HOOP: An earring that loops from the front of the ear to the back.

18KT: Karat (abbreviated kt or K) is a unit that indicates the purity of gold in the metal. 18kt is 75% gold. In Europe, 18K yellow gold is most favored and used in jewelry.

WHITE GOLD: Gold is a precious metal which is naturally quite soft. To give it a white color and increase its strength, gold is alloyed with white metals, such as silver and/or palladium, and often plated with rhodium. The purity of the metal is indicated by a unit called a "karat," with 24kt having the highest percentage of natural gold.

HINGED POST: An earring with a straight post insert and a hinged backing to hold it in place.