Phil Shelton has been making these great classic hoop earrings for over 25 years in his California jewelry studio. He has perfected his design to create a classic hammered wire hoop that is lightweight, durable, and easy to put on and take off, yet stays on securely. Phil uses high quality sterling silver , or gold-filled wire. Gold-fill is a special process which permanantly bonds 14 karat gold to a base metal using heat and pressure, so there is no flaking, chipping, or wearing off of the gold , as you would have with plating, or other processes. Try a pair and find out why these earrings have been best sellers in our shop for 20 years! Hoop earrings are timeless, always in style, and flattering on everyone!