To avoid losing a hoop earring, always close it until you hear the click, give the ring a gentle tug and take it off for sport, for sleeping and when you pull on a jumper. Also check now and then whether the post is still straight. A bent post is a common reason why a hoop pops open without you noticing.
Nothing is more annoying than coming home with just one earring. Often you only notice later that it is gone, and by then you have no idea where you lost it. The good news: a few fixed habits greatly reduce the risk. In this blog you will read which moments are the most risky and how to wear your hoops safely.
Why do you lose a hoop earring?
A hoop almost never falls out of your ear for no reason, there is usually a clear cause.
The closure was not fully shut
The most common cause is a closure that did not quite click into place. The post then only rests against the opening. With the first movement it slips out. With a new pair you may also wonder how a hoop earring opens and closes. Take your time to get to know the mechanism.
The post is slightly bent
A bar that is often opened too far slowly bends out of shape. The post then just misses the opening. You still hear a click, but it holds less firmly. That is why you never open the bar further than needed. You can read about the other closures and how they differ in our blog on what closures hoop earrings have.
When are you most likely to lose a hoop?
There are a few moments in the day when your hoop is extra vulnerable.
When you put on or take off clothes
A jumper, a turtleneck or a scarf easily catches on a ring. When you pull the clothing over your head, you pull the hoop along with it. So only put your hoops in once you are dressed. The same goes for your hair: a brush or hair tie can easily snag on the ring too.
During sport, sleep and showers
During sport you move a lot and often touch your ears. While you sleep you turn over, and the ring presses against your pillow. That puts strain on the closure. So take your hoops off before you exercise or go to bed. Whether you can shower with earrings in, you can read in our blog can you shower and sleep in cubic zirconia earrings.
With a heavy hoop
A large, heavy hoop pulls more on your earlobe and on the closure. If your earlobe starts to feel tired, choose a lighter model more often. In our blog do heavy hoop earrings stretch your earlobe you can read why that is a good idea.
How do you check that your hoop is secure?
With a quick ten second check you know for sure that your hoop is in properly.
Listen, tug and look
First listen for the click when you close the hoop. Then give the front piece a gentle tug. If it stays put, it is properly closed. Finally, take a quick look in the mirror. The front piece sits at the front and you see no seam. Not sure which side goes forward? Then read which side of a hoop earring faces forward.
Check the post now and then
Once a month, look at the post with the hoop open. Is it straight? Then all is well. Is it slightly crooked? Gently push it back with your fingers. Don't use pliers, as they damage the finish.
How do you store hoops so the closure stays intact?
Even when you are not wearing them, you decide how long the closure stays in good shape.
Store them closed and separately
Always store your hoops closed. That way the bar stays in the right position and does not bend. Keep them apart from necklaces, so nothing gets tangled. You will find more tips in our guide how to store jewellery to prevent tarnishing.
What if the closure breaks anyway?
The hoops in this blog are made of 925 sterling silver with a gold plated or rhodium plated finish. That metal is strong and springy. If the closure breaks during normal use, it is covered by the two year warranty on manufacturing defects. Sparkling Jewels has been designing jewellery since 2014 and has it made in workshops in Italy, Bangkok and Hong Kong. The founder checks the details there herself, from the closure to the setting of a stone.
Frequently asked questions about losing a hoop earring
I'm happy to answer a few frequently asked questions:
Why does my hoop open by itself?
Usually the post is slightly bent or the closure did not fully click shut. Check the post and close the hoop again until you hear a clear click.
Are there earring backs for hoops?
Hoops with a hinged closure do not need extra backs. A closure that clicks shut properly keeps the ring in place. Earring backs belong with studs that have a loose post.
Can I keep my hoops in at night?
Better not. The pressure of your pillow strains the closure and can bend the post. Take them off before bed and put them away closed.
How often should I check my hoops?
Do the quick click and tug test every time you put them in. Also check once a month whether the post is still straight.
Want to know more, or have questions? The experts at Sparkling Jewels are happy to help.
