Styles of Earring Backs

Which earring back is best?

Earrings come in many different styles. Here we will explore the more common types of earring backs, highlighting some of the pros and cons of each. Maybe you have a style in mind and don’t know the proper name for it. Maybe you are looking for the perfect gift. Maybe you are having trouble with your current earrings and are looking for alternatives. Or maybe you are simply interested in expanding your general jewelry knowledge. Keep reading; we have your answers.

Friction Backs (Butterfly Backs)

Also called “butterfly backs,” and sometimes “push backs.” These are undoubtedly the most common style of earring back. They work on earrings with posts, using friction to secure the earring in place–hence the name. Often times the post has a notch so that the back actually snaps into place.

PROS

Availability – These backs are the go-to for many jewelry wearers.
Security – They are a secure option, ideal for both stud earrings and dangle earrings.
Ease of Use – They are easy to put on and take off.
Budget Friendly – Friction backs are among the more budget friendly styles.

CONS

Losing an Earring – The closest thing to a con for this style is that if you are a very active person, it doesn’t take a ton of force to pull the back off with just the wrong tug from just the wrong angle. For this reason those with pets and small children may prefer an even more secure style.
It also may compromise the security if the back does not properly fit the post, or through years of wear.

Screw Backs (Threaded Backs)

Occasionally called “threaded backs.” These are the natural upgrade from the friction back for those looking for a more secure option. The post is threaded and the back screws onto it, making a very secure mechanism that will keep your earring in your ear.

PROS

Security – Screw backs are among the most secure styles. Ideal for active people, owners of pets, and parents of small children.
Availability – It is fairly easy to find screw back options.
Budget Friendly – Only slightly more expensive than a friction back.

CONS

Hassle – Some people find it’s a hassle to have to screw them on and unscrew to remove them.
Discomfort – Although most people find the threaded post is perfectly comfortable in their ear, those who are more sensitive can find them irritating.
Wearing Out – With frequent wear over many years, it’s possible for the threading to become stripped and the posts and/or backs may need to be replaced.
Security – Yes, it’s both a pro and con. We have heard stories of screw backs working themselves out overtime. It’s not common, but it can happen.

Positive Locking Backs (La Pousette, Protektor, Clutch)

This style has many names. “Positive locking back” is perhaps the most correct name for the style as a category, but they are just as often called La Pousette backs. They also may be known to some of you by specific brand names, for example: “Protektor,” and “Guardian.” This style is a bit more expensive, but is the sweet spot of security and ease of use. As easy to put on and take off as the friction back, and at least as secure as the threaded back, this style is ideal for more valuable jewelry that you do not want any risk of losing.

PROS

Security – As mentioned, this option is ideal for valuable jewelry.
Ease of Use – Simple and straightforward operation.
Comfort – Just as comfortable as friction backs.

CONS

Cost – They are a bit more expensive that other options.

Rubber Backs

Rubber backs, or rubber stoppers, are the most inexpensive option. They are reasonably secure, but wear out quickly. They are ideal for children’s jewelry, and temporary use.

PROS

Cost Efficient – This style is very inexpensive.
A good option for less valuable jewelry, or children’s wear.

CONS

Wear Out – They are only made of rubber, and will get worn out fairly quickly.
Security – Not recommended for use with valuable jewelry.

Ear Wires (Shepherd Hooks)

This style of earring is just a hooked wire, usually without a back at all. You may have heard them called simply “ear wires,” rather than shepherd hooks. Occasionally you will see them with a catch (as shown above in the far right picture). Also, a small rubber backs.

PROS

Cost Efficient – An inexpensive option.
Ease of Use – Very easy to put in and take out.

CONS

Losing an Earring – The backless style is not as secure as lever backs or other similar styles
Irritant – If used with costume jewelry made of non-precious metals, it may cause irritation to sensitive skin. Gold options found on more valuable jewelry do not typically have this problem.

Lever Backs (European Backs)

Lever backs, sometimes called European backs, have a curved ear wire instead of a straight post, and have a hinged lever piece that closes the back, as the name would imply. These can be thought of as an enhanced and more secure version of the ear wire shown above. This style is not better or worse than the various post styles, it is simply a different aesthetic. Some prefer the look of this style, especially for dangle earrings.

PROS

Hassle-Free – You don’t have to worry about losing your backs, because they are attached to your earrings.
Aesthetic – they have an elegant look, ideal for dangles.

CONS

Losing an Earring – Similar to the friction backs, a strong tug could potentially pull the earring out, and this style might not be the best option for active wearers, or those with pets or small children.

Omega Backs

Omega backs are like a hybrid of a post earring and a clip-on earring. They are of course more secure than clip-on earrings for non-pierced ears, but they are not as secure as locking backs or screw backs. With this style it really comes down to personal preference. Though it is not nearly as popular as other styles, there are still many who find it the most comfortable for them and prefer it to the rest.

PROS

Ease of Use – Very easy to put on and take off.
Hassle-Free – Like the lever backs, there’s no risk of losing your backs with this option, as they are attached to the earring.
Comfort – They are a very comfortable option for most people.

CONS

Losing an Earring – Once again, active people be warned.
Comfort – I know, I know, how can this be a pro and a con? While some find them very comfortable, others find that they pinch their ears. It just depends how sensitive you are.

Novelty and Unusual Backs

In this category, you have things like the backless post, and the Bella bead. The backless post has a sharp curve in it so that a back is unnecessary. However, they are not very secure. The Bella bead is a novelty back that offers a solution for those who are bothered by their posts poking them.

PROS

Novelty – Like any novelty item, their novelty itself is often their main draw.

CONS

Hard to Find – These option may not be readily available.
Security – Most novelty options mean compromising security.

We hope you found this article helpful and informative. Feel free to leave a comment below about your experiences with any particular style of earring backs, or with any additional questions you may have. We would also love to hear what is your favorite style of back, and why it’s your favorite.

FJU Category: General Info