Types of earring backs

By Calla Gold. A French clip is a type of earring backing in which an open, wire clip fits over a post and against the earlobe. French clip backed earrings normally prevent the ear from bending downward at an unflattering angle.

Omega backs take their name from their uncanny resemblance to the Greek letter omega – Ω. The ends of this looped finding attach to an earring via a hinge. Omega backs have an open center that also allows the post of a pierced earring to pass through.

Clutch, friction or butterfly backs are discs with curled-up tabs that oppose one another, acting as springs that pinch the ear post. The post has notches on it that function as stops so the clutch backs can hold the earring in place.

Friction Backs (Butterfly Backs)

Also called “butterfly backs,” and sometimes “push backs.” These are undoubtedly the most common style of earring back. They work on earrings with posts, using friction to secure the earring in place–hence the name.

Your body secretes a substance called sebum as part of its normal everyday work. Sebum is secreted by the sebaceous glands in the skin. Mix sebum with some deceased skin cells and a little bit of bacteria, and you get some really potent smelling piercings! The discharge is semi-solid and smells like stinky cheese.

According to Dr. Ingleton, sterling silver (which is marked with a 925 stamp), 18k or 24k gold (which contains 75% or pure gold, respectively), nickel-free stainless steel and platinum, are your safest bets since these metals are less likely to contain nickel.

The Stud Earring

As the smallest and simplest of earrings, the stud is comprised of a diamond, gemstone or ornament which appears to float on the front of the earlobe. This is attached to a post that goes through the ear and is attached to a ‘back’ to hold the earring in place.

Stud earrings are a kind of ear jewelry made up of a small component that fits onto the earlobe and does not dangle down. While the size of a stud can vary quite a bit, earrings that extend beyond the perimeters of the earlobes are not generally included in this definition.