If you’re shopping for new earrings, there are plenty of options to choose from. From diamond studs to large hoops to dangle style earrings, you can have anything you want. There are a number of precious metals to choose from, too. But many people don’t pay attention to the earring back types. This can affect the look of the earrings and how comfortable they are on your ear lobe.
There are many options for earring backs if you need to replace an earring backing or are looking for a new pair of diamond studs and want to keep them extra secure. Here is a guide to the most common ones and helpful tips if you’re shopping for new earrings.
What Are The Most Common Types of Earring Backs?
Earring backs are a very important part of wearing earrings. They ensure your earrings stay put and contribute to their style.
There are many types of earring backs, each with advantages and disadvantages. If you’re in the market for new diamond earrings, we’ve listed the most commonly found earring backings so you can learn more about each one.
This is helpful when shopping for yourself and others as many people prefer certain types of earring backs over others.
Clip-On Earrings
Clip-ons don’t go through the ear. Instead, they clip onto your earlobes–this way, you don’t need to pierce your ears to wear them. Many people without pierced ears can still wear beautiful earrings.
This is a great option if you want to see what double piercings would look like on you without having to commit or if you simply like the ease of clip-ons.
Clip-on earrings tend to be more secure if they have a hinge the clip can attach to or if they screw on. Many clip-ons are costume jewelry, so be careful that heavier earrings do not pull too hard.
Latch Backs
Latch backs commonly pair with dangling earrings and hoop earrings. They have a hinge with a notched post attached that goes through the pierced earlobe.
The post goes into a notch or loop of some sort behind the ear to keep it closed. Latch backs are simple yet versatile, and you’ll find them on lots of different types of earrings.
French Clips
French clips have a clasp that clips onto the back of the earring with a hole the stud goes through. This helps keep the earring in place, and you can also adjust some of them for comfort.
French clips are good for keeping small stud earrings with gemstones in place. Some hoop earrings have French clips to help keep them secure.
A pro of French clips is that the clip attaches to the earring by a hinge, so you don’t have to worry about losing the back.
Lever Backs
Lever backs have a latch and a clasp and are common on drop earrings. They are often made with a spring and a lever.
The hinged post goes into the metal catch at the back, so you can wear earrings without worrying about them falling out.
These are great for diamond drop earrings or earrings with gemstones because they are secure and comfortable.
French Wire/Fish Hooks
Fish hooks are some of the most common earring backs for dangle earrings. They don’t have a backing but rely on the curved wire hook to keep the earring in place.
They are simple and easy to take on and off. You can always add a plastic earring back to the fish hook for extra security.
Push Backs
Push backs are also called friction backs or butterfly backs. You simply push the earring post into the hole to secure it. They are one of the most common earring backs you’ll see and generally come standard with stud earrings.
The design is very simple, and they work with most earring types. You can easily find replacements or push backs as well.
If you have nice diamond studs, you might want to look for alternative backs if you find friction earring backs too uncomfortable or insecure.
Jumbo Earring Backs
Jumbo earring backs are usually made out of plastic and are large backs for earrings. They help the earring lay flat and may be more comfortable than other earring backs.
With larger backs, it will be easier to keep up with them and harder for them to fall off. However, you may be able to see the large back from behind your ear which could be undesirable.
Some jumbo backs can be made of rubber and are soft and clear. These can replace the standard earring posts that come with studs and work for most earrings.
Screw Backs
Screw backs are a great way to keep your earring securely in place because they screw onto the post. They are considered the most secure type of earring back because of the screw feature, so you’re sure not to lose them.
The back of the earring post is threaded, so it screws into the backing. While these are great earring backs, you can’t always replace the back of your earrings with them. They have to come as screw backs.
If you’re looking for comfortable earring backs, you may want to try the earrings on before deciding because each one can feel different when you wear them.
La Pousette Backs
The main feature of La Pousette backs is the small dents on the earring post that lock the earring in place. This helps keep the earrings in place and makes sure they stay put.
They have a spring-loaded mechanism that clicks the earring into place. You have the squeeze the sides a little to open up the hole to put them on and take them off.
Overall, these are very simple to use with basic stud earrings and are very secure. La Pousette backs are pretty rare but they are great for very valuable or precious earrings as they have added security.
Saddlebacks
Saddlebacks have a hinged post and metal catch that the post clicks into. They are similar to latch backs and some lever backs, but all hinged clasps may have slight differences.
Some posts may be long and some are shorter. If the end is too long, it may poke your ear, so look for saddlebacks that don’t extend too far beyond the clasp.
What are Huggies?
Huggie earrings have become very popular for their versatility yet simplicity. They are a type of hoop earring that ‘hugs’ your ears and doesn’t have any uncomfortable posts sticking out.
You can wear huggies every day and keep them on even when you sleep. This makes them great for putting on and forgetting about them.
They often have posts that click into place but are covered by the back of the hoop. So they don’t poke you.
Most Comfortable Earring Backs
Whether you’re looking for new studs or hoops, you want them to be comfortable. Some types of earring backs may be more comfortable than others.
For studs, jumbo backs may be more comfortable than the typical butterfly or friction backs. When shopping for hoops or dangle earrings, it’s best to try them on so you can see for yourself how they feel. Look for earrings that don’t have long posts at the back so it doesn’t bother you. Huggies are a great option for comfortable earrings.
Most Secure Earring Backs for Studs
Screw posts are probably the most secure earring backing, but since they require a threaded post, they can’t be added to any pair of earrings you own.
If you are buying a nice pair of diamond earrings or other stud earrings that are valuable, you may want to look for a retailer that makes them with screw backs.
If you already have a pair of earrings you love and want a more secure back than the one they came with, you can look for more secure backs like jumbo backs or La Pousette backs (or any type of locking back).
Most Secure Earring Backs for Dangle Earrings
For dangle earrings and drop earrings, including chandelier earrings, lever backs are more secure than fish hooks. Since they are pressure activated and click into place, they have a secure closing mechanism. Anything that clicks or locks into place will help keep dangle or drop earrings on.
How to Shop for Earrings
When shopping for earrings, you can pay attention to the type of backing they come with. While the backing can be very important, especially when it comes to diamond earrings, it isn’t the only thing you should look for. At Clean Origin, we sell only ethical, affordable 100% lab grown diamonds.
Also, pay attention to the style of the earring and if you like them. Will they go with an outfit you’re planning on wearing for a special occasion? Or are they perfect for wearing every day at work? These questions will help you find the perfect pair of earrings!
