Earring Backings 101 - Why Certain Earring Backs Don't Work For You

Do you lose your earring backings all the time?

Do you notice your earrings hang forward and look like they are going to fall out?

Do you ears get itchy from your backings?

If you can relate to any of these, it could because of the earrings backings you are wearing…

The earrings backs you wear can make a difference with not only how comfortable your earrings feel but also the appearance of how your earrings look.

Today we’ll be talking about each type of earring backing and the pros and cons to each one.

Butterfly Backings

Butterfly backings are the traditional earring backing. These are still found on many earrings sold in the US, but there’s another earring backing that has started to replace them (we’ll get into next). Butterfly backings come in different sizes and metal types.

Shop butterfly backs on Amazon here.

Silicone Backings

Silicone Backings have become very popular in the US and have begun to replace traditional butterfly backings. 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.

From working in jewelry for many years, I know that people often had a love hate relationship with silicone backings. There were people that LOVED them due to their comfort while sleeping. Who wants to sleep on metal digging into the back of their ear. In contrast, others didn’t like them due to them slipping off easily. I am one of those people that doesn’t like these due to that reason. I’ve noticed when I wear silicone backings, my ears produce a slippery, oily substance that makes these plastic backings come off very easily. I’ve talked with other people that have also experienced this. 

These backings also discolor overtime which is another turn off from these backings, because who wants yellow looking earring backs? (That aren’t yellow gold)

Also, keep in mind that there is a butterfly backing inside the silicone. This is to give it support and earring easily glides in. If you try to remove the plastic from the butterfly backing, unfortunately then won’t work the same and ultimately be ruined.

Shop silicone backings here on Amazon.

Safety Backings

Safety backings are known for their locking featuring on Piercing Earrings. If you were pierced at Piercing Pagoda or Claires, there’s a good chance you were pierced with a Piercing Earring with this type of backing. A safety backing prevents the pointy piercing earring from stabbing the back of your neck. It also “locks” on making them harder to come off. If you interested in how to remove these earrings, check out this video that I did HERE on YouTube. 

Safety backings can also go on regular earrings. I’ve noticed they don’t quite “lock” the same as they do with Piercing Earrings. This is because Piercing Earrings typically have a notch at the end of the post. Safety backings are great on regular earrings if you notice you lose your backings often, earring backings make your ears itchy, or like in my case my ears get really oily when I have a backing right against my skin. 

The only downfall of safety backings it that they are typically plated so if you are sensitive these won’t be a great option. 

Shop locking backs on Amazon here.

Screw Backs

Screw backs like their name are backings that screw on to an earring post that has a threading on them. These are great if you lose your earrings often. Diamonds are typically sold as screw backs as a security measure to prevent loss. Also, diamonds tend to be heavier so the screw back supports the post. Children’s earrings are also known to be sold as screw backs to help prevent children from losing them. 

Shop Screw Backs here on Amazon.

Comfort Backings

Comfort backs have a metal backing with a plastic disc around them. These are great for heaving earrings as the plastic disc helps support the heaviness of the front of the earring. Comfort backs are also great is you need support due to a slight tear in the ear. 

Also, I’ve seen people cut off the plastic disc around the metal backing and just use the metal backing itself. These metal backings aren’t a favorite due to how many of these I have seen become embedded in the ear. 

Shop Comfort Backs here on Amazon.

Clear Plastic Backings

Clear Plastic Backings are mostly used on earrings like fish hook earrings. Like there name, they are tiny and clear. 

Shop Clear Plastic Backings on Amazon here.

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