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How to pick the perfect hoop earrings

How to pick the perfect hoop earrings

Hoop earrings are a jewelry staple that come in all shapes and sizes. Whether they're encrusted with diamonds, shining in gold or dotted with colorful gemstones, hoops can be the perfect way to frame your face and highlight your personal beauty. However, with so many options to choose from, it can seem difficult to figure out which one will suit you best. For those looking to make a statement, hoop earrings can incorporate a variety of diamond cut shapes that are perfect for any occasion. Before purchasing your next pair of small or large hoops, take a look at this easy earring buying guide and enhance your diamond education.

A classic shape for all

Hoop earrings have been around for centuries, as ear piercing was one of the first forms of body modification during the olden days. The former one-size-fits-all mentality made way for many different trends that have made hoop earrings one of the most common pieces of jewelry adorning women - and even some men - in the 21st century. They remain popular in modern culture because they complement almost every face shape, including round, oval, square and heart. Whatever your mood or personal preferences, there are hoops that can fit your lifestyle because they are available in more sizes than most other types of jewelry.

The main dimensions

When you're looking for hoop earrings, you may find charts with different millimeter lengths that you can't make real-world sense of. According to Overstock.com, the following comparisons will help you visualize the size you're looking for:

- 73 to 75 millimeters: roughly the size of a baseball
- 63 to 65 millimeters: roughly the size of a can of soda
- 30 to 32 millimeters: roughly the size of a half-dollar coin
- 25 to 27 millimeters: roughly the size of a quarter
- 18 to 20 millimeters: roughly the size of a penny

It's important to note that the width of the hoops will have an impact on how they appear, regardless of their dimensions. Thin hoop earrings that are 75 millimeters wide will look more delicate than hoop earrings that are thicker and more clun​ky.

Think about your hair length

Stylists generally agree: the longer your hair, the larger the hoops you can get away with. However, there are always exceptions to that rule, and if you're feeling bold there's no harm in going big. As you're getting ready, before you pick your jewelry, decide how you're going to wear your hair. Large hoop earrings can get tangled in long or curly hair, so if you're going to rock them, consider tying your hair back to prevent a painful mess. This will also help them stand out as an integral part of your outfit.

What are the earrings for?

Different sized hoop earrings make the perfect statement for a variety of occasions. But before you purchase a new pair, think about where you want to wear them. If you need new earrings for a wedding or other formal event, a smaller, more sophisticated pair of earrings (like the X-Prong Huggies from Brian Gavin) will provide the perfect accent. On the other hand, if you're looking for hoop earrings for more casual occasions - like dates or nights out with friends - something larger or funkier can add the perfect pizzaz to your attire. Searching for earrings that can go day to night? Huggies, which are small hoops that wrap right around your earlobes, are an excellent choice!

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