Hinge or catch
The hinge is the pivot at one end. Wear opens the tolerance until the hoop no longer lines up with its own catch. It is the most common cause on older hoops.
The catch is whatever holds it shut — a snap, a tiny lever, a post into a tube. When the catch spreads or the tube wears oval, it stops gripping.
Why it matters more on hoops
A hoop that opens does not just fall out, it usually falls out unnoticed because there is nothing pinching your earlobe to tell you. People lose hoops more often than studs for exactly this reason.
Hollow hoops
Many hoops are hollow to keep the weight down on the lobe. That is a sensible design and it means the walls are thin, so any repair near the hinge needs a careful hand. It is not a problem, just a reason to take time.
Bring both
The pair have had the same wear, and a hinge that is loose on one is usually going on the other.
Questions we get asked
Is it the hinge or the catch?
One of the two, and we can tell you in about a minute at the counter.
Can hollow hoops be repaired?
Yes. The walls are thin so it needs a light touch, which is why we take our time with them.
How long does it take?
Most are same day and many while you wait.
Why do I keep losing hoops?
Usually a catch that has stopped gripping. There is nothing to warn you, so it goes unnoticed.
Not sure we can fix it?
Send a couple of details and we will call you back. Or just walk in — it is quicker, and we can actually look at the piece.
Drop it off, shop the mall, wear it tonight
We are inside Orland Square Mall in Orland Park. Walk in during mall hours, no appointment. Most repairs are finished the same day and a good number while you wait.
Where we are
Julio's Jewelry, 800 Orland Square Drive, Orland Park, IL 60462 — inside Orland Square Mall. Mon–Thu 10am–8pm · Fri–Sat 10am–9pm · Sun 11am–6pm. We are also at North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 W Cermak Rd, North Riverside, IL 60546.