Back of earrings is called earring back. There are many different types of earring backs for different types of earrings on the market, and each earring back piece has its own name and characteristics. In this article, we learn about 12 types of jewelry backings for earrings and their advantages and disadvantages to help you better choose the earring back types you want.
Table of Contents
Push Back
This type of push back earring is usually made of metal or silicone material, and it is a earring with design on the back which is in the shape of a heart or butterfly with two sides bent inwards, so it is also called a friction back or a butterfly back. When using it, just push the ear post into the round hole between the two circles and press it against the ear back to fix the earring. This type of earring backs always work for studs.
Pros: Easy to operate, lightweight, suitable for daily wear.
Low price, often used in basic designs.
Cons: It may become loose after long-term wearing, so you need to check it frequently.
Not suitable for heavy earrings and is easy to slip off.
La Pousette Earrings Backs
Similar to push back it is a la pousette earring backs, which is the same as push, kinds of earring backs, and is a more secure lock back earrings. This earring back is a nut type with a spring inside the earring back, and you need to press the fins on both sides to adjust the position. This is considered the best earring backs for diamond studs earrings, because it can effectively prevent accidental slipping.
Pros: The locking mechanism prevents accidental slipping, making it the first choice for valuable earrings such as diamond studs.
High durability, suitable for long-term wear.
Easy to operate and remove through the fins on both sides.
Cons: The design is sophisticated and usually used for high-end earrings, which are more expensive.
Screw Back
The screw earrings back is designed with a spiral shape. When wearing, you need to slowly screw on earring backs for stud earrings. This type of earring back is also a good earring backs type commonly used for classic stud earrings.
Pros: High safety, not easy to slip, suitable for precious earrings.
Cons: The operation is a bit troublesome, and you need to be careful to rotate and fix it.
May feel oppressive if worn for a long time.
Lever Back
Different types of lever back earrings have a large semicircular clip, which are big backs for earrings. After the ear needle passes through the ear hole, the flip clip fixes the ear needle to form a closed loop. This type of lever back is often used for drop earrings.
Pros: Reliable fixation, suitable for medium and large earrings.
Easy to put on and take off, elastic design increases comfort.
Cons: If the clip or spring is loose, the fixing force will be weakened.
Long-term wearing may cause pressure on the earlobe.
French Clip Back
This is a clip-on earring commonly seen in drop earrings and gemstone earrings. When worn, the ear pin is passed through the ear hole and fixed from the back by a lever-type device.
Pros: Strong support, suitable for medium weight earrings.
Cons: Bulkier and less comfortable than lever back.
Omega Back
The metal buckle of this type of ear clip will reserve about the thickness of an earlobe. And platinum earring backs are often seen here. When closed, the metal clip buckles the ear needle from the back to form a closed loop. This type of ear clip is commonly seen in some medium and large earrings.
Pros: Comfortable to wear, strong fixing force.
Cons: may become loose after long-term wearing, so check the elasticity of the clip.
Latch Back
A Latch Back is a secure and convenient earring closure featuring a hinged post that snaps into a latch behind the ear. Commonly used for hoops and drop earrings, it provides excellent stability, comfort, and ease of use, making it ideal for both casual and formal jewelry designs.
Pros: High safety, not easy to slip.
Cons: Some designs are not flexible enough, making them difficult to put on and take off.
Rubber Disc Back
A Rubber Disc Back is a soft, flexible earring back made from silicone or rubber, designed to provide comfort and support. Often used for heavy earrings like drops or chandeliers, it helps evenly distribute weight
Increase wearing comfort and reduce earlobe pressure.
Cons: Long-term wear may require adjustment.
Ball Back
The ball backs for earrings is a stylish earring closure featuring a small, rounded metal ball that secures the post. It is commonly used for stud earrings and minimalist designs, offering a secure fit while adding an elegant.
Pros: Beautiful and simple, the back also has a decorative effect.
Cons: Not suitable for heavier earrings.
Flat Back
A Flat Back is a smooth, flat earring closure designed for comfort and practicality. Commonly used with flat backs for earrings like studs or labret styles, it prevents irritation, sits flush against the skin, and is ideal for long-term wear or sleeping.
Pros: Earrings backs that don’t require piercing.
Cons: Long-term wearing may cause earlobe discomfort.
Guardian Back
Guardian earring backs are a secure and innovative closure system designed with a locking mechanism. They consist of a butterfly-shaped metal back with an internal spring or clip that locks onto a specially grooved ear post. The design ensures a tight grip, preventing accidental loss of earrings.
Pros: Effectively prevents the earrings from slipping off, suitable for precious jewelry.
Cons: The price of complex design is more expensive than ordinary earplugs.
Post Back
The definition of post back earring is a popular earring style where a straight metal post extends from the back of the decorative element and fits through the ear piercing. It is secured with closures like friction backs, screw backs, or locking backs. Post back earrings are versatile, commonly used for stud earrings or lightweight drop designs, and offer a comfortable, simple option for everyday wear.
Pros: Easy to use, suitable for daily wear.
Cons: The back of the ear may not be firm enough and can be easily lost.
Conclusion
These 12 types of earring backs are suitable for different earring types and have their own characteristics. Pairing with specific earrings can maximize the effects of these different types of earring backs.
FAQs About Types of Earring Backs
What are the back of earrings called? How to loosen an earring and get earring back off?
The back of earrings is called an “earring back” or “ear back.” Gently grip the earring back and twist or pull it off, depending on the type of closure.
How to take off earrings with screw back and plastic earring back? Can you put screw backs on regular earrings? Are screw back earrings or flat back earrings better?
For screw-back earrings, unscrew the back counterclockwise. For plastic earring backs, gently pull them off the post. screw backs can be added to regular earrings with a compatible post. Screw-back earrings are more secure, while flat-back earrings are more comfortable for prolonged wear.
What are friction back earrings? What is the standard lever back earring size?
Friction back earrings are secured by pressing the back onto the post, creating a tight fit without additional locking mechanisms. The standard lever-back earring size typically ranges from 10mm to 14mm in length.
Can you use flat backs on regular earrings? How to remove flat back earring?
Yes, flat backs can be used on regular earrings, especially studs, for comfort and a sleek look. To remove a flat-back earring, gently twist or pull the back off, being careful not to apply too much force.
What to do if you lost earring back?
If you lose an earring back, you can use a substitute for earring back, such as a rubber stopper, plastic earring back, or even a temporary metal back from another earring. It’s important to ensure the substitute fits securely to avoid losing the earring again. You can also purchase replacement backs at jewelry stores or online.
