When we think of hoop earrings, the classically styled, circular ring pops into your head, usually with a contemporary lever-back or snap-back closure for a secure fastening. Recent years have expanded the hoop earring selection to include squared and other misshapen designs, dangling adornments and double/triple drop hoop styles to tickle the fancy of even the most finicky consumer. Keep your mind open, as well as your eyes, for a completely new view of this much-needed piece for every jewelry box.

If you’re shopping for a more conservative pair of earrings, you can never go wrong with solid gold hoop earrings, large or small, broad or thin. Every woman should have at least one quality pair of gold hoops, as they can coordinate with any wardrobe choice. From jeans and a sweater for a day at the mall, to work attire for the big meeting with the new client, evening wear for any night on the town, and every possible option in between, classic gold hoops are a definite must-have for any woman.

You can’t forget about the simple variations of this time-honored style, including white gold hoop earrings. Some ladies just don’t like yellow gold. White gold is comparable in color to sterling silver, but offers the prestige synonymous with gold itself.

Embellishments are another fine point of interest when shopping for hoop earrings, and an important one to boot. Since diamonds have been known to be “A Girl’s Best Friend", imagine where the ranking of diamond hoop earrings would place on the scale! Diamond hoops are available in all shapes and sizes, and in yellow and white gold. Tiny diamond-chip accents around the circumference, along the outside edge, or diamonds totaling a full carat on the inside and outside edges are just a few decisions necessary when shopping for this illustrious item.

Finally, the karat of gold is an important factor in your hoop earring purchase. From 10K to 24K (with 10 being the lowest grade, but the highest level of strength and 24 being the higher grade, but the softest in strength), your budget usually dictates the metal of choice. From tiny to large hoop earrings, you can rest assured that any gift hand-picked personally by you will be cherished by the receiver for years to come.