As one of the oldest accessories in human existence, hoop earrings have significant meanings for different cultures. While they were a part of the ensemble of kings and queens to signify their social status - today they are a statement of confidence, strength & diversity.

Hoop earrings have been around almost as long as humans have, the first hoop earrings originating around 2500 B.C.E. Hoop earrings were worn by the Ancient Greeks, Romans, Asians & Egyptians, but the very first hoops originated in Nubia, an African civilization located in what we now call Sudan.

In 1000 B.C.E. tapered hoop earrings spread to other cultures around the world. The jewelry was prodiminately worn by women, but men with high social status sometimes sported hoop earrings as well. In ancient Persia carvings depict soldiers wearing a single hoop earring in each ear.

During the 1600's hoops & other ear jewelry became almost non existent due to the high collared clothing & elaborate hairstyles that covered the ears.

the 1700's brought many pearl styles into the ears of European women, & hoops were a style not commonly seen during this period.

The 1800's brought light hoop earrings & trends that were heavily inspired by Roman cultures that lead to greater popularity of large gold hoops.

Unfortunetly the 1900's brought negativity surrounding hoop earrings, many viewed them as symbol of Native American & Latino culture. Many women stopped wearing hoops all together to avoid being categorized as an immigrant. The stigma that surrounded hoop earrings, & earrings in general, was short lived & by 1910 updos that flaunted the ears & simpler hairstyles brought the hoop earring back. Thanks to Spanish and Egypitan influence, & the discovery of King Tutankhamen's tomb, it rebirthed the notion that gold hoop earrings symbolized power & social status.

Hoop earrings became th signature look of the 1960's along side the clean, straight hair trend of that decade. Cher & Diana Ross were known for flaunting large hoops as their signature style.

The 1980's brought new earring designs with various shapes & sizes that temporaily pushed the hoop earring to the back burner.

Thanks to hip hop culture & Latino influence the 1990's & 2000's were filled with hoops of all sizes and shapes.

Hoops are empowering! They symbolize strength & international fashion. Being a circle, hoop earrings show unity, infinity & wholeness. Hoop earrings are a staple of many cultures & continue to evolve as both a fashion accessory & a symbol of confidence.