Gold Hoop Earrings

Solid Gold or Gold Plated Hoops?

Solid gold hoops are karat metal all the way through, every gram of them. The hoops here take a different route: a real layer of gold on top, a lighter metal underneath. 14K plating gives a soft, classic yellow, while 24K plating gives the deepest, richest yellow, because 24K is pure gold. Gold tone steel is a color finish on stainless steel rather than plating, and it is the hardest wearing of these builds.

• 14K plated brass. Classic yellow over a light base.
• 24K plated sterling. The richest yellow over silver.
• Gold tone steel. Warm color on a tough, rust resistant core.

Keeping Gold Plated Hoops Bright

Plating does not fade on a schedule; it wears where something rubs it or attacks it. Hoops touch hair, collars and phones all day, so the outer curve is where any change shows first. Put hoops on after lotion and perfume, take them off for water, and they keep their glow far longer. A dry, soft cloth is all the cleaning they need, and a small pouch for each pair keeps harder pieces from scratching the surface.

Thin, Chunky or Statement Plated Hoops

Width changes a plated hoop as much as size does. A thin round tube reads delicate and goes everywhere, from the office to a wedding. A chunky flat band reflects light like a mirror, so even a one inch hoop looks bold. An open teardrop or a chain of daisies turns the hoop into a design you notice, and a freshwater pearl hanging from the bottom adds movement and a little ceremony. Start with the width that matches the rest of your jewelry, then branch out. Every shape and metal of hoop is gathered on the hoop earrings page, and necklaces and rings in the same warm finish sit on the gold plated jewelry page.