Latch back earrings close from behind like leverbacks, but rather than the base of the earring closing upward, the post of the earring snaps into a small hole or latch, just like the latch on a gate. Make sure you feel the post lock into the latch; otherwise, the earring may slip from your ear.
Latch backs are mostly used on drop, hoop and dangle earrings. They feature a curved or straight wire that goes through the ear hole, but unlike lever backs, the latch backing's post snaps into a small hole or latch. This backing type is comfortable to wear; however, it also has a downside.
Latch backs are a great option for diamond earrings, gold earrings and gemstone earrings as well. These types of earrings are very difficult to lose and you will not have to worry about losing the earrings as latch backs are secure.
Earring Back Types
Post back earrings are the most common type of earring backing and are used on everything from studs to dangling earrings. There are several different options when it comes to post back earrings, including push backs, screw backs, and lock backs.
But screw backs have an advantage over push backs: they're more secure. It does take a bit longer to put on a screw back than it does to put on a push back, since it needs to be carefully screwed on each time. And it is important to be delicate when screwing on a screw back, so you don't strip your earring posts.
Friction backs are the most common types of earring backs. They are also known as pushbacks or earnuts, and they have small friction back earnuts that are bent into a curled formation that pushes into the back of the earring. Friction-back earrings are easy to use and comfortable to wear.
The most secure type of earring back is the screw back. It consists of a threaded post and a nut that is spun on to the post up to the back of the ear lobe. It cannot be pulled off- it has to be fully unscrewed.
The fact is that these plastic discs are called 'comfort clutch backs' and you should keep the plastic on. The idea of these is to spread the 'load' over a larger surface of the ear lobe.
Pros: Can be very secure option of earring backs if you're mindful and check to make sure the screw is always properly tightened. Cons: Screw backs can give people a false sense of security, leaving them to go days or weeks without checking if their earring back is tightly screwed on.
Screw Posts
Screw posts, also known as (screw backs,) are a popular choice for earrings, especially diamond earrings or gold earrings. These post earring backings screw onto the earring post, providing a secure hold.
Because of their flat backing, they're extra comfortable to wear all around your ear, (especially in advanced piercing placements like the conch, tragus, and helix), because they don't poke behind your ear.
A silicone earring backing prevents the backing from becoming embedded in the ear as opposed to a traditional earring backing or other metal like backings. Metal backings are often pushed on too tight on the ear and become stuck in the ear.
Fishhook / French Hook Earrings
This style uses ear wire bent in a hook shape with no back and instead utilizes the weight of the earrings to anchor the "hook" in place when in your ear.
It can be bad to wear earrings 24/7. It is advisable to take your favourite earrings off from time to time to let your ears “breathe”. The reason behind this is that your earrings could trap dirt and bacteria (or shampoo) if you leave them on 24/7, which can lead to infections.
If your earrings are always in, that skin can build up around the earring, and it can allow that skin slough to stay caked on your skin and earring." It's unlikely that this will cause an infection, though she notes that the dead tissue can begin to look goopy, which, gross.
Yes, you can take your earrings out after 6-8 weeks if they feel ready, but don't leave them out! They will still close quickly since they're relatively new. Leave your earrings in as often as you can for roughly a year before going extended periods without them.
WHAT MATERIALS ARE IDEAL FOR STARTER EARRINGS? Surgical-grade titanium, 14-karat gold, 18-karat gold, niobium, and surgical-grade stainless steel are commonly recommended for starter earrings and new piercings due to their hypoallergenic properties and compatibility with healing piercings.
When choosing the earring to get pierced with, make sure you are choosing sterile, surgical grade stainless steel, plastic, titanium, or 14k gold. We suggest avoiding white gold for initial piercings (or freshly pierced ears) as they may contain traces of nickel.
Some earrings are called hypoallergenic because the nickel in their posts are coated with another material, but over time, the coating can come off, and repeated wear may still irritate your ears. The best earrings for sensitive ears are generally made with gold, platinum, or silver.
Wearing two different studs, hoops, or any other kind of earring on both ears is a look that's been seen everywhere from the runways to the streets for a while now. And recently, the versatile look that offers a cool, non-traditional spin on ear jewelry has been even more popular.
Lobe: The lobe is the lower section of the ear, which is one of the most common piercings. Helix: The helix is positioned in the upper cartilage of the ear. Forward Helix: The forward helix is placed on the curve on the outer portion of the ear.
Generally speaking, you want to avoid nickel and opt for at least 14k gold (anything less usually contains nickel or brass) or sterling silver 925. If your ears are still reacting negatively, try posts made of medical-grade stainless steel or titanium, which tend to be the least reactive.