Types Of Diamond Stud Earring Backings

When purchasing diamond stud earrings, one of the most important aspects to consider are the backings. The last thing you want to happen after buying a set of diamond earrings is for them to fall off during an evening out. This is can be prevented very easily, if you know what to look for in an earring backing.

Contrary to popular belief, a secure backing does not mean an uncomfortable backing. Below we have composed a list of most earring backings for your convenience we have taken into consideration; safety style and comfort, and graded each earring backing on a scale of 1 to 10 in each category

A pair of diamonds earrings
is a sparkling gift!

View our collection

Push Back

Also known as a butterfly due to its unique shape, this is one of the more popular earring backing types. It consists of a post that inserts into a metal piece behind the ear to hold in place the earring.

However, with time this backing becomes less effective as the gold on the post wears down from the friction of the butterfly backing. Push back backings are simple, they work just like how they sound, you push the backing onto the post and secure it to your earlobe.

CaratsDirect2U Score:

Safety	Style:	Comfort	Total:
7	9	9	25/30

French Clip

Also known as a clip post, this combines a typical post with a clip to securely hold the earring. While less likely to lose the earring than a regular push back, they are known to sometimes pinch the earlobe and over an extended time, can become uncomfortable. French clip backings are have a post and an “o” shaped clip that is on a spring and attached to the bottom of the earring, to close just pull the clip up and your earring is secure.

CaratsDirect2U Score:

Safety	Style:	Comfort	Total:
9	8	6	23/30

Lever Back

The lever back uses a piece of metal resembling a fishhook that pushes through the ear, it is then secured to a lever protruding from the back of the earring. This is known to be a good choice for valuable diamond earrings, even those that are larger sized. Lever backs work very similar to French clip, however the backing is more like a flattened piece of metal that goes flush against the end of the backing

CaratsDirect2U Score:

Safety	Style:	Comfort	Total:
9	9	9	27/30

Screw Back

These backings use a post that works like a screw. The back is screwed onto ridges for a tight fit. While being one of the most secure types of earring backing, those with sensitive ears might wish to avoid these. The threaded post may not be as comfortable as other backings. Furthermore taking them off and on is known to be a bit more time consuming.

CaratsDirect2U Score:

Safety	Style:	Comfort	Total:
10	9	6	25/30

La Poussette

The La Poussette backing is known for its combination of comfort and security, the La Poussette is a viable option that, unlike the friction back, will not loosen over time nor slide off if the earring is pulled. It’s composed of a flat metal backing with a small clutch on each side. Both clutches need to be squeezed to release it (which can be done rather quickly), otherwise the earring remains securely in place.

The post on the back of a La Poussette earring has a groove towards the end of it that makes it very difficult for it to be pulled off unintentionally. Heavier earrings will also benefit from the La Poussette since this backing prevents drooping by holding the earring close to the ear Due to its high cost, most jewelers reserve this type of backing for only their most valuable of earrings.

CaratsDirect2U Score:

Safety	Style:	Comfort	Total:
10	9	10	29/30

In conclusion, every backing has its pros and its cons and those change from customer to customer. There are 3 factors you need to look into when you are getting a new set of diamond earrings. As we have listed above:

1. Security - how well the earing is fastened to your ear, taking into account the time it takes to get that way as well.
2. Style - the look of the clasp has to be appealing to the buyer.
3. Comfort – the backing you pick is essential for comfort as well as safety.

For any help with buying a new pair of earrings, please call one of our expert jewelers at 1-800-557-7095.