Earrings Guide 

Common Earring Closures and Backings

There are several different types of earring backs that may be used to keep your earrings in place. Find out about some of the most commonly used earring backs and closures, as well as tips on using them in your jewelry.

Latch_backs

Latch backings are commonly used for hoops. The closure is composed of a hinge mechanism that locks onto a U-shaped holder. Latch backing earrings can be unlocked by gently prying the hinge away from the holder.

A hinged clasp is another type of clasp used for hoop earrings made of diamonds or gems. Hinged clasps can also be referred to as snapback earrings. To open this clasp, you will have to pull the hoop away from the back side of the metal bar which passes through the earlobe while wearing these hoop earrings. The hoop needs to be pulled away gently from the notches formed in the bar in order to operate the hinge.

Hinged_clasps
Guardian_backs

Guardian Backs are used in many different stud and other earring varieties. In order to put on or take off these backs, you will need to hold on to the metal notches that extend from both sides of the backing and push or pull the post of the earring through.

Earrings with screw backs have a backing that is designed to work with many different varieties of earrings, particularly stud earrings. You can put on or take off screw backs by turning the earring backing clockwise or anticlockwise along the grooved notches on the post.

Screw_backs
Friction_backs

Friction backs are very commonly used on earring backings, especially with fashionable varieties of earrings. Also called push backs, they are relatively simple to wear. All you need to do is place the straight earring post into the friction backing until you are happy with how the earrings look. When taking them off, just push the earring backing through the notch on the post.

The lever back design is seen mostly in dangle earrings. This type of earring includes a fishhook post that enables the dangle of the earring to have some swinging and movement. It also features a hinge that lightly secures the earring. Simply align the hinged bar with the post once you've put the post inside your ear. All you need to do to take out an omega clip back earring is pry apart the hinge.

Lever_backs
Omega_Clip_Back

You will find omega clip backs on high-quality earrings. Omega backs feature a hinge loop that swings around the post of the earring. Omega backs hold their earrings in place by means of tenson force. In order to open your omega clip back earrings, all you need to do is to unlatch the hinge loop from its position. Next, slip your earring on, and then reposition the omega backing into the closed position.