Secure lock-backs for earrings are considered to be the most secure form of earring backs due to their design. They are a double-grooved patented locking mechanism where the tension mechanism locks at one of the grooves to hold the earring in place.
Screw Back Earrings
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.
When you take off your earrings, attach them to each other by poking one stud through the backing of the other and securing it with the second backing. This way, your earrings will never be apart and if you lose one, you lose both.
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.
Screw Back (Threaded Back)
Screw back are more a secure stud backing than push backs as the backing is screwed onto a grooved post. They provide the highest security but take slightly more time to put on and are in most cases used with more expensive earrings (e.g. Diamond stud earrings).
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.
Cons: Screw backs provide a false sense of security, thinking that they can never loosen or fall off. They can easily be overtightened, causing a loss of blood flow. Because the posts require threads, they are thicker and may be uncomfortable for some people.
Friction-type earring backs are the most prone to loosening issues precisely because it relies on friction to maintain a grip on the post of each earring. If your friction-type earring backs keep falling off, it is highly likely that the friction is gone, and you need to retighten the metal scrolls.
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.
There are a number of factors that can affect the comfort of your clip-on earrings. The most common cause of clip on earring pain is a matter of incorrect tension. Many clip earring wearers have experienced clip earrings that pinch, which over the course of a few hours - or even minutes! - can become intolerable.
Keep Earring More Secure: These clear silicon earring backs are perfect for people who always lose the backs off their earrings, they tightly hold the earring in place securely and enough to work for average. Comfy While Securing Your Earrings: These earring back stoppers are made of clear soft silicone.
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.
Screw backs were more prevalent from the early 1900s through the early 1950s, and then clip earrings (first used in the early 1930s) had a mid-century surge in popularity.
Our piercers prefer we work with flat backings as opposed to traditional butterfly backings for piercing as there is less room for discomfort and infection during the healing process. The back of traditional butterfly earring slides onto the post, often making the earrings too tight.
Most secure earring backs
Friction backs are the most common, along with bullet backs. Over time, they can lose their friction and no longer grip the post as tightly. La pousette backs have the most secure and adaptable locking mechanism, but can be a more rare and expensive option.
Simple Studs for Daily Wear
A popular choice for everyday earrings is studs. Stud earrings are delicate and small, making them ideal for a subtle piece to pair with your daytime ensembles. No matter the type of ear piercing you have a stud will help you achieve that enviable minimalist look.
In the end though, the wearing down of metal is part of what a friction earring back is. If you're really worried about your earring backs becoming worn down and losing their stick, you should go with silicone earring backs.
WHY DO WE LOVE FLATBACKS? 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.
✨ Flat backs are low profile, and do not get caught on hair or clothing as often as butterly backings. ✨ Flat backs do not have threading or small crevices. This makes them easier to clean, and therefore more hygienic. ✨ Designed to be worn 24/7, even when sleeping and showering.
Know that the earrings may loosen as you wear them (especially while sleeping or if you touch your earrings). This is completely normal: just tighten them every few days or so to make sure they stay in securely.
You don't need to push the clutch, or earring back, on super-tight. My rule is this: I use my fingernail as a gauge. If my fingernail can easily slide between my earlobe and the clutch, then it's good to go.
Shepherd hooks are a type of ear wire that loops through the piercing and hangs on the backside of the earlobe. Because of their hook-like design, this style can be worn without an additional backing to secure the earring in place.
The Screw back was invented in 1894 allowing women without pierced ears to wear earrings, and was a hit within jewelry pieces for different age ranges ever since.
Platinum and stainless steel tend to be less reactive, making them the best metals for hypoallergenic jewelry, says Dr. Marchbein. “These are also good options, along with plastic, for initial ear piercings, which can decrease the risk of developing ACD later on,” she explains. Prefer gold danglers?