The Beauty Of Butterfly Screw Back Earrings

Butterfly screw back earrings are a type of earring back that is used to prevent the earring from falling out of the ear. They are called butterfly because they resemble a butterfly's wing. They are easy to put on and take off and are comfortable to wear. They are typically made of metal, with options including gold-plated and sterling silver. Butterfly backs are the most popular type of earring attachment, and most jewellers sell earrings with this type of fastening as standard.

Screw back earrings vs. butterfly push backs

Butterfly screw back earrings, also known as butterfly push backs, are a type of earring backing that is very common. They are called butterfly backs because they resemble a butterfly's wings. They are easy to put on and take off and are comfortable to wear. They are also very secure, as they have two distinctive curls that squeeze against the earring post to hold it in place.

Screw back earrings, on the other hand, are a smaller and more discreet type of earring back. They are more secure than butterfly backs, as they screw into place, but they can be more difficult and time-consuming to put on and take off. They also require a threaded post, which can make the earring post thicker and less comfortable.

Both types of earring backs have their pros and cons. Butterfly backs are easy to use and comfortable, but they may not be as secure as screw backs. Screw backs are more secure and less likely to come loose, but they can be more difficult to put on and take off, especially for those with arthritis or mobility issues.

Some people prefer butterfly backs because they are simple and practical. The structure of the butterfly means that just enough pressure is applied to hold the earring snugly in place, and the smooth earring post allows for easy slip-on and slip-off. High-end earrings often have a double ridge on the posts, so that if the butterfly backing is accidentally pulled out of place, the earring won't fall off completely. Additionally, larger butterfly backs can help prevent heavier earrings from drooping and provide more support for the earlobe.

On the other hand, screw backs are favoured by those who prioritise security. They are less likely to come loose, and even if they do start to loosen, it takes a long time for them to fall out completely. This gives the wearer time to notice the jiggling and tighten the screws.

Ultimately, the choice between screw back and butterfly back earrings comes down to personal preference. Some people may prefer the added security of screw backs, while others may find butterfly backs more comfortable and convenient. It may also depend on the type of earring and the placement of the piercing. For example, for helix or scaffold piercings, a more secure option like screw backs may be necessary, while for lobe piercings, the ease and flexibility of butterfly backs might be preferred.

The pros and cons of screw back earrings

Butterfly screw back earrings are a popular type of earring back, especially for those with pierced ears. They are characterised by a secure screw design, where the post has a threaded design that screws into the earring back. This type of earring back has a covered back that prevents the post from poking the wearer's neck.

Pros:

• They are tough to remove, which is a great safety feature for young children who may be tempted to take out their earrings.
• They are also tough to lose as their secure design means they are less likely to fall out. This makes them ideal for those who are physically active, such as athletes.
• They are safer overall than most types of earrings as the post is covered, protecting the wearer's neck from being poked.
• They are a good alternative to other types of earrings, especially for babies, toddlers, and children.
• They are more secure than push backs, which can fall off without warning.

Cons:

• They are more complex and therefore more expensive than other types of earring backs.
• They can be difficult to remove, requiring a steady hand and concentrated effort. This makes them a poor choice for those with arthritis or mobility problems.
• They can be hard to clean due to the multiple grooves on the earring post.
• They may become loose over time, requiring regular cleaning and reattachment.
• Matching a replacement fastening to the earring can be tricky as it needs to be a perfect fit.

Overall, screw back earrings offer a secure and stylish option for those with pierced ears, although they may not be suitable for everyone due to the potential difficulties in removing and cleaning them.

The pros and cons of butterfly earrings

Butterfly earrings are a type of earring back that is removable to prevent the earring from falling out of the ear. They are called butterfly earrings because they resemble a butterfly's wing. They are easy to put on and take off and are comfortable to wear. They are also the most common and traditional type of earring back.

Pros:

• They are easy to put on and take off, making them user-friendly and convenient.
• They are comfortable to wear, with just enough pressure applied to hold them snugly in place.
• They are widely available as they are the traditional type of earring back and are sold by most jewellers as standard.
• They come in different metal options, including gold-plated and precious metals, so you can choose the material that best suits your preferences and budget.
• They are easy to replace if lost or damaged.

Cons:

• They might not be as secure as other types of earring backs, such as screw backs, and may be more prone to falling out.
• They can cause circulation problems and irritation to the ear, especially if they are too tight.
• The skin can grow over the butterfly back, trapping the earring inside the lobe, which can be painful and may require a visit to the doctor.
• They can poke and prod the neck and head, causing discomfort and, in some cases, injuries or keloids (bumps on the neck).
• The shape of butterfly backs can allow debris, secretions, hair products, and skin products to build up, leading to a higher risk of infection.
• They might not be as comfortable for piercings outside the earlobes, such as helix or conch piercings, as the large backings can poke and scratch the head and neck during sleep.

Overall, butterfly earrings are a popular and traditional choice for earring backs, offering convenience and comfort. However, they may pose some risks to ear health and might not be suitable for all piercing types. It is essential to consider both the pros and cons before deciding whether butterfly earrings are the right choice for your jewellery needs.

How to tighten a loose butterfly back

Butterfly backs are a popular type of earring attachment, favoured for their ease of use and comfort. However, over time, they can loosen, causing your earrings to droop or even fall out. To prevent this, you can tighten your butterfly backs using the following methods:

Check the Notches

Before you begin, it's important to understand how your earrings are designed to be adjusted. Many earrings have multiple notches along the post, with each notch corresponding to a different tightness setting. The notch closest to the front of the earring is usually the tightest setting, while the furthest one is the loosest. Some earrings may also have a middle notch.

Adjust the Earring Back

To tighten a loose butterfly back, start by placing the earring in your earlobe piercing. Push the back of the earring onto the post until you hear it click into place. If you can't get it to click, try pulling the back towards the end of the post while firmly gripping the front of the earring.

Use Tools

If your butterfly back is still loose, you can try using tools like fine-nosed pliers or tweezers to carefully pinch the butterfly clutch tighter. This method requires a gentle hand, as too much force can bend the clutch out of shape.

Choose Larger Earrings

If your earlobe skin is being pinched or irritated by the tightness of the earring, you may need to choose larger earrings with a bigger surface area. Larger butterfly earrings will support your earlobe better and balance out the weight of the earring, reducing the need for an extremely tight clutch.

Use Additional Backings

If you're still struggling with loose butterfly backs, consider using additional backings for extra security. Plastic disc backs with metal centres, for example, can provide better support and stabilisation for larger earrings. For hook-style earrings, you can use plastic or silicone slip-on sleeves to prevent your earrings from falling out.

Remember, it's important to find a balance between tightness and comfort. Earrings that are too tight can cause swelling, pinching, and irritation. Always assess how your earrings feel and make adjustments as needed to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.

The different types of metals used for butterfly earrings

Butterfly earrings are a popular type of earring back and are available in a variety of metals. The most common type of metal used for butterfly earrings is some form of gold, including gold-plated, yellow gold, white gold, and solid gold. Butterfly earrings are also available in sterling silver, stainless steel, and platinum.

Gold-plated earrings are usually made from a base metal, such as sterling silver, with a thin layer of gold applied to the surface. This method of production allows for a more affordable earring while maintaining the appearance of gold.

Yellow gold and white gold earrings are also available, with some being crafted from solid gold. The carat of gold used can vary, with some earrings being made from 9ct or 14ct gold, and others from 18k gold.

Sterling silver is another popular choice for butterfly earrings and can be plated with rhodium for added shine and durability. Stainless steel is also an option for those seeking a more affordable, yet durable, metal.

For those seeking the ultimate in security and luxury, platinum butterfly earrings are also available. Platinum is a dense, durable metal that is often chosen for its strength and resistance to tarnishing.

Frequently asked questions