If you have pierced ears, you’ve probably wondered at some point: what’s the best way to keep my earrings secure while also maintaining the comfort and health of my ears? Even if you don’t have pierced ears, you may still want to try a bold earring style without committing to a piercing.

At Bounkit, earrings are one of our most beloved product categories. Our clients especially gravitate toward our interchangeable earrings, which bring versatility and playfulness to everyday style. Over the years, we’ve learned that the greatest challenge in ensuring every client has the perfect fit lies in the details—the earring back or closure.

Earring backs may seem small and overlooked, but they’re the unsung heroes of jewelry design. They ensure your earrings sit comfortably, look balanced, and most importantly, stay secure throughout the day. Since everyone has unique needs - some people have sensitive earlobes, others prefer extra lift after years of wearing heavy earrings - finding the right closure is as important as choosing the earring itself.

This guide will walk you through the different types of earring closures, including the ones we offer at Bounkit and a few others you may encounter in fine jewelry. We’ll also cover the history behind closures, tips for selecting the right one for your lifestyle, styling advice for different occasions, and care tips to help your earrings last beautifully for years to come.

You can also check our Earring Closure Guide for more information as well as contact information for additional support.

A Brief History of Earring Closures

Earrings have been worn for thousands of years, and so have the inventive methods to keep them in place. Archaeological evidence shows that as far back as 2500 BCE, cultures pierced ears and used plugs made from bone, wood, and stone.

During the Renaissance and Georgian eras, when ornate designs became fashionable, jewelers experimented with hooks, wires, and other mechanisms to secure heavy, gemstone-adorned earrings. Interestingly, in the early 20th century, ear piercing fell out of favor in some Western cultures - seen as rebellious or even unsanitary. That’s when clip-on earrings skyrocketed in popularity, giving women a way to wear dramatic styles without piercings.

By the 1930s and 40s, innovations in closures such as screw-backs and hinged clips made earrings more comfortable than ever before. Today, designers like Bounkit honor that history by offering closures that combine comfort, functionality, and timeless design.

The Most Common Closures for Pierced Ears

Butterfly Earring Back

The butterfly back (also known as a friction back or push back) is one of the most common earring closures. It features a slender post attached to the earring, which slides through the piercing. A small “butterfly” piece slides onto the post and clicks securely into place thanks to a tiny groove at the end of the post.

Butterfly backs are best suited for lightweight earrings such as studs or small hoops. If used with heavy designs, they can allow the earring to tilt forward or droop, especially if the piercing is stretched.

At Bounkit, our posts and butterfly backings are made from .925 sterling silver, ensuring your skin isn’t exposed to mystery metals. For example, our Lenny Studs would be especially well suited for a post butterfly backing, but they're also available with French Clip and Clip-on backings, which we'll review in just a moment.

💡 Styling tip: If you love wearing studs every day, butterfly backs are a classic, minimalist choice. Just make sure to check them occasionally, since the tension can loosen over time.

Pierced French Clip (Omega) Back

The French Clip, also known as the Omega back, gets its name from the Greek letter Ω, which it resembles. Like the butterfly back, it has a post that goes through the piercing, but it adds a hinged omega-shaped clip that gently presses against the back of the earlobe.

This design provides superior support, making it a go-to choice for larger, statement earrings. The added stability keeps the earring upright and flush against the ear, reducing droop and strain.

At Bounkit, we especially recommend French Clips for our boldest styles, such as the Marcy Earrings, which are inspired by a vibrant spring palette. The French Clip backing ensures they remain comfortable while maintaining their stunning presence.

💡 Styling tip: French Clip backs are favored by stylists for red carpet looks because they keep earrings perfectly positioned during long events.

Closures for Non-Pierced Ears

Clip-on Earring Back

Not everyone has pierced ears, and that shouldn’t limit anyone from enjoying earrings. Clip-on closures have been beloved since the 1930s, when piercing was considered less fashionable. They remain an excellent choice today for anyone who wants the look without the piercing.

At Bounkit, we’ve developed an innovative clip-on design with a snug, rubberized grip. Unlike older clip-ons that pinched, ours are designed to stay secure while being gentle on the earlobe. Many of our pierced-ear clients also choose clip-ons when they want a break from traditional posts.

For example, our Varinia Earrings are available as clip-ons, offering dramatic style without the need for a piercing.

💡 Styling tip: Clip-ons are a great travel option if you’re worried about losing earrings on the go - no pierced posts to snag or bend in luggage.

Other Closure Types You May Encounter

While Bounkit focuses on French Clips, Butterflies, and Clip-ons, there are several other closure styles worth knowing about:

• Leverbacks: A curved wire goes through the ear and clicks into place with a hinged lever. Great for dangling earrings that need security.

• Latch Backs (Hinged Hoops): Common in hoops, where the post clicks into a catch on the opposite side. Sleek and secure.

• Screw Backs: Often used for diamond studs, where the backing screws onto a threaded post. Extremely secure but slower to put on and remove.

• La Pousette Backs: A luxury option with a push-button mechanism that locks the back in place. Comfortable and very secure, but pricier.

💡 Why this matters: Even if you stick to Bounkit’s handcrafted closures, knowing about these other types makes you an informed jewelry lover and helps you recognize differences when shopping across brands.

Styling Earrings by Occasion: Choosing Closures That Fit Your Lifestyle

Closures aren’t just about security—they also influence comfort depending on when and how you wear your jewelry. Here are some ways to match closures to life’s different moments:

• Everyday Wear: For casual, everyday studs or small earrings, butterfly backs are perfect. They’re lightweight, easy to use, and discreet.

• Professional Settings: Hoops with latch backs strike a balance of polish and comfort, staying in place all day without adjustment.

• Special Occasions: Attending a wedding, gala, or night out? French Clips or La Pousette backs are your best friends, keeping bold earrings in place for hours.

• Travel and Vacations: Clip-ons or leverbacks make packing easy and minimize the worry of losing tiny butterfly backs on the go.

By thinking about the occasion as much as the style, you’ll build an earring wardrobe that always feels secure and comfortable.

Comfort and Fit Tips

Even with the right closure, comfort can make or break your earring experience. Here are a few extra tips:

• Preventing droop: If your earlobes are stretched, use supportive earlobe patches or large disc backs to help distribute the weight.

• Tight vs. loose: If a butterfly back feels too loose, replace it—continuing to wear it risks losing the earring. If it feels too tight, ask a jeweler to adjust or choose a closure with more give, like an Omega.

• Material matters: Cheap metals can cause irritation or even infections. That’s why Bounkit uses sterling silver posts—a safer, higher-quality choice for sensitive skin.

💡 Pro tip: Always keep a small pouch with extra earring backs in your jewelry case. They’re tiny but essential, and it’s worth having backups on hand.

Fun Facts and Current Trends in Earring Closures

Closures might sound purely functional, but they also play into fashion trends:

• Celebrities on the red carpet often wear statement earrings secured with Omega backs to ensure perfect positioning under bright lights and cameras.

• Vintage-inspired clip-ons are making a comeback, thanks to the revival of retro styles from the 40s and 50s. Modern versions, like Bounkit’s, offer more comfort while keeping that old-Hollywood glamour alive.

• Interchangeable earrings are one of the biggest current jewelry trends. Instead of buying multiple pairs, you can switch out drops and tops, customizing your look with different closures. This not only makes your jewelry collection more versatile but also aligns with a more sustainable, less-is-more approach to fashion.

How to Choose the Right Closure for You

Your ideal earring closure depends on both your personal comfort and your lifestyle. Here are some quick guidelines:

• Sensitive Ears → Stick with hypoallergenic metals like sterling silver or gold posts.

• Heavy Statement Earrings → French Clip or Omega backs provide the best support.

• Active Lifestyle → Leverbacks or latch-backs keep earrings in place during movement.

• Maximum Security → Screw backs or La Pousette backs are ideal for valuable earrings.

• No Piercings → Clip-ons offer endless options without commitment.

Think of closures as the foundation of your earring wardrobe. Just like you wouldn’t wear high heels to run a marathon, you shouldn’t wear butterfly backs for oversized chandelier earrings.

Caring for Your Earring Backs

Closures are small but mighty - and they need a little TLC. Here are some care tips:

• Clean regularly: Wash sterling silver posts and backs gently with warm soapy water to prevent tarnish.

• Check tension: Butterfly backs can loosen over time. If they slide on too easily, replace them.

• Inspect before wear: Always check that clips and hinges are functioning smoothly before a night out.

• Store separately: Keep earrings in a pouch or small compartment to prevent posts from bending.

Taking care of your closures not only preserves your earrings but also protects your piercings and comfort.

Why Bounkit Closures Stand Out

At Bounkit, every detail of our jewelry is designed with intention. Our posts and closures are handcrafted from .925 sterling silver, ensuring purity and comfort. We believe that an earring is only as good as its fit, which is why we offer interchangeable designs with multiple closure options: Butterfly, French Clip, and Clip-on - so you can customize to your needs.

Earrings are more than just accessories; they’re expressions of personality, confidence, and artistry. By choosing the right closure, you’ll ensure your earrings not only look stunning but also feel secure and comfortable all day long.

✨ Ready to find your perfect fit? Explore our Earring Closure Guide or contact us for personalized recommendations. We’d love to help.