Classic design and universality make gold hoop earrings a favorite in the jewelry box. But to choose the perfect one, there are a few criteria to consider. Our guide is here to help.
Materials and Plating
Solid gold, gold filled or gold plated? Knowing the characteristics of the material from which the hoop earrings are made, helps to determine their longevity.
Gold plated
Gold is galvanically plated on the base metal through electrolysis. The plating is very thin and sensitive to moisture, and oxidizes quite quickly. As it breaks down, it exposes the “base” made of brass, copper, nickel or cadmium, which can lead to allergic reactions in contact with the skin.
Vermeil
This plating is a thicker layer of gold on silver, which means that the base metal of the earrings is precious. As with other kinds of gold plating, it is sensitive to moisture and can darken in contact with it.
Gold Filled
A method of plating in which the base (usually brass or silver) and gold are heated intensely and molecular bonding occurs between them. As a result, a tough gold plating is formed with a thickness of 10 microns or more. Gold-plated hoops will serve you for a long time, but not forever: over time, gold can become tarnished. In addition, they must be protected from moisture. This type of gold plating is the most durable and long-lasting.
Solid Gold
Because of its natural softness, pure gold is practically never used for jewelry. The situation is saved by adding silver, platinum, copper or nickel, which makes the alloy more resistant. Depending on the percentage of admixtures, gold may be 24-carat (close to 100% gold), 22-carat (91%), 18-carat (75%) or 14-carat (58%). These determine the strength, color and finish of the gold jewelry. Certainly, solid gold earrings are the most sustainable option.
Color of Gold
The best way to choose the perfect color of gold is to match it to your skin tone. White gold hoops are the perfect match for light skin. Also suitable for cold skin types are rose gold hoops. For example, the exquisite Pave Amalfi Hoop earrings by LUV AJ with rose gold plating will perfectly shade the porcelain skin of blondes. Yellow gold suits olive tones and skin with a light golden tan, while red shades of gold accentuate the beauty of darker skin.
Size and Weight of Hoops
Small gold hoop earrings with a small diameter and laconic design are a practical everyday option, as well as appropriate in the office dress code. The more noticeable models are large gold hoops and large wide gold hoops. These are just created for evening outfits, when you need to emphasize feminine flair and sexuality. Remember that large earrings are not always heavier than small ones, because they can be hollow. And it is important to pay attention to weight, because it should be comfortable to wear them!
The minimalistic Icon Hoops by Jenny Bird weigh only 2.83 grams, and the luxurious Daisy Statement Earring by LUV AJ are 7 grams each.
The Shape of the Face and Gold Hoops
Oval face (Jessica Alba) is considered a model face, so suits any hoop earrings.
Round-faced girls (Selena Gomez) can pay attention to modern models: for example, gold-plated hoops Mega U-Link Earrings by Jenny Bird with an irregular round shape.
Features of a rectangular or square face (Angelina Jolie) will be softened by big, wide earrings.
The specific feature of triangular faces (Jennifer Lopez) is beautiful cheekbones, and compact gold hoop earrings, such as Mini Saturn Hoops by Misho, will highlight them.
Heart-shaped faces (Jennifer Lawrence) would benefit from massive hoop earrings to balance out the lower part of the face. A luxurious option is the Quilted Amalfi Hoops by LUV AJ.
