Earring Backs
It may be surprising to learn just how many types of earring backs there are to choose from, and how aesthetic they can be. In addition to their practical role of holding an earring in place, sometimes earring backs become a feature in themselves.
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Push BacksThe most commonly seen earring back is the push back or butterfly back. An ear nut is pushed onto the metal post and held in place with tiny grooves chiselled into the post. This simple style makes push backs best suited to studs, which should be secure and easy to put on. -
Screw BacksVintage in style, and suitable for both studs and dangling earrings, screw backs wind along a delicately threaded post against the earring’s back. Their popularity stems from the ability of the wearer to choose the degree of tightness. -
Safety BacksThe spring-loaded safety back is commonly used for larger, heavier earrings, and features a secure grip design. A positive-locking clutch tightly grasps the earring post, anchoring the earring in place. -
Friction BacksFriction backs use the friction of two grooved notches on the earring’s post to hold the clasps securely in place, making them most ideal for studs. -
Hook BacksFor earrings that dangle, a hook back is the fixture of choice, which easily hooks through the wearer's earlobe. Hook backs are sometimes referred to as fishhook backs, and are often an integral part of the earring's aesthetic design. -
Lever BacksLever backs contain small levers that can be opened and closed at the end of the earring post to hold the earring in place. Visually elegant, lever backs work best with dangling earrings
