Whether you're a minimalist with one treasured heirloom or a maximalist with a playful collection, it's universal that every jewelry box usually holds at least one pair of gold hoop earrings. There’s a reason gold hoops have graced the ears of legends like Cher and Donna Summer and continue to be a go-to for modern style icons like Jennifer Lopez and Hailey Bieber. “[Gold hoops] are an effortless earring that can seamlessly go from casual to dressy,” says Rosena Sammi, a former jewelry designer and founder of The Jewelry Edit, an e-commerce platform specializing in curated collections sourced from sustainable jewelry designers. With piercings trending in a big way this year, there’s no shortage of inspiration to curate your ear stack featuring delicate gold hoops or to make a bold statement with oversized versions.
If you're looking for your very first pair, it's best to start with the basics. "Your initial pair should be versatile enough to wear any time of day, every day," says Jennifer Fisher, founder of her eponymous brand. Her high-profile clients include Lopez, Bieber, and the former first lady Michelle Obama. From there, Fisher recommends experimenting with different styles. "By the time you’re on your fifth pair, you should consider something with texture and a larger diameter to complement what you already have."
Fortunately, almost every contemporary jewelry brand now offers its own spin on the classic gold hoop, with endless options across price points, sizes, and finishes. Finding your perfect pair is a personal journey, much like choosing a signature fragrance or the perfect pair of jeans. With insights from top experts, Marie Claire has curated the ultimate guide to gold hoop earrings—from bold, chunky versions to sleek, slender styles. Our selection includes both affordable jewelry brands and the best investment-worthy pieces to elevate your collection.
At a Glance:
- Best Gold Huggie Earrings
- Best Small Gold Hoop Earrings
- Best Medium Gold Hoop Earrings
- Best Large Gold Hoop Earrings
- What To Look for in Gold Hoop Earrings
- How to Style Gold Hoop Earrings
Best Gold Huggie Earrings
Don’t overlook the power of huggie-style hoops. Their small, snug design is crafted to "hug" your earlobes, making them perfect for layering in an ear stack. They effortlessly complement studs, dangling earrings, and edgy earcuffs but shine as a minimalist choice worn solo. Plus, their lightweight construction means you can wear them all day without discomfort—especially ideal for those with sensitive ears.
If you were to ask any editor about their favorite everyday jewelry brands, Mejuri would most likely be on their list due to its quality and accessible price point. These Huggies are made from 14k gold, making them durable and able to withstand getting wet without any worry.
If you're on the hunt for anything sparkly, Pandora probably has it. Case in point: these dazzling little hoops. They offer a hint of fun to your everyday ear stack. This pair will elevate your most casual outfits even if you have just one piercing.
Kara Yoo is Sammi's go-to earring brand at an accessible price point. "I love that Yoo puts her own twist on hoops—mixing metals and adding bows," she says
Mixed metals are one of fall's top jewelry trends, and this pair from Ana Luisa is so easy to style. You can easily swap out the charm because the brand has an entire collection of them to choose from, including hearts, gemstones, pearls, and more.
The blink-and-you-might-miss-it sparkle in this duo of huggies from Studs makes them look way more expensive than the $48 price tag. You can buy them in a pair or as a single earring—the mix-and-match secret to mastering the cool-girl ear stack you've undoubtedly seen all over Instagram.
Best Small Gold Hoop Earrings
If you've been a longtime wearer of huggies, graduate to the world of smaller hoops. They add just the right polish to your everyday outfits to make you feel put together without going overboard or putting in a ton of effort.
For a pair of gold hoops to be considered perfect, they have to check a few boxes in my book: they must be solid gold, lightweight and comfortable to wear all day long, and have a versatile enough size to pair them with casual and formal looks. These Quince earrings fit the bill. Reviewers also love the open closure at the back and say they're easier to wear because of it.
Finding a pair of solid gold hoop earrings for under $100 sounds too good to be true, but I can assure you your eyes are not deceiving you—this 15mm pair from Rellery is the real deal. They're made from 14k gold, so they'll never tarnish. Even better, they won't turn your skin green or cause an allergic reaction. At $89, they're the perfect pair of classic hoops for those looking to get started on their solid gold jewelry collection.
Pearl jewelry has come a long way. This pair from New York-based brand Aurate uses AAA-rated quality cultured freshwater pearls, a.k.a. the highest-quality ones you can buy. They're set on gold vermeil hoops, but you can buy them in either 14k or 18k gold.
Playing around with different textures can have a totally different outcome on your look, and this pair is proof. A wavy ribbed texture gives these gold hoops a more elegant feel, but that's not to say they won't look just as good with a pair of jeans and a T-shirt—because they will. They also feature an omega-back closure, which means they have a more secure fit and won't slip off.
These oblong hoops add a modern twist to the classic silhouette, and the fact that they come in a set of two (for less than $100!) makes them perfect if you have two piercings in the same ear and watch to match. Now, you can easily achieve a layered ear stack with one easy purchase.
Best Medium Gold Hoop Earrings
A pair of medium-sized gold hoops instantly elevates your look while remaining versatile for everyday wear. This size strikes the perfect balance, offering both delicate silhouettes, bold, statement-making designs, and trendy textures, like the versions Fisher mentions above.
Jenny Bird is an editor-favorite brand, especially their popular Icon Hoops style. They're comfortable enough for all-day wear and made from flexible, waterproof, hollowed-out steel. Plus, their 360-degree closure ensures your hair won't ever get caught in them. It's no wonder why legions of A-listers like Ashley Graham, Normani, Priyanka Chopra-Jonas, and Madelyn Cline are devoted fans.
Monica Vinader is a sustainable brand beloved for its transparent business practices and fair pricing. The brand only uses 100 percent recycled silver and gold, along with fully recyclable shipping and packaging. It's also a royal family favorite—Princess Kate is a fan!
Everyone deserves at least one pair of diamond earrings in their collection. Brilliant Earth is a go-to engagement ring brand but excels in other diamond jewelry styles. While they lend themselves to more formal occasions, these dazzling hoops instantly add polish to any fall outfit in your arsenal.
These duo gold-plated hoops have a delicate closure at the top, so they'll be easy to put on and take off. This pair looks like you put way more effort into your look than you did. They're a great everyday addition to your office wardrobe or jeans and a T-shirt.
Best Large Gold Hoop Earrings
The saying "Go big or go home" couldn’t be more fitting—oversized hoop earrings are having a major moment. These statement pieces command attention, whether you opt for a sleek, minimalist pair like Gorjana's or a bold, sculptural design from Jennifer Fisher’s collection. They're the kind of accessory that has the power to instantly turns heads.
Don't get it twisted—despite the word "petite" in the name, these hoops measure over two inches in diameter. They're also a personal favorite of Fisher's, thanks to their fun twist texture. She calls them a "conversation starter" that will instantly elevate any look.
These earrings are among the most extravagant on this list, measuring just under two inches wide. Despite their size, they have a simple, clean look that appears surprisingly minimal which appeals to even smaller hoop wearers.
Sammi recommends this pair from Third Crown, which she has dubbed the "quintessential oversized pair of hoops" in her collection. "I love how the cut of the metal captures light in all the right ways," she notes.
Get creative with a slightly different-shaped hoop earring. This pair has an artistic look that makes a statement all on its own, and there's no need for other necklaces, rings, bracelets, or earrings.
These are the perfect large-sized, lightweight hoops. They thread perfectly through your piercing and are so delicate that you won't feel like you're wearing any earrings at all.
What To Look for in Gold Hoop Earrings
As you search for your next favorite pair of gold hoops, you'll come across various materials that can affect the price and durability. If you've ever been curious about the distinctions between 14k gold, gold-filled, and gold-plated jewelry, Sammi and Fisher explain everything below.
- Gold-plated: Gold-plated jewelry is the most affordable if you're just starting your collection or want a trendy piece to wear occasionally. However, it's also often the lowest quality. Plated jewelry has a thin layer of gold (usually 0.5 microns in depth) over a base metal, the lowest amount commonly found in gold jewelry.
- Gold-filled: While still in the plated category, gold-filled jewelry is above gold-plated in quality and price. Sammi explains, "The layer of gold is mechanically bonded to the base metal, allowing for enhanced durability and tarnish resistance."
- Gold vermeil: A popular choice for those looking to invest in their jewelry while still keeping an accessible price point, Sammi says gold vermeil employs a thicker gold layer (2.5 microns) over sterling silver. This often results in jewelry that lasts longer. Gold vermeil jewelry is especially great for sensitive skin because it minimizes the risk of reactions to certain base metals.
- Solid gold: With gold jewelry, you'll often see labels like 10k, 14k, 18k, and 24k thrown around, but do you know what they mean? They refer to the amount of metal in pure gold jewelry. "So for 14k, 14 parts out of 24 are pure gold; the remaining parts consist of other metals added to enhance the durability and color of the gold," Sammi explains. The higher up in karats you go, the more of an investment your piece will be.
After selecting your preferred material, Sammi and Fisher suggest considering the size of your hoops. Sammi points out, "While some hoops may catch your eye, their weight may not be comfortable." If possible, take the time to try on your gold hoops in person to see how they complement your face shape and how comfortable they feel. "It's is an important consideration that is often overlooked—and ruining your earlobes is never worth it," Sammi says.
How to Style Good Hoop Earrings
Think of gold hoop earrings as the leather tote bag of your jewelry box—a wardrobe essential that goes with anything and everything you wear, no matter the occasion. Sammi loves a chunky gold hoop for a more formal finished look. Feel free to take after street-style stars from Fashion Week for fall 2024 and use big gold hoops to add feminine juxtaposition to a slightly more tomboy look.
A fashion week attendee shows how gold hoops can elevate an casual look like jeans and a polo shirt.
As a pro hoop stylist, Fisher recommends teaming ear cuffs with smaller hoops. "When wearing large hoops, I prefer to skip a large necklace and instead focus on stacking rings and bracelets. If you're wearing fine, smaller hoops as huggies, you can mix in chain necklaces or other accessories, and it won't look overdone."
Pairing cuffs with delicate gold hoops makes for a chic ear stack, according to Fisher.
Meet the Experts
Rosena is the founder and CEO of The Jewelry Edit, an e-commerce jewelry platform that revolutionizes the way you shop for jewelry through curated jewelry collections focusing on diverse and sustainable designers. In a former life, Rosena was a Park Avenue attorney. In 2006, she left law to start a successful jewelry brand, which has sold through leading department stores and boutiques for over a decade. She has been profiled on CNN, sold over 10,000 pieces on Good Morning America and her jewelry has been worn by A-list celebrities like Rihanna, Gigi Hadid, Miley Cyrus, and Blake Lively. Her jewelry has been featured in every major magazine including Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, who named her a “Designer to Watch”.
Jennifer Fisher has redefined what sentimental fine jewelry looks like in the 21st century. Every collection that Jennifer designs, across both fine and fashion jewelry, evokes a sense of feminine strength and boldness. Dubbed “The Queen of Hoops” by the New York Times, her unapologetic approach to the art of jewelry has garnered the attention of celebrities such as Michelle Obama, Hailey Bieber, and Jennifer Lopez, as well as jewelry lovers worldwide. Jennifer Fisher is renowned for crafting personalized heirlooms that blend modern minimalism with meticulous attention to detail, encouraging self-expression and exemplifying timeless luxury with a distinct, singular attitude. Jennifer Fisher Jewelry is available globally in premier retailers including Saks, MyTheresa, Net-A-Porter, FWRD, Harrods and Nordstrom, as well as her flagship stores in Los Angeles and New York City.
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