6 Types of Earring Backs and Their Differences
Unless you make or work in jewelry, you likely don’t realize the number of different types of earring backs. While some earring styles may share similar earring closures, other earring back types are specific to an earring design, working with the overall form and function of the earring to give you a comfortable and secure fit.
Here are six types of earring backs, their differences, and why you may prefer some earrings’ back types over others.
What You Will Learn
6 Different Earring Back Types
1. Push Backs and Friction Backs
Whether you call it a push-back or friction-back, this type of earring back is often seen on stud earrings. Basically, this earring back is a metal piece with a hole in the middle. You slide the earring post into the hole, and then the tight fit ensures that the earring remains on your ear.
These earring backs are standard on many pieces of more affordable jewelry (like costume jewelry). They’re not suitable for highly valuable earrings, as they’re not as secure as some other earring types of backs. However, they’re perfectly fine for everyday wear earrings.
Unfortunately, some may find wearing earrings with push or friction backs uncomfortable, due to the pressure on earlobes or the backs pressing into the skin around your ears and neck.
2. Screw Backs
Screw backs are more secure earring backs, as long as you make sure they do not unwind throughout the day. They are still ideal for stud earrings, but the added security makes them suitable for more valuable earrings, such as diamond studs. As the name suggests, these earring backs simply screw onto the post, holding the earring in place. Think of them as working a bit like a nut and bolt might, with the earring back acting as the nut and the earring posts acting as the bolts.
Do note that screw backs only work on threaded posts. If you frequently swap out your earring backs and aren’t sure which backs go with which stud earrings, screw backs won’t work with just any earring in your jewelry collection.
3. Lever Backs
Lever backs feature a curved wire that’s part of the earring itself (so the earring back is not a separate piece, as is the case with push-backs and screw-backs). You push the curved wire through your ear piercing, and once on the other side, it can attach to the rest of the earring via a small locking mechanism that you just push the wire into.
Lever backs are secure, and the added benefit is that the back is actually attached to the earring, so you don’t need to worry about losing your earring back for the millionth time.
You might see lever backs on dangle earrings, drop earrings, or hoop earrings.
4. Jumbo Backs
Jumbo backs are the same as push-backs, save for one key difference: their size. Jumbo backs are larger in diameter overall. This helps provide more stability and prevents drooping or sagging if you have heavier earrings that are tugging on your earlobe.
5. Lock Backs
Locking earring-backs are a bit like both push-backs and screw-backs.
Secure lock-backs look a little like push-backs but with tabs on the side. You push in on the tabs when you attach the earring backing to the earring post. Then, when the earring back is in place, you let go. The locking mechanism is a spring lock; to open it, you push down on the tabs again.
6. French Wire Backs
French wire backs are, like lever backs, part of the earring itself. The French wire back is a long, curved wire that juts from the earring’s body. You slide the wire through your piercing. Sometimes, the earring may come with a small plastic or rubber cylinder that you can slide onto the wire to your ear, providing extra security. However, sometimes that’s not the case. The French wire back simply sits as it is, with no traditional earring closures securing earrings.
The wire is often long enough to keep the earring in place. However, certain hairstyles, clothing, and other accessories sometimes can nudge the wire, forcing the earring forward and out of the piercing.
What Type of Earring Back is Best?
When shopping for earrings, there are lots of things to consider. You’ll need to decide on what precious metal you want, whether you want a classic option like pearl or diamond earrings, and, of course, the type of earring back you’d prefer. Here are a few things to consider.
Security
Security is one of the significant factors to consider when choosing an earring and earring back style.
For example, if you’re shopping for a piece of high-end jewelry, you may prefer a more secure backing, such as a screw back or lever back. Suppose you’re shopping for everyday earrings that you can wear in various circumstances. In that case, you might want a more secure backing to keep your earrings in place when running errands, chasing after the kiddos, or staying active.
Comfort
Some earring backs are more comfortable than others. Try on a few different types of earrings to determine which backing is most suitable for your needs.
Material
As you consider the various precious metals used in jewelry creation, pay attention to the metals or other materials used in your earring backing. For example, if you have a jewelry allergy, you must avoid earring backings made with nickel. Additionally, you can find earring backs made out of silicone.
Types of Earring Backings FAQs
What are the different types of earrings backings?
There are many types of earring backings, which can be sorted into several categories. Either they slide onto the earring post and hold the earring in place there, or they’re part of the earring itself and snap or slide into a secure resting place built into the earring.
What are the most secure types of earring backings?
Some of the most secure earring backings include lock backs, screw backs, and lever backs.
What is the most common earring back?
Friction or push-backs are the most common earring backs and what you’ll see on most affordable or costume jewelry.
What do you do if your earring backs keep falling off?
Earring backs may fall off during wear for a variety of reasons. For example, friction and push-backs can lose their friction over time due to everyday wear and tear, as well as exposure to chemicals such as hair products or cosmetics. Silicone backing is a great solution for those with metal allergies, but they are not as secure as others.
Should you clean your earring backs?
Yes, you can clean your earring backs just like you would any jewelry. Use warm, soapy water (mild soap!) and a soft toothbrush or cleaning cloth.
Protect Your Earrings
Whatever your preferred earring backing, if that backing fails, you could lose or damage your earrings. Make sure you can replace or repair them with specialized jewelry insurance from BriteCo.
Need to know more? Get all the details regarding our comprehensive coverage and your quick and easy quote now.
Related Articles:
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How Long Do Ear Piercings Take to Heal?
How to Stack Earrings with Multiple Piercings
Different Types of Ring Mounts
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