I designed these 12mm mens small hoop earrings in antique bronze niobium, a hypoallergenic wire that is 20% lighter than sterling silver. I cold forged and hammered the earrings then anodized them to produce a rustic brown that will change from a subtle bronze to darker brown in different light. Expect variation in colour along the earrings as part of the design.
You insert the earrings by gently moving the ends apart (sideways when you are holding the earring vertically) and closing the earring once it is in your ear. Shown on the model in natural grey niobium.
These earrings are made with 20 gauge wire, are about 1/2" (13 mm) round and will be shipped in a splurge gift tin. As this wire is anodized by hand, please expect subtle variation in colour in each pair of handmade earrings.
Would you like these hoops in another colour or metal? You can choose your favourite at checkout:
1 - sterling silver
2 - chameleon anodized niobium - I have one batch of this limited edition colour that is almost silver with a hint of gold or even blue
3 - natural grey niobium - similar in colour to oxidized sterling silver
4 - stainless steel - a shade brighter than natural niobium and has a bit more shine. Stainless steel is harder and less forgiving to open and close so these are best for long term wear.
5 - antique gold niobium - this has some brass tones and is not as bright as yellow gold
6 - antique bronze niobium - my most popular colour
7 - chocolate brown niobium - quite similar to bronze but in a warmer hue. When worn side by side it would be hard to see the difference in the chocolate and bronze hoops.
8 - classic black niobium - more of a matte than shiny finish and with fewer hammer marks than other colours
Additional modern artisan jewelry can be found in my shop here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Splurge?ref=si_shop