To buy the right hoop earrings, choose three things: the diameter (how big the hoop is), the thickness (how wide the tube is) and the style (plain, diamond-cut, bamboo or another design). For everyday wear, many people start with a 20–30 mm hoop that is 2–3 mm thick, then go bigger or bolder for a statement look.
Here is how to think through each choice so your hoops look right and feel comfortable all day.
What size hoop earrings should I get?
Hoop size is the diameter, measured across the outside of the hoop. Listings may show it in millimeters or inches.
| Diameter |
Approx. inches |
Look |
| 10–15 mm |
0.4–0.6 in |
Huggie; hugs the earlobe |
| 20–30 mm |
0.8–1.2 in |
Small to medium; everyday |
| 35–45 mm |
1.4–1.8 in |
Medium to large; noticeable |
| 50–65 mm |
2–2.5 in |
Large; statement hoop |
| 70 mm and up |
2.75 in and up |
Extra large; bold |
A quick way to picture it: hold a coin or a ruler up to your ear in the mirror. A US quarter is about 24 mm across.
How thick should hoop earrings be?
Thickness is the width of the tube that forms the hoop.
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1–2 mm: thin and delicate. Light, easy to sleep in, and good for second or third piercings.
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3–4 mm: a balanced everyday hoop with more presence.
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5 mm and up: chunky and bold. Looks great, but heavier.
Size and thickness work together. A large hoop in a thin tube still feels light. A large hoop in a thick tube can pull on the earlobe, so many people choose hollow gold for big, thick hoops to keep the weight down.
Which hoop style is right for me?
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Plain polished: smooth and classic. Goes with everything.
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Diamond-cut: the gold surface is cut with tiny facets so it sparkles in the light without stones.
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Bamboo: segmented like bamboo stalks. A bold, traditional look, often in larger sizes.
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Twisted or rope: texture that catches the light.
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Huggies: small, thick hoops that sit close to the lobe.
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Stone-set: diamonds or CZ along the front of the hoop.
Not sure about stones? Our guide to natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds and CZ explains the difference.
What kind of closure do hoops have?
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Hinged click-top: a hinged section snaps into place. Secure and easy, common on huggies.
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Latch back: a post fits into a latch at the back of the hoop. Common on medium and large hoops.
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Endless or continuous: a thin wire slides into the hollow tube. Smooth and seamless but trickier to put on.
If you have trouble with small clasps, a hinged or latch-back hoop is easier to handle.
Which metal is best for hoops?
Solid gold is a great choice for earrings you wear often. 10K gold (41.7% pure) is strong and holds its shape, and 14K (58.3%) has a richer color. Many people with sensitive ears do well with solid gold; ask us. Gold-plated hoops cost less, but the plating can wear off over time. On our site, plated items are always labeled as plated.
Many of the hoops in our hoops collection are 10K gold and marked "Customizable Size," so you can choose the diameter that suits you. If you'd rather go small and simple, see our stud earrings guide.
How do I care for gold hoops?
- Take them off before swimming, showering and working out.
- Wipe them with a soft cloth and store them so they don't get bent.
- Check the closure now and then to make sure it still clicks shut.
A bent hoop or a loose latch can often be fixed. We do jewelry repair in our store; call or text for details.
Visit or text us
The easiest way to choose a size is to hold a few up in the mirror. Visit our family-owned store at 260 Main St, Orange, NJ, open 7 days, or call or text (973) 673-3800. Browse all gold hoops or our full earrings collection.
Hoop Earrings Buying Guide: Size, Thickness and Style
To buy the right hoop earrings, choose three things: the diameter (how big the hoop is), the thickness (how wide the tube is) and the style (plain, diamond-cut, bamboo or another design). For everyday wear, many people start with a 20–30 mm hoop that is 2–3 mm thick, then go bigger or bolder for a statement look.
Here is how to think through each choice so your hoops look right and feel comfortable all day.
What size hoop earrings should I get?
Hoop size is the diameter, measured across the outside of the hoop. Listings may show it in millimeters or inches.
A quick way to picture it: hold a coin or a ruler up to your ear in the mirror. A US quarter is about 24 mm across.
How thick should hoop earrings be?
Thickness is the width of the tube that forms the hoop.
Size and thickness work together. A large hoop in a thin tube still feels light. A large hoop in a thick tube can pull on the earlobe, so many people choose hollow gold for big, thick hoops to keep the weight down.
Which hoop style is right for me?
Not sure about stones? Our guide to natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds and CZ explains the difference.
What kind of closure do hoops have?
If you have trouble with small clasps, a hinged or latch-back hoop is easier to handle.
Which metal is best for hoops?
Solid gold is a great choice for earrings you wear often. 10K gold (41.7% pure) is strong and holds its shape, and 14K (58.3%) has a richer color. Many people with sensitive ears do well with solid gold; ask us. Gold-plated hoops cost less, but the plating can wear off over time. On our site, plated items are always labeled as plated.
Many of the hoops in our hoops collection are 10K gold and marked "Customizable Size," so you can choose the diameter that suits you. If you'd rather go small and simple, see our stud earrings guide.
How do I care for gold hoops?
A bent hoop or a loose latch can often be fixed. We do jewelry repair in our store; call or text for details.
Visit or text us
The easiest way to choose a size is to hold a few up in the mirror. Visit our family-owned store at 260 Main St, Orange, NJ, open 7 days, or call or text (973) 673-3800. Browse all gold hoops or our full earrings collection.