Filipino Jewelry Brands for Classic Gold Hoop Earrings

It would be fallacious to say gold hoop earrings are back — they never left in the first place.

As a classic staple in our wardrobe, hoop earrings join the likes of the perfect blue jeans, the quintessential little black dress, the all-around comfy pumps, and the white button-down as items we just can never go without. Fashion fads come and go, but these garments and accessories are here to stay.

Hoop earrings have graced the ears of numerous figures, including the likes of Sade, Beyoncé, Rihanna, and J. Lo, among others. But more than just an accessory, hoop earrings are cornerstones in the culture of Black and Latinx communities. According to luxury accessories e-commerce site Editorialist, hoop earrings "have been worn by Black and Latinx women as symbols of resistance and strength for decades..."

Hoop earrings have been around for far longer. Archaeological evidence has proven that gold earrings have existed as far back as during the time of the ancient Sumerians in Mesopotamia, around 2600-2500 B.C. These earrings, according to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, were typical of those from the tombs of royals.

Like the ancient Sumerians, Black and Latinx communities, and your favorite superstars, you, too, can rock these earrings. Here are four local jewelry brands where you can get your own pair of gold hoops!

Penny Pairs

Who said jewelry is only for the moneyed? Local jewelry brand Penny Pairs came to the fore in 2018 with the mission to make affordable, quality jewelry accessible to women. Its pieces, from earrings and necklaces to bracelets, rings, and charms are ethically and sustainably produced, so you don't have to feel guilty about sporting accessories from this brand.

While minimalism is all the rage nowadays, sometimes you just need a statement piece. We recommend you go for one of Penny Pairs' bigger hoops, the 44-millimeter Vera in gold (P2,399), which is made of thick 18K gold plating over brass. For an understated look, there's the lightweight 20-mm Alana Gold Hoops, which cost P1,699.

Wear Trinkets

Founded in 2019, Wear Trinkets is a local jewelry brand that aims to "connect the gap between modern and classic." You can count on this brand's pieces to be timeless and sophisticated, as suited for the modern Filipina. Its jewelry includes earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, mask chains, ear cuffs, and anklets, among others, and have solid gold, gold filled, and gold-plated finishing. Wear Trinkets also offers custom fine jewelry for customers who would like their own unique piece. The Olga Plain, which costs P450, is a pretty rad variation from the regular hoops with its oval design, while the Bubble Reversible Hoops (P450) will have you changing up your look in a jiffy depending on the occasion and mood.

Nami

Versatility, possibility, sensibility, and craftsmanship are at the heart of Nami. This local jewelry brand champions local artisanship by working with master jewelers from Libtong, Bulacan. Its pieces are made from locally sourced raw materials, namely Sterling Silver 9.25, and 14 and 18 karat solid gold.

Since its pieces are made to order, each one could take at least three to four weeks to be handcrafted. Its classic Willow Hoop, made of 14K solid gold, comes in mini (10 mm) and regular (14 mm) and in yellow and white gold. The Willow Hoop is sold as a single earring, with the yellow gold mini priced at P4,990 and the yellow gold regular at P5,490.

MAZEE

MAZEE is the perfect brand for those who want to stand out. This jewelry brand describes itself as "vintage French femme meets street culture" and is staunch in its belief that there is beauty in difference and artistry in flaws. Taking inspiration from the '90s, expect to find accessories from MAZEE that are unorthodox, bold, and cool. For a fun take on the hoop earrings, go for the Floater Chunky Hoops (P850.25), which are inspired by swimming floaters. Despite its design, the earrings are lightweight because they are hollow inside.