WHY ARE HOOP EARRINGS A SYMBOL OF IDENTITY?

AN ANCIENT HISTORY

Hoop earrings (“creole” earrings in French) have a very long history behind them. The oldest pair of this style of earrings was found in Sumerian tombs from 2600 BC. J.-C., that is, on the territory of today’s Iraq.

This type of earrings with various sized hoops is found around the 4 corners of the world, from some tribes of India and Vietnam through the New World.

For some civilizations, they were intended to protect the wearer, for others, it was a symbol of fortune and wealth.

A MARKER OF IDENTITY

In the days of slavery, hoop earrings were the only jewels that slaves were allowed to wear. Therefore, hoop earrings have become a strong symbol of identity, hence their name “creole earrings” in French.

Hoop earrings became especially popular during the 60’s among African-American women. This was the period of the emergence of the Black Power movement, when members of this community decided to embrace their past and origins.  They started sporting a look that proudly displayed markers of their culture and history.

A POLYMORPHOUS TREND PIECE

In the 70s, the trend of these earrings continued thanks to disco divas such as Diana Ross or Donna Summer.

During the 80s, the Creoles became more massive to take the form of “knockers”. This nickname was given as a nod to the massive shape of this accessory used to knock on doors.

In the early 2000, hoop earrings became thinner and bigger than ever, usually worn by RnB and pop singers such as Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce and even adopted by pop singers like Britney Spears.

At the opposite end of this trend, smaller, thinner hoops have become popular in recent years. Enveloping the earlobe, they are aptly named “huggie” earrings.

Today, hoop earrings can suit everyone’s style. Thin or thick, wide or small, paved with diamonds, in yellow or white gold, hoop earrings, the options are limitless. From the most extroverted to the most minimalist, they have become a real must-have of jewelry.

Discover our selection of antique and vintage hoop earrings!