The Different Types of Earring Closures
People of all genders have been wearing earrings since primitive times. The Romans pioneered wearing gemstones on earrings, but Shakespeare preferred one gold-hooped earring. And not only are there many styles of earrings, but there are many types of earring closures too.
What are earring closures, exactly? This term describes the mechanics or device needed to secure an earring in place, so it does not fall from the piercing.
The best earring closures depend on the piercing placement and the earring style. What to know more about the different types of earring closures? This earring closures guide has you covered!
Push Back Post Closure
This is one of the most common types of earring closures for stud-style earrings. If you buy studs from any online jewelry store like Noah James Jewellery earrings, then expect them to have this closure.
Push-back closures use small, butterfly-shaped metal or plastic fastenings. You put these onto the back of the earring to secure it.
Screw Back Post Closure
Screw-back post closures are like push-back closures. But instead of pushing the butterfly fastening onto the back of the earring, you screw it on instead. This makes the earring much more secure, but this type of fastening is rare.
Lever Back Closure
If you inherit any jewelry from your grandmother or other elderly relatives, then many of their earrings will have this closure. You will find lever back closures on “drop” earrings which were popular in the 1920s.
These earrings have in-built levers that you pull up to open. After putting them on, you need to push the lever down to secure them. They can be quite difficult to use, which might be why they went out of fashion.
Latch Back Closure
Latch back earring closures are like lever back earrings, but they have a simpler design. These have a latch that you pull to open and push to close. If you buy new “drop” style earrings from a store, they will likely have this hinged closure.
Hoop Wire Closure
Hoop wire closures create the illusion that there is no opening on the earring. When fixed to the ear, the earring should look like one continuous loop.
Hoop closures are a small, hidden section of the hoop, often around 1cm long. This part is narrower than the rest of the hoop. You insert this part into the ear and thread it through the inside of the other part of the earring to secure it.
Fish Hook Closure
In this earring closures explained guide, this is the only example that isn’t an actual closure. Fish hook earrings have longer, curved wire backs that stop them from falling out. There is no mechanism or extra accessory needed.
Which Types of Earring Closures Work Best for You?
Sometimes, if you love the style of a pair of earrings, then the earring closure doesn’t matter as much. But now you know the different types of earring closures available; you can experiment and find the ones you like to wear best.
Want to know more about jewelry and upgrading your appearance? Check out our beauty and style articles for lots of top tips and tricks!
