Different Types of Earring Back Lock Designs

Earring backs are an overlooked part of our jewelry. However, they can have a significant role to play in determining the level of comfort and security. Though there are multiple options for earring lock design, most of us are unaware of their meaning and utility. Keeping such things in mind, we have collated a guide that will cover the A-Z of earring lock designs ranging from push-back clasps to screw-on backs so that your earpiece stays in place with ease.

Different Types of Earring Back Lock Designs

1. Ball back earrings
2. Clip-on earrings
3. Endless back earrings
4. Fishhook earrings
5. Flatback earrings
6. Hinged back earrings
7. Hoop wire earrings
8. Kidney wire earrings
9. Latch back earrings
10. Lever back earrings
11. Long hook earrings
12. Omega back earrings
13. Push-back post earrings
14. Rubber back earrings
15. Screw-back earrings

1. Ball back earrings

The back of this earring is held in place by a sealed ball-like bead positioned behind the earring. These backs feature metal balls with a hole that secures your post using a mechanism that is similar to a screw post. This type of earing lock design is meant for people having cartilage piercings. Here the ball end screws onto the post and many of them feature separate decorative elements. This back design can be a bit difficult to find and only support lightweight earrings.

2. Clip-on earrings

This is the most popular type of earring back that can be put on any type of earring. The backs might have plastic, metal, silicone, or rubber clasps which help hold your earrings in place. Usually, they come in varying sizes to accommodate different earring designs and you can secure your earring simply by sliding them onto your post. Clip-on backs are the perfect choice for those who don’t wish to have their earrings pierced or thinking of occasionally wearing different types of earrings. You can also opt for this design while wearing extra-heavy jewelry pieces which might otherwise stretch your earlobe.

3. Endless back earrings

The Endless Back Earrings have just halfway tricky, hoops that have to be fit inside very thin, and fine metal tubes at the back of your ears. One end of the arc of the earrings is attached to a very thin wire post, and the other end of the earring has a very thin tube-like post (metal tube). The wire post is gently pulled inside the metal tube after the earring is slid inside the piercing hole, at the back of your ears that closes into an endless back, forming a ring posture. Hence, there is no way the earring has an open end to worry about tripping away from your ears, plus, gives an elegant simplicity to your style.

4. Fishhook earrings

The fishhook earrings feature a long-curved wire that is fed through the piercing hole to keep the earring in place. You will not require any extra back as the weight of the earring will do this for you. However, for added security and to stop movement, you can get a rubber or plastic earring back.

5. Flatback earrings

This earring back has a small flat disk resting on the back of the ear. These backs are considered a more comfortable and cleaner option compared to the standard butterfly back. You will see these types of backs mostly in premium-grade stud jewelry.

6. Hinged-back earrings

The back in this case remains attached to the earring with a hinge which allows it to be opened and closed easily. The hinged back is a preferred choice for people who have trouble putting on earrings or have ear sensitivities. They are also known as hinged snapbacks or saddlebacks and are commonly used with huggie or hoops earrings.

7. Hoop wire earrings

It is basically a circle of worn that is worn through an ear piercing in the lower ear lobe. This style of earring lock has been in vogue for years wherein the slightly bent hook end is passed through the ear piercing before locking into the loop.

8. Kidney wire earrings

This type of earring lock design gets its name from the shape formed by the wire which imparts a high level of security from its bent wire hook latch. Despite having a simple design, it is pretty easy and lightweight to wear.

9. Latch back earrings

Also known as snapbacks or click-top, these are a popular choice for drop earrings, dangling earrings, and hoops. They feature a mechanism that helps hold the earrings firmly in place by going over the earring posts. Pushing them down helps in opening this earring lock by releasing the catch on the hook. Given their ease of use and security, latch backs are an excellent option for children.

10. Lever back earrings

Just as the name suggests, they feature a small lever on the back that opens and closes the earring. The wire is looped with the lever through the ear and connected by a hinge. You can fasten it safely to the ear by gently pushing the hinge. This type of earring has gained popularity as it is highly secure and very easy to use. You can get lever-back earrings in a variety of materials including silver, gold, and even platinum.

11. Long hook earrings

This variety of ear wire loops through the piercing and hang at the backside of the earlobe. Given their hook-like design, you can wear them without additional backing for securing the earring in place.

12. Omega back earrings

The Omega earring back derives its name from the Greek letter omega ‘Ω’ as the ends of the looped back remain attached to the earring through a hinge. It’s upper round end holds the earring the ear when closed. An omega back earring might be made of different metals like gold or silver and decorated with stones or other embellishments.

13. Push-back post earrings

Also known as friction earring backs, butterfly backs, or postbacks, these are one of the most popular types of earring backs courtesy of their simplicity and effectiveness. They have flat plates with a hole that the earring post goes through. Slight pressure levied onto the earring post by the curved sides of this back helps hold the earring into place.

14. Rubber back earrings

The earring backs are made of rubber. They come in a variety of sizes and have a translucent appearance making them barely noticeable. Usually, a sturdy type of rubber is used in these earrings which are ideal for those in search of inexpensive but attractive jewelry.

15. Screw-back earrings

This type of pierced earring is held in place by a screw-on backing. They are commonly worn by people with sensitive ears as it prevents the earring from touching the earlobe. Compared to other types of pierced earrings, the screw-back variants are less likely to fall out.

Wearing the right set of earrings can enhance your look drastically. Whether you are thinking of sporting a large statement piece or a subtle elegant stud, the right earring back can fix your earring in place easily.