can be simple or ornate in design, lending themselves to intricate metalwork and gemstone settings. No matter what outfit you are wearing, there is likely to be a pair of hoops that will go with it.
Hoop earrings are worn by men and women
The versatility of hoop earrings means that both men and women can wear them. This has always been the case, dating back to ancient times. They were a popular choice among men in Elizabethan England, for example, as the famous portrait of William Shakespeare can attest. Both men and women will find hoop earrings to suit both their looks and outfits.
Different types of hoop earring designs
Ear Sense has created hypoallergenic earrings for distribution in pharmacies and other retailers in Ireland and across Europe since 1989. Our products are available to order direct to the public from our website, making us the number one source for earrings for sensitive ears online. Shop our range of stylish, hypoallergenic, nickel-free earrings in a wide variety of styles, including hoops.