Wearing the right pair of earrings can complete and enhance your entire look. You may be surprised to discover just how many different types of earring backs there are in existence.
Whether your earring of choice is a subtle elegant stud or even a large statement piece of jewelry, you’ll need the right earring back to fix your piercing in place with ease.
Maybe you have a favorite type of back you choose without fail, or perhaps you didn’t know there were so many out there!
Whichever category you fall into, we’re here to shed a little light on the different types of earring backs and help you to figure out which type of earring back works for you, your lifestyle, and your look.
Types of Earring Backs
1. Clip-on Earrings
Those with non-pierced ears can safely opt for a Clip-On Earring.
Instead of using a pierced ear, they’re secured into place with a clip and a hinge which can be easily around the earlobe.
Those with pierced ears may also choose to wear Clip Ons when wearing heavier jewelry, as more weighty pieces can damage the ears and stretch the earlobe piercing unnaturally.
2. Push Backs Earrings
Push Backs are the most common type of earring back that you’d find on a standard earring, sometimes referred to as ‘Butterfly Backs’.
These backs pretty much do what it says on the tin; you push them onto the back of your earring to fix it in place.
They’re completely secure and you can be confident your earrings won’t budge with this type of back. They are also easy to replace.
3. French Clip Earring Back
This type of earring can be worn with or without pierced ears, as with the Clip-On Backs.
French clip backs have a clasp that attaches to the earlobe. It also has a post attached with a clasp with a hole.
The post feeds through the clasp once closed, securing the earring.
Again, a really secure type of back you can trust that prevents the ear from bending.
4. La Pousette Backs
La Pousette backs are often likened to a lens cap of a camera.
To operate this type of back, two small tabs are squeezed together to allow the earring to pass through.
When the tabs are released, the back locks into place, securing the earring where you need it.
This type of earring back provides extra security for more valuable pieces of jewelry.
5. Jumbo Earring Backs
Jumbo Earring Backs are large, disc-shaped backs that flatten to the earlobe when put into place.
These backs help the earring to lay evenly and prevent the ear from bending.
This type of back is chosen for comfort as well as how it makes the earring look when worn.
6. French Wires Earring Back
French Wires, or ‘Fish Hooks’ are commonly used with heavier earrings.
They’re tear-drop shaped with curved wire hooks which go through the piercing.
This type of earring doesn’t require an extra back fastening as the weight of the earring and its design is what keeps it securely in place.
7. Kidney Earring Back
The Kidney Earring Back gets its name from the shape formed by the wire.
The style of this wire gives high security from its bent wire hook latch, and even though it’s a simple design, it’s lightweight and easy to wear.
8. Chrysmela Earring Back
Chrysmela Earring Backs are known for being ‘the most secure, lock-and-unlock earring backs around’.
They add that much needed support for hoop-style earrings and statement pieces, keeping them in place for however long is needed, without the risk or worry of losing an important, valuable piece of jewelry.
9. LOX Earring Back
LOX backs have their own locking mechanism, making them a very secure choice for earring backs.
Their main selling points are their comfort and hypo-allergenic properties, as well as the fact they’re easy to use and last a lifetime.
You can purchase LOX backs without earrings, and perfectly fit 99% of earrings.
10. Lever Earring Back
The Lever Back features a spring loaded lever that is attached to a wire.
This wire is looped through the ear, with the lever connected by a hinge. Gently pushing this causes the clasp to close, fastening it safely to the ear.
11. Saddle Earring Backs
As Saddle Backs have a hinged post and metal catch that fit together, they’re similar to a Latch or Lever back.
On a Saddle Back, there’s a U-shaped or loop-shaped catch, and usually sits at the topmost part of the earring itself.
This then fits inside the hole, securing the earring and making sure it doesn’t budge.
12. Push On Stopper Earring Back
Push-On Stoppers are another common earring back with a push back mechanism and ‘bullet-clutch’ design.
They are smooth secure backs that are comfortable to wear but do check to see if they fit your earrings as they usually have a non-adjustable diameter.
13. Clutch Earring Back
Clutch Earring Backs can provide extra security for your earrings.
Clutch types can come in a variety of shapes to best fit your chosen earring and can be plastic or rubber.
Slotting one of these backs onto your earring will prevent any accidental losses and will keep your earring in place.
14. Plastic Earring Backs
Plastic Earring Backs, also known as Rubber Earring Backs, are primarily used to hold earrings and their original backs in place, either when in storage or when displayed.
There is some debate as to whether these backs should be worn in addition to the original backs.
If you feel these Plastic Earring Backs keep your earrings secure, then it’s perfectly fine to use them.
If not, there is no rule that you have to wear them to keep your earrings in place.
15. Fish Hook Earring Back
Fish Hook Earrings have a long curved wire (similar to that of a fish hook) that is fed through the piercing hole.
Fish Hooks don’t require an extra back to keep them in place as the weight of the earring will do this for you.
But if you want a little added security, you can slot a plastic or rubber earring back on there to stop any movement.
16. Omega Earring Back
Omega earring back gets its name from the Greek letter omega – Ω.
The ends of this looped back attach to an earring through a hinge. When closed, the upper round end of the back holds the earring to the ear.
17. Flat Back Earrings
Flat Back Earrings have a small flat disk that rests on the back of the ear.
These types of backs are seen as a cleaner, more comfortable option than the standard butterfly back.
This type of back is seen more in higher quality stud jewelry.
18. Safety Back Earrings
Safety Back Earrings are understandably a popular choice for young pierced ears.
They have a locking clutch design and a rounded back that will keep earrings in place.
They’re tougher to release from the earring than other types of back, so adult help may be required for children, but there is less chance of losing an earring with this type of back for any wearer.
19. Latch Earring Back
Latch Earring Backs are often used for hanging earrings and feature a hooked wire.
A latch gives the earring extra security, locking the hooked wire in place, and adds security to keep the earring locked in place and fed through the piercing.
20. Screw Earring Backs
The screw design of the Screw Earring Back is what keeps this type of back so secure.
The threaded design of the earring posts allows the back to be fastened into place by twisting – there is no pushing needed and will fit snugly and comfortably.
21. Stud Earring Backs
This is the collective name given to a variety of earring backs specifically for studs.
Take a look at this entire list to find the right earring back for you and the earring you’re wearing for maximum comfort and security.
22. Friction Back Earrings
Friction backs are another name for ‘Push Back’ earrings.
They have flat plates with a hole for the earring post to go through, sliding up next to the earlobe.
The curved sides of this back put slight pressure onto the earring post which holds the back and earring into place.
They also come in a variety of sizes to suit your earring style.
23. Scroll Earring Back
Scroll backs are another name for Friction Backs or your standard Push Backs.
They’re shaped like a small scroll, with each curve creating a ‘spring’ of pressure to keep the back secure to the earring post.
Best Materials for Earring Backs
Now we’ve gone through the different types of earring backs available to keep your jewelry securely in place, it’s worth knowing exactly which materials make the best backs on the market.
If there’s one thing you need from an earring back, it’s the quality that makes it so long lasting.
But what are the properties and advantages of each?
Gold
Even though gold is an expensive option, it’s a great choice if you need a sturdy earring back that will last a lifetime.
14K gold is the preferable gold content for earrings and earring backs, with 18K giving the jewelry more of a yellow hue.
You could also opt for White Gold which is just as luxurious.
Silver
Sterling silver is a popular choice for earrings and earring backs due to its incredibly durable material; believe it or not, it’s even stronger than gold!
Sterling silver is also a light-weight option that is perfect for daily wear.
Plastic
Plastic is often used for first-time piercings, both in children and adults.
As well as this, those who suffer allergies from different metals should use medical grade plastic in their earrings and earring backs to prevent any flare ups.
Rubber
As with plastic, rubber earring backs are best suited for those who suffer from allergies and are just as effective at keeping your earrings in place as gold or silver materials.
Rubber backs are also used as extra security if needed to prevent earrings from moving or potentially falling out.
Stainless Steel
Those with sensitive skin or allergies may sometimes get a bad reaction to nickel, so stainless steel is another great alternative.
Stainless steel isn’t just great for earrings and earring backs, but also a wide range of other types of piercings.
Best Earring Backs for Heavy Earrings
Heavy earrings need extra support to prevent earring loss or damage to the ear, earlobe, or piercing site.
It’s important to find the best earring backs for heavy earrings for safety and security. Why not try one of these types?
Jumbo Earring Backs
Jumbo Earring Backs are perfect for larger, heavier earrings. A heavier earring means you’ll need to take extra precautions to keep it in place.
Jumbo Earring backs flatten securely to the ear and allow it to lay evenly to prevent ear bending.
They are comfortable and long lasting.
French Wires Earring Back
French Wires are commonly used with heavier earrings. They’re tear-drop shaped with curved wire hooks which go through the piercing.
This type of earring doesn’t require an extra back fastening as the weight of the earring and its design is what keeps it securely in place.
LOX Earring Backs
As they have their own locking mechanism and fit 99% of earring types, LOX Earring Backs will more than likely be the perfect earring back for heavy earrings.
They’re extremely secure, comfortable, and have hypo-allergenic properties, meaning literally anyone can wear them with no issues.
Chrysmela Earring Backs
As Chrysmela Earring Backs are known for being ‘the most secure, lock-and-unlock earring backs around’, heavy earrings will be no match for them.
They provide the support needed to keep heavy earrings in place without damaging the ear in any way and eliminates any worry of losing valuable statement pieces of jewelry.
Best Earring Backs for Extra Support
All earring backs provide fantastic support for each and every earring you want to wear, but sometimes, you just need that little bit extra for peace of mind.
Here are a few picks for earring backs providing extra support.
Plastic Earring Backs
Plastic Earring Backs (or Rubber) are perfect for providing extra support for your ears and earrings.
Smaller plastic earring backs can be used in addition to your original backs for more support, or instead of.
They’re also a great, safe option for those with skin allergies.
La Pousette Backs
La Pousette (the earring back likened to the lens of a camera) has two small tabs, squeezed together to allow the earring to pass through.
When the tabs are released, the back locks into place, securing the earring where you need it.
This type of earring back provides extra security and support for different types of jewelry.
Best Most Secure Earring Backs
As secure as most earring backs are, you might have an extra special pair of earrings that you want to keep extra secure and safe whenever you wear them.
Here are some recommendations for some of the most secure earring backs:
Kidney Earring Back
The Kidney Earring Back gives high security from its bent wire hook latch, and even though it’s a simple design, it’s lightweight and easy to wear.
The hook latch secures the earring in place and provides security and comfort.
LOX Earring Backs
LOX Earrings make an appearance in many categories because of just how versatile they are, but they’re also a great choice for a secure earring.
Their clever locking mechanism and ability to fit almost all types of earrings make LOX a brilliant choice for security.
Chrysmela Earring Backs
Again, Chrysmela Earring Backs are another no-brainer for secure earring backs.
The ’most secure, lock-and-unlock earring backs around’ provide added security for any type of earring, keeping them in place with optimum comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How to Tighten a Butterfly or Scroll Earring Back
You may sometimes find that your Butterfly or Scroll earring back becomes loose over time.
It’s good to know how to tighten a Butterfly or Scroll Earring Back to keep them secure and comfortable.
Here are some simple steps to take to tighten your backs:
- Take a pair of small round nose pliers.
- Insert the tips into one of the loops of the earring/the butterfly scrolls and gently twist inwards to tighten. You can also gently twist outwards if you want to enlarge the scroll to loosen the back.
- Repeat on the other loop. Keep movements small and keep testing with the earring itself to ensure it clicks perfectly into place.
What Earring Backs take longer to Put on?
Screw Earring Backs do take a little more time and effort to secure onto an earring than a standard push back, but the fact that you’re getting better security means the good points outway the bad.
The screw back needs to be carefully fastened into place by twisting into the threaded design of the earring post, creating a snug and comfortable fit.
What are the best earring backs for newly pierced ears?
To ensure optimum comfort, safety, and security of a newly pierced ear, Safety Back Earrings are a great choice.
They have a locking clutch design and a rounded back that will keep earrings in place and prevent poking from the earring post, which is ideal for freshly pierced ears with earrings that can’t be removed in the healing process.
They’re tougher to release from the earring than other types of back, but there is less chance of losing an earring with this type of back for any wearer.
What are the best earring backs for sleeping?
Rubber Backs or Safety Back Earrings are best for sleeping.
Rubber backs are soft and more comfortable to wear and sleep on.
Safety Backs have a locking clutch design and a rounded back that will keep earrings in place and prevent pain from earring post poking through the night.
Either back can be worn to prevent pain and maximize comfort.
Final Thoughts: Have you found your ideal type of earring back?
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed by the amount of choice available when looking for the perfect type of earring back.
But hopefully, our ultimate guide has given you something to think about and the information you need to make the right choice.
Use this list to refer back to whenever you buy a new pair of earrings – the best type of earring back for you is in this list!
References
Bustle | Diamond Studs | Jared | Jewelry Designs | Langantiques | Pierced
