From 2D to 3D Presa Hoops: The Evolution of a Design
Back in 2022, the Neutra Mini Hoops, a beloved mini hoop earring crafted from stainless steel, quickly became a customer favorite and held a special place in my collection. However, when my jewelry-making process transitioned to 3D modeling and casting, this making process was discontinued leaving a gap in the lineup. Once it sold out, it became clear that something was missing: a versatile everyday hoop earring that could seamlessly fit into the aesthetic of my newer collections, particularly the Luminaire collection.
Lite Necklace from the Luminaire Collection
At first, the plan was simple—bring back the Neutra Hoops with a slight modification, making them a bit thicker so they would have more presence when worn. But as the design process unfolded, it became clear that more could be done to evolve these hoops into something new and fresh.
The goal was to create a piece that not only filled the void left by the Neutra Mini Hoops but also complemented the newer designs featuring white jade. This led to experimenting with various elements. What if the lower part of the earring featured the 3D jade? What if the circle hoop was closed off completely, forming a smooth, unified shape? With each iteration, the design evolved. I even considered adding a clamshell effect for more visual interest, but it still didn’t quite feel right.
Development Iterations from Neutra Mini Hoop to Presa Hoop
The breakthrough came when an organic form was introduced into the design. This added uniqueness and presence that the design was previously lacking. With this exploration, the idea to make this earrings fully enclosed was entertained—something I hadn't tried before. A closed hoop would eliminate the need for an earring back and prevents the hoop from snagging on hair, unlike stud backed open hoops.
As the design came together, it sparked even more possibilities. What if the design came in multiple finishes, like gold hoop earrings and silver hoop earrings without the jade? The Presa Hoops began to evolve into a versatile piece, with plans to offer three different versions—each with a distinct finish, including matte finish earrings and possibly a mix of matte and polished textures.
The design process for this earring and most pieces from STUDIYO Jewelry are rooted in experimentation—lots of "what ifs" until the right design emerges. Customer feedback also played a crucial role. A while back, I asked in a poll over on Instagram whether mini or large hoops were preferred, and the overwhelming response was in favor of mini hoops. This feedback heavily influenced the direction of the Presa Hoops.
The Presa Hoops in Gold Jade, Rhodium, and Gold
After months of refining, the Presa Hoops are finally ready to make their debut. What started as a simple replacement for the Neutra Mini Hoops has blossomed into a distinctive design of its own. The fully enclosed hoop features a vintage modern jewelry aesthetic with a matte texture that beautifully contrasts with both the jade and the polished ball on the solid color options. These hoops are not only practical—ensuring no snagging on hair—but also chic and stylish enough for everyday wear.
The Presa Hoops are launching on Monday, September 9, at 9 am PST. Which color variation is your favorite?
