Collection: Earrings

Screw backs are the most secure option for valuable earrings because they thread onto the post and won't come off accidentally. They're standard on high-value diamond studs. Push backs (also called friction backs or butterfly backs) are the most common and are fine for lighter earrings, but they can loosen over time. Lever backs, which are common on vintage drop earrings, use a hinged wire that clicks closed behind the ear and are both secure and comfortable for extended wear. For hoops, a hinged click-top closure is more reliable than a simple wire hook.

Yes. A jeweler can remove the clip-on mechanism and add a post and backing. The conversion is straightforward on most earrings and doesn't affect the front appearance. The reverse is also possible: pierced earrings can be fitted with clip-on adapters or permanently converted. For valuable vintage pieces, it's worth discussing the conversion with a jeweler experienced in period jewelry to make sure the modification doesn't affect the structural integrity or reduce the value of the piece.

Size depends on how you plan to wear them. For everyday studs that work with everything, 0.25 to 0.50 total carat weight (both ears combined) is the most versatile range. For studs that make more of a visual statement while still being appropriate for daily wear, 0.75 to 1.50 total carat weight is the most popular range. Above 2.00 total carat weight, studs start to read as occasion pieces. The setting style also affects the perceived size: halo settings make the center stone look larger, while bezel settings sit flatter and more streamlined on the ear.

Metal type is usually the issue. Platinum, 18k gold, and 14k gold are the least likely to cause reactions. Nickel is the most common irritant, and it's sometimes present in lower-karat gold alloys and costume metals. If you have a known sensitivity, platinum posts or 18k gold posts are the safest options. For vintage earrings, the metal composition of the post and backing matters more than the metal of the earring itself, since the post is what contacts the piercing. Screw backs and lever backs tend to be more comfortable for sensitive ears than push backs because they distribute pressure more evenly.

Store pairs together in individual compartments or soft pouches to prevent scratching. Diamond earrings can scratch gold and softer gemstones if stored loose together in a jewelry box. For drop earrings and chandeliers, lay them flat rather than hanging them to avoid stressing the connections between links. Vintage earrings with delicate filigree or enamel work benefit from being wrapped in soft cloth. Keep all earrings away from moisture and humidity, which can tarnish metals over time.