Most hoop earrings open with a small hinge. Fold the thin back section down, guide it through your piercing, and press it back until you hear a soft click. That click tells you the hoop is securely fastened.
Sounds simple, right? In practice, it often works differently. The pin misses your piercing, the hoop does not click shut, or you feel tension in your earlobe. In this blog, you will learn step by step how the closure works and what to do if it does not cooperate.
How does the hinged closure of a hoop earring work?
A hoop earring with a hinged closure consists of two parts. At the front is the decorative piece, the part others see. At the back is a thin bar that rotates on a hinge. The end of this bar is the pin that goes through your ear.
There is a small opening at the top of the decorative piece. The pin fits into it when you close the hoop. The metal gives slightly for a moment and then springs back. You hear that springing back as a click, and precisely that tension keeps the hoop in place.
Bold Fuse Small Hoops Zirconia
Why is this also called a hinged closure?
The hinge is the pivot point at the bottom of the hoop. Jewellers therefore call this closure a hinged closure or snap closure. It is mainly used for small and medium-sized hoops because the mechanism remains compact.
You can see this system on nearly every model in our own hoops. The decorative piece may be wide, rounded or set with stones, but the bar behind it remains thin and smooth. This allows you to wear a hoop with a substantial front comfortably. For every design, our team considers both the closure and the stone setting, because that is where wearing comfort lies.
How do you put a hoop earring in your ear?
Hold the hoop by the decorative piece and open the bar. Tilt your head slightly and find the piercing in your earlobe with your fingertip. Then guide the pin through it from front to back.
Next, gently push the bar upward until the pin fits into the opening. Listen for the click and pull the hoop gently. If it stays in place, it is secure. If you are unsure, open it and start again.
Helpful for a second or third piercing
It is difficult to see what you are doing higher up on your ear. Use a mirror and put the hoop in with the hand on the same side. So, use your left hand for your left ear. It may feel strange at first, but this gives you more control over the angle.
For higher piercings, it is best to choose a small hoop. A ring that is too large will sit at an angle and press against the edge of your ear. You can read about which size suits you in our blog about which hoop size suits you.
What should you do if your hoop does not close properly?
Does your hoop no longer click shut? First, check whether the pin is straight. A bar that has been opened too far several times may bend slightly. The pin then just misses the opening.
Therefore, never open the bar further than necessary. The hinge is designed for a small movement. If you bend it fully open, you put stress on the metal at its weakest point. Sterling silver is sturdy, but it is not indestructible.
Can you bend the pin back yourself?
If it is only slightly misaligned, carefully push the bar back into line with your fingers. It is best not to use pliers, as they can leave scratches in the gold or rhodium plating. If the metal feels stiff or you hear something crack, stop immediately.
Does the closure break during normal use? In that case, it is covered by the two-year warranty against manufacturing defects. Contact us and include a photo of the closure.
Why 925 silver is important for a good closure
A hinged closure relies on springiness. Pure silver is too soft for this. Sterling silver contains 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent other metals, usually copper. This blend makes the metal stronger, allowing the bar to retain its shape better. You can read more about this in is 925 silver real silver.
All hoops in our collection are made from 925 sterling silver. They are finished with a layer of gold plating or rhodium plating. If you have sensitive skin, also read which earring material is best.
Which hoop suits your ear?
A hinged closure is mainly used on hoops that sit close around your earlobe. Would you like to know how these small styles compare with larger rings? Read about the difference between hoops and huggies.
Already know what you are looking for? In our overview of hoop earrings, you can immediately see the finish and stones for each model.
Frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How do I know if my hoop is properly closed?
You will hear or feel a soft click. Then gently pull the decorative piece. If the hoop stays in place, it is secure.
Does a hoop with a hinged closure hurt?
With a healed piercing, you may feel slight pressure at most. If it feels sharp, the pin is at an angle. Open the hoop and try again at a straight angle.
What is the difference between a hinged closure and a push-through closure?
With a push-through closure, you slide a thin wire into a small tube. A hinged closure rotates on a hinge and clicks into place. For everyday wear, a hinged closure stays more securely fastened.
Does the hinge wear out over time?
With normal use, the hinge will last for years. Do not open the hoop further than necessary and store it closed so that the bar does not bend.
Would you like to know more or do you have any questions? The experts at Sparkling Jewels will be happy to help.
