A Guide to Choosing the Right Backings for Your Stud Earrings

Stud earrings continue to be a popular style - they're versatile, timeless, and elegant. While most people focus on the stud part of the earring, it's essential to discuss the earring back. After all, this ensures your earring is safely secure in your earlobe.

Introduction to Stud Earrings

Think about the earring studs you've seen or maybe even own - you'll see diamond, gemstone, and metal studs of all shapes and sizes. They're a popular minimalist earring style that goes with everything. You can dress studs up by layering more jewelry or wear them on their own for a dressed-down look. From diamonds to gemstones and all that is there in between, stud earrings are universal, minimalist earrings that will never go out of style. Studs have a small adornment attached to a post that passes through the ear to the earring back.

Importance of Earring Backs

Have you ever taken off a layer of clothing to discover your earring is missing? If you have, you know the importance of a secure earring back. Your earring back is even more critical when you have earrings that are rare diamonds or a meaningful gift from a loved one. Earring backs keep your studs safe and secure, so they prevent loss. They're more important than you might think.

Types of Earring Backs

You might not be familiar with the different types of earring backs. Some common types are push/friction backs, screw backs, and butterfly backs. Let's look at each one.

• Push/Friction Backs: Push backs are a familiar-looking style and is also known as friction backs. It has a flat back plate with a hole the size of the post. Push backs feature two scrolls of metal that curve up and press against the post with a light spring tension to hold the back in place. You'll see push backs in a variety of sizes. They're easy to put on and take off and are discreet, small earring backs.
• Screw Backs: Screw backs is a secure style because it can't be pulled off easily and has to be screwed off. The stud post has threads that allow the earring back to screw on and off. You'll typically see screw backs for high-priced studs, like diamond earrings, because the backs offer more security. Similar to push backs, screw backs are also smaller earring backs.
• Locking Backs: Lock backs securely lock into place with a double-grooved secure locking mechanism. This is a good choice for high-priced studs because the locking mechanism provides security. Some locking backs feature a clear plastic disc around the metal portion of the back that rests on the ear lobe. While this supports the weight of a heavier earring, the disc could be more noticeable on smaller ears.
• Butterfly Backs: Some push backs are also called butterfly backs. Butterfly-backed earrings have two distinctive curls to squeeze against the post and securely hold the stud in place.

Comfort and Security

Everyone's ears are different, and some lobes are more sensitive than others. It's essential for the stud and the earring back to feel comfortable on your ear. The earring backs protect your studs from loss, so they play an important role in addition to being comfortable. You'll have to balance comfort and security to find a back that works for you.

Metal Allergies

Earring backs come in different metal options, ranging from sterling silver to gold-plated to precious metals. If you're sensitive to metals, select backs in hypoallergenic metals, such as titanium or surgical steel. Another option is silicone backs because they don't have any metal.

Size and Weight Considerations

The size and weight of your studs will affect the earring backs. Some backs might be too small to offer the support and security your earring needs. Larger studs need bigger backs so the earring doesn't droop on the lobe. You want to show off your stunning studs!

Activity Level

Another factor that goes into picking earring backs is your activity level and lifestyle. It would be devastating to return from a 10-mile hike to discover one of your diamond studs is missing. Those with a more active lifestyle who wear studs more often opt for earring backs with a more secure closure to prevent loss during physical activities.

Budget Considerations

Precious metal backs will cost more than plated, silver, or silicone backs. You have plenty of affordable earring back options for your studs. It's always possible to swap out earring backs for a different style if you want more security. Swapping them out could cost a little bit if the post needs to be replaced, such as a screw-back post.

Personal Preference

While you have several earring back choices, the decision really comes down to personal preference. Think about the style of stud you own, your activity level, the type of security you'll need in an earring back, and your comfort in order to decide on an earring back that works for you. Security is important, especially if you have higher-priced studs. Your earring backs can help protect them from loss.

Still unsure? Retailers like With Clarity are an excellent resource if you have questions about different earring backs for your specific studs. They are available and more than happy to help if you have any questions.