You’ve seen them. Those massive, shimmering hoops that seem to defy gravity while framing a face with pure Queens, New York energy. They aren't just jewelry. For Simone I. Smith, the woman often referred to by the public as "LL Cool J’s wife," those earrings are a middle finger to cancer and a love letter to hip-hop culture.
Most people searching for ll cool j wife earrings are looking for a brand name or a price point. But you can't talk about the jewelry without talking about the 15-hour surgery that changed Simone’s life back in 2004. It's a heavy backstory for something as lighthearted as a pair of "door knockers," but that’s exactly why they’ve become iconic.
The "Around the Way Girl" Legacy
Simone didn't just wake up and decide to sell jewelry because she was married to a legend. She grew up in the 80s. If you know anything about that era, you know the "Around the Way Girl" aesthetic—the bamboo earrings, the nameplates, the swagger. LL Cool J actually wrote the song for her.
Funny enough, LL (Todd Smith) was the one who bought Simone her very first pair of door-knockers when she was just 17. They’ve been together since they were teenagers in Queens. He basically fueled an obsession that eventually turned into a multi-million dollar business.
Why Everyone is Obsessed with the Lollipop
If you look closely at her collection, specifically the pendants, you’ll notice a lollipop with a bite taken out of it. This isn't just a "sweet" design.
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In 2004, Simone was diagnosed with Stage III chondrosarcoma. It’s a rare, aggressive bone cancer. During the massive surgery to save her leg, the doctors had to cut through a lollipop tattoo she had on her calf. When she woke up, the tattoo was disfigured. It looked like someone had taken a literal bite out of it.
Instead of being devastated by the scar, she used it.
- The lollipop represents how sweet life is.
- The bite represents what cancer tries to take away.
- The "S" in the middle stands for her strength.
She launched Simone I. Smith Jewelry in 2011, and that lollipop pendant, "A Sweet Touch of Hope," became the cornerstone. A portion of every sale goes to the American Cancer Society. It’s rare to find a celebrity-adjacent brand that actually has this much soul baked into the metal.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Hoops
When people hunt for the ll cool j wife earrings, they’re usually looking for the "Sister Love" line. This was a collaboration between Simone and her long-time best friend, Mary J. Blige.
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They launched it because they were tired of seeing "fast fashion" hoops that turned your ears green or felt like lead weights. They wanted high-end "boss" energy. We’re talking 18k gold over sterling silver.
"I couldn't find really affordable, yet well-made hoop earrings, and something ignited in me." — Simone I. Smith
The designs are unapologetically big. We’re talking 45mm, 60mm, and even larger. These aren't for the faint of heart. They’re for the woman who wants to be noticed before she even speaks.
Where to Actually Find Them
You don't have to be a multi-platinum rapper to afford them, which is the cool part. Simone has positioned the brand to be accessible but "luxe."
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- Macy’s: This is where you’ll find the higher-end fine jewelry pieces, often priced between $150 and $600.
- Walmart: In a move that surprised some but delighted fans, she launched a more affordable line here. You can grab hoops that look nearly identical to her "Sister Love" pieces for under $60.
- Official Website: This is where the limited drops happen, like the "Hip-Hop 50" collection or the "Majesty" line for men.
The Technical Side of the Swagger
Honestly, the reason these earrings rank so high in the "style" department is the manufacturing. Most cheap hoops are hollow and break easily. Simone’s pieces use a specific "bridge hook" or "click-top" closure that’s reinforced.
If you’ve ever lost an earring on a dance floor, you know why this matters. They’re designed to stay put. Plus, the "diamond-cut" finish she uses on many of the larger hoops creates a sparkle that mimics actual stones without the $10,000 price tag.
How to Style the Signature Hoops
Don't overthink it. Simone usually wears hers with a sleek ponytail or a sharp bob to let the metal do the work.
If you’re wearing the 60mm "Queen" hoops, keep the necklace minimal. Maybe just a thin chain or the signature lollipop. The goal is to look "put together" but still have that "I’m from New York" edge.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're looking to grab a pair of ll cool j wife earrings for yourself or as a gift, here is how to navigate the options:
- Check the Material: If you have sensitive ears, stick to the 18k gold over sterling silver (Vermeil) found at Macy's or her official site. Avoid the "base metal" versions if you're prone to irritation.
- Measure Your Size: Use a ruler to visualize 60mm. It’s about the size of a soda can top. If that feels too big, look for her "Midi" or "Petite" collections, which sit around the 25mm to 35mm mark.
- Look for the Logo: Authentic Simone I. Smith pieces come with a small "SIS" logo or a purple velvet pouch. If it doesn't have the branding, it's likely a knock-off.
Ultimately, these earrings are about more than just looking "fly." They are a reminder that you can go through a "15-hour surgery" kind of year and still come out on the other side wearing gold and helping others.