Hoop Earrings – Sustainable Jewellery For Everyday

Hoop To Hoop Earrings

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Hoop earrings have a long and diverse history. The chances are that you grew up wearing them or someone close to you did. I’ve had my ears pierced since primary school age and often wore a small pair of gold hoops. As with so many things, hooped earrings can be traced back to ancient Rome, Greece and Egypt.  However it wasn’t just womenswear, men were also hoop wearers. A photo here shows a portrait of William Shakespeare in 1660 wearing small gold hoops. Although no one knows for sure when or which culture the hoop originated, many people in the present day feel a strong connection to them. Particularly in Black and Latina communities, Lory Martinez shares her personal story here.

Hooped earrings are prevalent in the jewellery market in a range of designs. While they are easy to find, at the same time it can be more difficult to find hoops that are ethical and sustainable. As a rule, I find smaller brands are more likely to ensure their materials are coming from a sustainable source and the makers are getting paid a fair wage. With this in mind, I’ve created this list of pretty hoop earrings from brands that care about those same points and have designed a beautiful product with sustainability in mind.

11 Pairs Of Ethical And Sustainable Hoop Earrings.

Little By Little Jewellery – Designed in London and produced in a well-established factory in Lima, Peru. These earrings are perfect for anyone who loves to mix metals. The gold and silver look effortless. They also come in pretty recyclable packaging, and with every purchase made, Little By Little will donate to Action Against Hunger.

Studio Adorn – I love the cutout detail of these recycled sterling silver earrings. They are pretty enough to wear every day but would look great in the evening too. Studio Adorn is a team of four women in Norwich, England. They create simple pieces from eco silver and gold and feature a zero-waste edit too.

April March Jewellery – these earrings are inspired by Gaia the earth goddess. If you feel like you need extra protection, these are the hoops for you. They are produced in recycled silver coated in fair mined gold vermeil using a heat process that means no two pairs are the same. So unique! April March Jewellery list its metal suppliers on its website for added transparency.

Bluebell Lane Jewellery  – Is it still a hoop if it’s square?! A pair of square hoops handmade with sterling silver in Suffolk, England. Bluebell Lane Jewellery only use 100% recycled silver sterling for their pieces. Ruth creates all the pieces and is available to produce one-off pieces too. Everything is sent out in compostable packaging!

NINIcoJewelry – A beautiful pair of earrings made from cellulose acetate. A lightweight material which is a non-petroleum based plastic, made from natural cotton and wood fibres. They are an unusual colour to wear but remain classic. The earrings are handmade in Poland.

Astor & Orion. – Astor & Orion take their ethical values seriously. The pieces are made in a single factory in Thailand to ensure workers an ethical supply chain. These are my fave hoops in their collection using 18K gold over recycled silver. They come in three sizes which would look great if you have multiple piercings!

Atypical Thing – These hoops are made from eco recycled silver in a small studio in Birmingham, England. Josefina designs everything herself and everything is beautiful. I especially like her collection of simple minimalistic rings that would be great for layering. Atypical Thing also use recycled and recyclable materials for sending the jewellery to you.

Studio Adorn – Another cute pair of hoops from Studio Adorn, this time in mini size. These would be great for wearing every day and for layering with other earrings. I haven’t taken the plunge to go for more than one piercing per ear but I love the look. It took maybe ten years for the first ones to heal so I think I’ll leave it for now!

Monica Vinader – I love the concept of these earrings. The hoops and the charms are sold separately so they can be customised and worn in a different way depending on your style. The hoops are responsibly manufactured and use recycled materials. P.S the charms can also be worn on chains like the image below.

Kazuri (pictured above) – Simple gold hoops are always a winner, you can’t go wrong. These are actually made from recycled brass although they give the impression of gold. Old ovens, padlocks and doorknobs are melted down to make them.

Vestaire Collective – The secondhand and vintage market has gone from strength to strength in the past few years. And that includes jewellery! Vestaire Collective is a platform to buy and sell secondhand luxury goods. Also, Vestaire will personally check each piece for that extra peace of mind.

For more sustainable fashion info

100 Ways to Embrace Sustainable Fashion

Fancy more reading? What about Recycled Necklaces Made In The UK and Ethical Rings?

All images of the jewellery belonging to the brands mentioned.