Earring Backs Guide

The most common and recommended selection is the push backs (friction backs) because of their versatile use and simple yet secure earring wear. Though, there are more complicated options that include secure lock backs and lever backs which can be considered more secure for some purposes of wear. Discover the differences and benefits between the most common backing types and which earring backing is the best option for your earrings.

Backing Types

PUSH BACKS

Also known as the friction back, the push backing is the most popular recommendation for secure & multi-function wear.

• * Slide into place easily and secure onto the posts by passing over one grooved slot
• * This earring type fits to many sizes of ear lobes and is a great option for all size of stud earrings
• * Great for people with arthritis or troubles grasping small objects as they slide on - Also referred to as the friction back
• * These earring backs are generally bigger and slightly harder to lose
• * The most universal and highly recommended types of earring backs - due to its minimal percentage of loss with customers combined with it's comfort wear on the smooth post

Some facts to consider:

After repeated use and long term wear, the desired tight fit may be loosened - this can be easily corrected by placing the back onto the post and gently pressing with your hand until the back becomes tight again.

SCREW BACKS

Are considered a secure option and recommended for larger diamond earrings or earrings with a higher carat weight.

• * A common type of earring back selection for secure active wear.
• * This earring type secures and twists into place onto a special threaded earring post.
• * These backings are considered the most secure for active movement and wear with repeated motion that makes them a great option for stud earrings. ie- going to the gym.
• * They offer an added sense of security to hold heavier diamond stud earrings in place where wear and comfort is desired on the ear.

Some facts to consider:

Not suggested for anyone with arthritis or difficulties grasping small objects. Due to the threaded posts, after long-term and repeated wear the specialized posts can become smoothed out and lose a tight fit - without the proper care during wear and storage. It is also not recommended to sleep in these types of earring backs.

GUARDIAN BACKS

Are an ideal selection for larger size diamond stud earrings and earring studs with larger carat weight, that ensures a lock in place mechanism backing.

• * These earring backs lock into place on a grooved post for a positive lock
• * This unique earring back type can be difficult - featuring a double lock ‘button’ triggers on either side of the backing - requiring firm pressure simultaneously to release the locks
• * The benefits of these double locks is it faster and more efficient for placement and removal vs. screw backings - that require minute twisting for secure wear
• * They maintain all the comfort of friction backs but with extra security during wear being just one advantage over push backs

We recommend this earring back selection for high total carat weights and high value earrings such as our natural GIA Certified Diamond Stud Earrings.

Some facts to consider:

The flat disc shape of the back is smaller and thinner vs. traditional push backs and may be easier to drop or lose when placing your earrings on and off.

SAFETY LOCKS

The safety lock backs are commonly found in a diamond hoop style earring with a button that releases and locks the backing into place.

• * Considered a highly safe selection with the secure lock button for placing and removing the earrings.
• * Diamond hoop earrings are a perfect type of earring selection - This type of earring backing showcases a straight earring post and lock in place function - Adding an extra sense of secure wear as the backing does not come free from the earring and cannot become lost or separated.

LEVER BACKINGS

Are a great secure option that add style and added sparkle from suspended movement.

• * The lever back posts feature earrings that hook around the ear and lock into place with a lever hinged back. These diamond dangle style earring settings feature high earring safety as the backings do not separate from the earrings, rather just opening. Diamond dangle earrings are a great option for a pair of diamond earrings desired for safe wear and luxurious style.
• * These are simple to place on and remove - the closure type stays together with the earring simply for safe keeping.
• * They can be less likely to become missing during wear as they are more noticeable in size.

A close up look at our secure type of earring backing on the popular 1.00ct. 3-prong martini set type of stud earring. This type of earring setting is popular for it's high-sparkle factor, allowing for maximum light refraction. Shop these popular earrings in Natural Diamond Stud Earrings or in the trending 1.00 Carat Total Weight Lab-Grown Diamond Studs.

What else should I consider when I select my earring backs?

• Consider the choice of metal options an important factor when selecting your ideal earring pair and complimenting backings.
• * 14 Karat White Gold is the most popular choice of precious metal options for earrings settings, due to its strength with its alloys and affordable luxury.
• * Platinum is considered the premium setting option due to its pureness and ideal selection for a hypoallergenic option, due to its absence of the nickel alloy. The high purity makes it a softer precious metal yet a perfect earring selection for anyone with metal allergies.
• 
• * 18 Karat Yellow Gold is a great option for a higher purity metal with less alloys and remains durable and luxurious while being a hypoallergenic type of earrings. These screw-back earrings showcase the threaded post and twist backs all in 18KT for an added level of security during wear.

Looking For Earring Back Replacements?

We know it can happen, sometimes the gold backings can become mis-shapen or lost overtime. Whether you need an extra pair of earring backings for safekeeping or desire to replace missing backings previously lost, we offer replacement gold and platinum backings. Our backings are only guaranteed to fit our diamond earrings, as not all backings are universal to size, shape or opening width. Oversized-friction backs are available for larger stud earrings while regular size friction backs are included when purchasing earrings or smaller carat weights.

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• 14KT BACKINGS
• 18KT BACKINGS
• PLATINUM BACKINGS
• GUARDIAN BACKINGS