Earrings are one of the most basic forms of body adornment that has been around for thousands of years. They are a great way to accessorize your outfit and give your look an extra boost of style.
But don’t forget that earrings can cause irritation or allergic reactions for some people, especially those who are sensitive to nickel. Luckily, there are some hypoallergenic options out there.
Earring Backs
Earring backs are the small pieces of metal, plastic or rubber that hold your earrings in place. They come in a range of sizes to accommodate different earring designs.
The most popular earring back type is the clip-on back. They can be made from metal, plastic or rubber and are easy to slide onto an earring post.
Screw backs, also known as threaded backs, are another classic choice. These earring backs screw on to a post like a nut and bolt.
They provide a great sense of security, especially for high-valued earrings. However, they do require a certain amount of care and can loosen over time.
French Wire Closure
A French wire closure is a simple, yet effective, way to secure earrings. It is also a popular choice for beginners because it is easy to work with and makes for a professional looking finish.
These closures consist of a small, curved hook that is attached to the front of the earlobe and is open at the back. This allows the earring to stay or sit on the earlobe without needing an earring back.
These types of closures are great for everyday dangle or drop earrings because they are lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to wear. However, they are not ideal for dangly or heavy earrings because they can easily be lost. Leverbacks are a better option for these heavier, dangly earrings since they have a lever that securely latches to the end of an attached post.
Push Backs
There are several types of backs available for stud earrings. The most common is the friction or push back (also known as a butterfly).
These come in a variety of sizes and provide a light tension to keep your earring from slipping off your ear. They’re affordable and easy to use.
But they can loosen over time and become more difficult to remove than brand new backs.
Jumbo backs are also available and provide a larger flat plane for support. These are especially helpful for heavier stud earrings.
They aren’t the most secure type of back but do a great job of holding earrings in place. They can be a good option for children or someone with a smaller earlobe.
Screw Backs
Screw backs are a great option for those with sensitive ears or for those who want a little more security. They also make it easier to put on and take off earrings.
They’re slightly more expensive than friction backs, but it’s worth the extra effort to ensure a secure fit. They’re also a great choice for children with pierced ears.
Depending on the post used, there are many variations on the earring back including jumbo friction backs and positive locking backs (known as La Pousette backs). Some backs have clear plastic disks to provide additional support for the stud earrings.
La Pousette Backs
La pousette backs are a rare and secure option for earring backs that offer the convenience of friction backs with the security of screw backs. You pinch the tabs on the disc to open the hole, then slide it onto the earring post. Releasing the tabs tightens the connectors and securely holds the earring back in place.
These earring backs have a safety notch on the end that will catch if they get caught on something. They also have the advantage of being easier to put on and take off than other earring backs.
They are more expensive than friction backs and can be frustrating to fasten when running out the door, but they are also safe and secure. They are a great choice for earrings with valuable stones or large diamonds.
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