< Culture & Style / Jewelry Trends
Why Diamond Hoops Are a Style Staple—Then and Now
The classic style adds joy to any jewelry box.
Updated: October 22, 2025
Written by: Marion Fasel
Hoop earrings have it all: they’re sassy, stylish and historic (that’s right). This hero earring silhouette of the last several years, can be traced back to ancient times. While no one knows the origin story, there is a certain logic to the circular shape going from the front to the back of the lobe; think of it like the jewelry equivalent of the invention of the wheel.
Meet the Expert
- Marion Fasel is an esteemed jewelry expert, author, curator, and trend forecaster.
- She is the founder and Editorial Director of The Adventurine online jewelry magazine.
- She is the author of several books, including The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance.
The History of Diamond Hoops
What is known with certainty about the history of hoops is that diamonds made their sparkling entrance into the design during the 19th century. (Jewels from the classic era had mainly been composed of gold.) While it may seem surprising that the prim Victorians loved the sexy silhouette, one must consider their chosen style, that of the shape of earrings worn by the Etruscans in ancient Italy. The design became popular during the neoclassical revival when hoop earrings were being unearthed during archeological digs. Women acquired them as extravagant souvenirs from their Grand Tours of Italy.
Since the 19th century, diamond hoops have never gone out of favor, but they have ebbed and flowed in terms of popularity. Right now, it is not an overstatement to describe the popularity of the style as a tidal wave.
During the last several years, this earring style transformed from a cool summer jewelry style to a year-round look. They have also evolved from daytime style staple to red carpet stunner. In fact, so many celebrities have worn diamond versions of the earrings at major events that it would almost be easier to list who hasn’t worn the look.
Celebrity Hoop Earrings That Shaped the Trend
Jennifer Lopez
The queen of hoops in Hollywood, Jennifer Lopez has worn diamond versions countless times. In fact, they are such a signature style of hers that everyone understood when she poked fun at herself in an SNL skit titled simply “Hoops” on December 19, 2019.
J. Lo walked the 2000 MTV VMAs red carpet, wearing a Sean John white crop top and white jeans paired with a white bandana, diamond hoops and a diamond name-plate necklace.
Of all Lopez’s iconic earring moments, her most dazzling was at the 2017 Met Gala, where she paired a turquoise Valentino gown with Harry Winston three-row diamond hoops totaling 42.54 carats. She completed the look with a vintage diamond bracelet (57.30 carats), a Mrs. Winston bracelet (45.05 carats), and four diamond-and-platinum rings.
Beyoncé
During the infamous 2009 MTV VMAs, Beyoncé brought home the Moonman trophy in a plunging red Roberto Cavalli minidress with shoulder-scraping Lorraine Schwartz diamond hoop earrings. The following January, Queen Bey had the most wins by a female artist in one night at the 2010 Grammy Awards, wearing bright shining diamond hoop earrings with her Armani Privé metallic minidress.
By the next year, Beyoncé infamously revealed her baby bump after performing “Love On Top” at the 2011 MTV VMAs. Unveiling her pregnancy with Blue Ivy, the superstar wore high-waisted black trousers, a white button-down top, a bedazzled purple blazer, and last but not least, a pair of stunning black diamond hoop earrings.
Rihanna
Rihanna celebrated the launch of her brand FENTY at Bergdorf Goodman in 2020, wearing an orange look from her label, a myriad of dazzling crosses and Venus symbol pendant necklaces, and thick diamond hoop earrings, featuring yellow diamonds white diamonds at the border.
Emily Ratajkowski
Emily Ratajkowski attended the Messika High Jewelry collection during Paris Fashion Week in 2022, wearing huge hoop earrings, featuring pear-shaped diamond drops in the center, courtesy of Messika.
Diamond Hoops: A Style for Every Ear
Diamond hoops may share a circular silhouette, but the options span a dazzling spectrum. From subtle and sleek to bold and statement-making, there’s a style for every occasion—and personality. Here’s a look at some of the most coveted types today:
Classic
Timeless and versatile, the classic versions of this style are usually medium-sized circles with diamonds set either inside-out or on the front-facing edge. They offer everyday elegance and can easily transition from day to night.
Huggies
These mini hoops “hug” the earlobe closely and often feature pavé-set diamonds. Huggies are perfect for stacking with multiple earrings or wearing solo for a minimalist look.
Inside-Out
Designed for maximum sparkle, these feature diamonds along both the outside front and the inside back, so the gems are always visible—no matter the angle.
Chandelier
For those who want to make a statement, chandelier hoops combine the circular shape with dangling diamond details for added movement and drama.
Geometric
Designers are reimagining hoops with bold shapes—think squares, ovals, or hexagons—all outlined in diamonds. These modern takes add an architectural flair to the traditional style.
Colored Diamonds
From champagne to canary yellow, colored diamonds add a pop of personality to classic styles, aligning with the trend of vibrant, expressive fine jewelry.
Charms or Pendants
Some diamond hoops come adorned with dangling elements like pearls, stars, or symbolic charms, adding an extra layer of meaning and texture.
Shop Designer Diamond Hoops
Designers have responded to the demand for these timeless earrings with an array of dynamic styles. Explore natural diamond takes on the trend from some of our favorite names in jewelry.
Temple St. Clair Cosmos Hoops, $4,500, templestclair.com
Mateo 14kt Gold Diamond Bypass Hoops, $3,750, mateonewyork.com
Renna Jewels Medium Constellation Hoops, $6,000, rennajewels.com
Anita Ko DIAMOND TWISTED HOOPS, $11,250, anitako.com
Featherstone Fine Jewelry Platinum and Kunzite Hoops, Inquire for Price, featherstonedesign.com
Jacquie Aiche Double Row Diamond Shaker Hoops, $10,725, jacquieaiche.com
Melissa Kaye Enamel CRISTINA EARRING, $3,960, melissakayejewelry.com
Nikos Koulis Yellow Gold Hoop Earrings with White Diamond Baguettes, Inquire for Price, nikoskoulis.com
Harwell Godfrey Knife Edge Hoops, $5,250, harwellgodfrey.com
