The most popular back pieces (earring backs) and how they work

The earring back is the unsung heart of the earring, ensuring comfort and safety.

The earring back, often simply called the clasp or stopper, is the crucial element of any earring. It ensures that a precious or beloved earring remains securely attached to the earlobe. Choosing the right back piece affects not only security but also comfort – especially when worn for extended periods or continuously.

Here we highlight the most common and popular types of closures and explain how they work.

1. The butterfly closure (friction back / butterfly back)

The butterfly clasp is the undisputed classic and the most commonly used clasp for stud earrings. It owes its name to its characteristic shape, which resembles a stylized butterfly with two wings.

How it works:

• The post: The post, which is inserted through the earlobe, has one or more small indentations or grooves at the end.
• The wings: The butterfly clasp consists of two thin, flexible metal wings attached to a central sleeve. The inside of this sleeve is designed to have a very narrow diameter.
• The locking mechanism: When the clasp is slid onto the pin, the metal wings press firmly against the pin. As soon as the sleeve reaches the notch, the wings click slightly into place and secure the clasp. The tension of the metal holds the clasp firmly in position.

2. The screw-back cap

The screw closure is considered the safest closure for stud earrings and is often used in more expensive pieces of jewelry – especially those with larger diamonds or gemstones.

How it works:

As the name suggests, this fastener is similar to the principle of a screw.

• The pin (post): In contrast to the smooth pin of the friction closure, the pin of the screw closure is completely covered with fine threads.
• The counterpart: The back piece itself is a cap or sleeve with a matching internal thread.
• The fastening: To secure the earring, the counterpart must be screwed onto the thread of the post. It is turned until it fits snugly against the earlobe.

3. The labret closure (flat back / threadless push-in)

Originally from the piercing field, the labret closure (sometimes called a flat closure) is gaining popularity for everyday earrings due to its high wearing comfort.

How it works:

The labret closure is two-part, consisting of a post with a flat back and a separate attachment (the visible part of the earring). There are two main variations:

A) Screw-in labret (threaded)

The attachment is screwed into an internal thread in the pin. This makes it particularly stable.

B) Plug-in labret (threadless / push-in)

• The pen: The pen is a sleeve with a flat, comfortable back. At the end of the pen is a thin tube.
• The attachment: The attachment has a very thin pin that is slightly curved.
• The attachment: The thin pin of the attachment is simply inserted into the tube of the labret stud and pressed firmly. The slight bend creates tension that holds the attachment securely in place.

4. The lever back closure

This type of clasp is typically used not for stud earrings, but for dangle earrings and hoops. It offers an elegant and secure way to fasten larger, movable earrings.

How it works:

The folding arm is a closed system that forms a complete loop around the earlobe area.

• The catch: A U-shaped hook is inserted through the earlobe.
• The hook: A movable hook or flap is attached to the earring.
• The closing mechanism: After piercing the ear, the hook is inserted into a small recess or notch in the movable arm. The arm clicks into place with a soft sound, completely enclosing the hook.

5. The Hinged Closure / Snap Bar

This clasp is intended exclusively for round or oval hoop earrings.

How it works:

• The hinge: Part of the tire can be folded open (the hinge).
• The pin: The end of the hoop that is inserted through the earlobe is shaped into a fine pin.
• The snap mechanism: After piercing the earring, this pin is pressed into a small hole on the opposite side of the hoop. The snap is often audible as a distinct click and holds the earring securely closed.

Conclusion on choosing the right closure

The choice of closure depends heavily on the intended use: