Simone I. Smith · Articles
A Hoop Shape Inspired by a Genuine Haircare Ritual
A Hoop Shape Inspired by a Genuine Haircare Ritual
Many jewelry designs borrow decorative shapes without any real meaning behind the choice. The Coil Hoops from the Simone I. Smith x Rapsody collection take a different path, drawing their signature twisted form directly from a specific, familiar haircare tool.
Inspired by flexible hair rods, not an abstract shape
Rapsody and Simone I. Smith specifically designed the Coil Hoops to echo the flexible hair rods used in styling natural hair — meaning the earring's twisted silhouette carries a genuine, personal cultural reference rather than being an arbitrary decorative choice.
Part of a genuinely considered three-piece collection
The Coil Hoops sit alongside the Raveen Hoops and Heritage Hoops within the same collection — Smith and Rapsody specifically describe the trio as a celebration of hoops as "a statement piece, a memory, and a symbol of reclamation," with each design carrying its own distinct cultural reference point.
Born from a genuine, longstanding friendship
Smith has specifically described choosing to collaborate with Rapsody because of their personal friendship, not purely a commercial opportunity — the two describe the entire collection as feeling "organic," built around a shared love of jewelry, hoops, and culture.
Tied directly to Rapsody's own album concept
The collection draws its inspiration from Rapsody's studio album, God Gotta Afro & Gold Hoops — the Coil Hoops specifically function as one physical expression of the album's broader themes, rather than generic tie-in merchandise.
18K gold plating for a consistent premium finish
Like the rest of the Rapsody collection, the Coil Hoops are crafted with 18K gold plating — delivering a consistent, rich finish across the full collection so pieces can be worn individually or mixed within the same jewelry box.
Designed by an entrepreneur with a genuinely personal founding story
Simone I. Smith launched her namesake jewelry line in 2011, following her own experience surviving bone cancer — her broader catalogue, including this collaboration, reflects a design philosophy rooted in strength and authenticity rather than purely aesthetic trend-chasing.
A portion of proceeds supporting a genuine cause
Consistent with Simone I. Smith's broader business practice, a portion of proceeds from the brand's sales is donated to the American Cancer Society — a charitable commitment tied directly to the founder's own personal history.
Part of a brand already recognised by major tastemakers
Simone I. Smith's signature bold hoops have previously made Oprah's list of favorite things — a detail that reflects the designer's established reputation for distinctive, statement-making hoop designs well beyond this specific collaboration.
At a glance
Product: ** Coil Hoops (Simone I. Smith x Rapsody Collection)
Material: ** 18K gold plating
Price: ** $199.99
Inspiration: ** Flexible hair rods used in natural hair styling
Collection: ** Part of a 3-piece set alongside Raveen Hoops and Heritage Hoops
Who it suits
The Coil Hoops suit anyone wanting jewelry with a genuine, specific cultural story behind its design, particularly fans of Rapsody's music or those drawn to pieces celebrating natural hair culture. Anyone wanting to explore the collection's cowrie-shell-inspired design instead should look at the matching Heritage Hoops, which share the same 18K gold finish within a different, equally meaningful cultural reference. Shop the Simone I. Smith x Rapsody Coil Hoops — **
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