Are these real gold or plated?

They are made of 14k yellow gold throughout, not plated over a base metal. The 14k stamp means about 58 percent gold in the alloy.

How big are they compared with a quarter?

At 65mm across, they are about 2 1/2 inches in diameter, wider than a US quarter. They hang well below the earlobe.

The tube is hollow, so the wall is thin. They hold their round shape in normal wear but can dent or oval if pressed or dropped.

The pair weighs about 4.43 grams total, light for a hoop this size. That is the main reason they stay comfortable for long wear.

They use a hinged post that passes through the ear and snaps into the back of the hoop. No separate back is needed.

14 stores we checked sell it, including Black Bow Jewelry Company, Amazon, Silver Depot, Jewelry by Sweet Pea, Joy Jewelers.

At Joy Jewelers, for $229.97, as of our latest check.

$229.97at Joy JewelersChecked 11 h ago

Compared across 14 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.