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Diamond Earring Backs – Butterfly, Screw and Alpha Backs

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Guide to earring backs

IMPORTANT NOTE : You should keep in mind that Serendipity Diamonds now offer a 60 day returns policy on diamond earrings. We fit each pair with hygiene seals which qualify any purchase for our full returns promise when returned with the seals intact. 

A guide to diamond earring backs from the Butterfly to the Screwback.

There are many types of earring back, all suited to securing an expensive pair of diamond earrings. Some are more popular than others. For each different type, there are potential pro’s and con’s. Here you will discover a brief guide covering the advantages and disadvantages of the various options.

The Traditional Butterfly Earring Back

The traditional butterfly attachment is the most popular type of earring back. Most jewellers sell earrings with this type of attachment. Furthermore it comes in different metal options from plated base metals to precious metals. Butterfly backed earrings have two distinctive curls to squeeze against the post. A loose earring back can be carefully re-tensioned. By carefully inserting fine-nosed pliers into each opening, it is possible to tighten the fit of each butterfly.

The popular butterfly back supplied with most earrings

The Screw Earring Back

Many buyers look for screw earring backs with the intention of sourcing a secure solution for their earrings. Owing to the greater complexity and heavier weight, screw backs are more weighty and expensive by comparison to other styles. In addition, few people realise that once damaged, the screw thread renders the earrings unwearable. A damaged thread will typically need replacing by a jeweller. Another disadvantage is the thickness. Many screw backs require a thicker post causing discomfort during wear.

Screw earring backs

The Alpha Earring Back

The Alpha earring back includes a push button action to release small plates gripping the post. The spring mechanism is more complex than the simple butterfly but offers a very different fixing to other styles. It can be found in various metal choices—in precious and non-precious metals. Earrings fitted with Alpha backs can be more expensive owing to the additional weight and complexity of the fitting.

Alpha earring backs

Replacement earring posts

It is possible to replace a damaged earring post. In the event of breakage, wear or damage it may be possible to replace the post itself. Alternatively, the earring may need to be replaced. Using CAD design, we frequently re-make matching earrings. For diamond solitaire earrings, we match the cut, size, colour and clarity and replicate the earring design. As a result, our client receives a complete pair of earrings faithful to the original design. In addition, we can provide an extra pair of secure earring backs.

Replacement butterfly attachments

We can provide a replacement pair of butterfly attachments depending on your choice of precious metal. Contact us for assistance with replacing your butterfly earring backs. It is worth purchasing more than one pair to safeguard against future loss.

Lox Earring Backs for Additional Security

Earring security will be a concern for any person buying an expensive pair of diamond earrings. The ease of replacement and comfort offered by butterfly backs makes this our standard fitting. In addition to the butterfly attachments, we give buyers another type of earring back—the ‘Lox’ earring back. This new type of earring back comes in a choice of white or yellow gold effect. Lox backs provide a very secure mechanism for securing earrings within the ear.

Read more about the Lox earring back in our related post. 

Lox earring backs

Further reading on diamond earrings

Don’t forget to read our guidance page on diamond earrings. Featuring many examples, our guide includes all the information needed to make a great choice when buying a pair of diamond earrings.

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