Shimmer earrings are hoops, in .925 sterling silver with cubic zirconia set continuously around the outer face. That construction is the point of the range — the earring reads as an unbroken ring of light from any angle, where a hoop with stones only at the front looks plain in profile.
See also the full Sterling Shimmer collection, assorted shimmer hoops, oval hoops, stone-set hoops, gold hoop earrings and all earrings.
More about shimmer earrings
Inside, outside and in-and-out
A hoop can carry stones on the outer face only, or on both the outer and inner faces — an in-and-out setting. The inner face is visible whenever the earring swings forward, which is the whole argument for setting it. On a small hoop that face is barely seen and the outer-only version is the sensible buy; on a larger one it is the difference between a hoop that sparkles from every angle and one that goes flat in profile. The product page states which a piece is.
Choosing a diameter
A small hoop sits close to the lobe and works for daily wear. Mid-size hoops clear the jaw and are the most worn size. Large hoops are a deliberate statement and want hair worn back. Diameter is given in millimeters on every product page rather than described.
Cubic zirconia, and why the range uses it
Cubic zirconia is a lab-created stone cut the way a diamond is cut. At normal viewing distance it reads almost identically at a fraction of the cost, and that is what lets a range like this use larger stones and cover more of the surface.
The rhodium finish
Rhodium is a hard white metal from the platinum group, applied as a finish over sterling silver. It gives the bright white surface that sets off a clear stone and slows the tarnishing silver does naturally. It is a finish, not the metal — the body is .925 silver throughout.
Fittings and security
Most of these use a hinged post with a snap closure, which is secure and quick. A hoop worn daily should be checked at the hinge once a year, because that is where wear shows first on any hoop regardless of what it is made of.
Common questions
What is an in-and-out hoop?
A hoop set with stones on both the outer and inner faces rather than the outside only. It costs more and matters most on a larger hoop, where the inner face is visible as the earring moves.
What size hoop should I choose?
Small hoops sit close to the lobe and suit daily wear. Mid-size hoops clear the jaw and are the most commonly worn. Large hoops are a statement. Diameter in millimeters is on every product page, which is more reliable than the words.
What is cubic zirconia?
Cubic zirconia is a lab-created stone cut the way a diamond is cut. At normal viewing distance it reads almost identically at a fraction of the cost, and that is what lets a range like this use larger stones and cover more of the surface.
Are hinged hoops secure?
Yes. A hinged post with a snap closure is among the more secure hoop fittings. Have the hinge checked once a year on a hoop worn daily, since that is where wear appears first on any hoop.
Will the stones fall out?
A continuous setting holds stones in channels or shared prongs, which is robust in normal wear. Knocks and silver dips are what loosen them. If a stone moves when you touch it, stop wearing the earring and have it tightened.
Can I sleep in hoop earrings?
Better not. Pressure against a pillow bends a hoop out of round over time and can loosen stones in a continuous setting. Take them out at night.
How do I clean them?
Warm soapy water and a soft brush, worked around both faces of the hoop, then rinsed and patted dry. Avoid dips, which strip the rhodium finish and can work stones loose.
