Hoop Earrings

Nickel Free Hypoallergenic Hoop Earrings Are For Everyone

By no means a passing trend, nickel free hypoallergenic hoop earrings have for eons featured in many cultures across the globe. No need to cross the palm of a hoop-wearing fortune teller with silver or search for treasure with a pirate donning one! All you need to know about these perennial favourites is right here.

Early Civilisation’s Love Affair with Hoops

Dating back to 2500 B.C., the earliest archaeological evidence of earrings just happens to be crescent-shaped hoops of gold worn by the women of Sumer (in the southernmost region of ancient Mesopotamia).

At the same time, they were also worn in ancient Africa’s Nubia. From there, the wearing of bronze, silver, and gold hoop earrings spread across Western Asia and the Aegean countries of Cyprus and Crete.

During the 1st Century, Etruscan and Greek goldsmiths continued to refine their design to reflect wealth and prosperity. The colourful Romans of the time favoured crystal hoop earrings and even Julius Caesar ruled the empire while wearing hooped earrings. Soon after, the Byzantine era heralded a variation of modern-day pearl hoop earrings.

Hoop Earrings in Contemporary Culture

Fast forward to the 1960s and ‘70s when the circular design again became one of the signature styles of the era, representing female empowerment during the feminist movement.

From then on, and especially since the 1980s, annulus earrings have continued to symbolise power, strength, and resilience, particularly in Black and Latina communities.

While there are rumblings of cultural appropriation, most people simply enjoy hoops as a bold accessory whose symmetry draws attention to your face and makes your smile seem wider. Nowadays versions in every size and colour are worn by anyone wanting a boost. Urban Dictionary even has a phrase for it, “Big hoop energy is knowing your self-worth. Loving yourself, being powerful, sassy and not tolerating any bullsh!t”.

Types of Hoop Earrings

The circular design symbolises infinity and unity.

Huggies are small hoop earrings that snugly hug your ear. Because there is only a little gap between your earlobe and the earring, they seldom catch on clothing, making them a practical choice.
Styles that do not form a continuous circle and have a gap at the back are often labelled as posted hoops.

Prong set hoops are set with gems. If diamonds are out of your price range, consider cubic zirconia hoop earrings for an affordable sparkle.
Nickel free hoop earrings are the perfect solution for sensitive ears!

For the largest selection of nickel free hypoallergenic hoop earrings in Ireland and beyond, head on over to Ear Sense – the online earring store that specialises in earrings for sensitive ears.