Hearts are the new hoops: how earrings embraced the love

If you really want to get a measure of how on the fashion pulse someone is, look at their ears. Or, more specifically, what is dangling from their lobes.

For several seasons now, statement earrings have gone from party piece to just the thing to add a bit of pizzazz to your plain white work shirt. But take a closer look and within this macro-trend lie many micro-trends. First it was the turn of tassels. Then shells made a splash. And now the fashion world has fallen for hearts.

Big and bejewelled or small and sweet, heart-shaped hoops are big news in the small world of ear-related accessories right now, thanks in part to Balenciaga. The French super-brand, which has been busy setting the fashion agenda since Vetements’ Demna Gvasalia took creative control in 2015, declared the heart hoop “A Thing” when it made a supersized single gold style the star of its pre-fall collection.

Now, everywhere you look — by which I mean Instagram — there’s a love-in with hearts happening. So much so that London-based demi-fine jeweller Tada & Toy has devoted an entire collection to them.

Founded by childhood BFFs Tansy Aspinall and Victoria Van Holthe and designed to bring a bit of luxury sparkle to everyday life, the brand’s new Queen of Hearts offering celebrates the humble heart in a host of incarnations, from rose quartz and ruby-spangled Heartbreaker Hoops to tiny enamel Baby Love studs.

Reformation’s heart gold hoops, created by downtown LA fine jeweller Bagatiba, are also fast approaching sell-out status, while Johnny Coca’s refreshed jewellery offering for Mulberry spans heart-shaped hoops encrusted with rose-peach or turquoise crystals or lined with pearls.

Whatever your style or budget, your heart hoop soulmate is out there. If you like your jewels bank-busting, seek out LA jeweller Jennifer Meyer, whose fans include Kate Hudson and Gwyneth Paltrow and whose latest drop on Net-A-Porter includes a pair of heart earrings set with 18 carats of sparkling diamonds — and an equally glittery £5,600 price tag to match.

If you’ve got multiple piercings and need to spread the love, try Alison Lou’s tiny enamelled heart charm huggy hoops, which come in at around £300 a pop. Or if you just fancy a fling with the trend, Zara’s £13 clip-ons will make your heart sing.