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

An earring back is a removable part of an earring to prevent the earring from coming out of the ear. Their design and fit vary from traditional push-on butterfly attachments to more complex button-styled backs.

In the following article, we aim to provide an overview of the most popular types of earring attachment. Some provide added security, whilst others benefit from ease of use.

The Traditional Butterfly Earring Back

The traditional butterfly attachment remains the most popular type of earring back. Most jewellers sell earrings with this type of attachment as a standard fitting.

Butterfly fixings come in different metal options from gold-plated butterflies to precious metals. Butterfly-backed earrings have two distinctive curls to squeeze against the post.

The following video shows a pair of ‘Lydia style lab-grown diamond earrings‘ provided with butterfly and secure lox earring backs.

How to tighten a loose butterfly back.

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 against the inserted post.

The Screw Earring Back

For many shoppers, the earring screw-back offers greater security and peace of mind for their precious pair of diamond earrings.

Screw backs are typically more complex fittings with a great weight. As a result, their cost is greater than other push-on attachments.

Earrings require a corresponding screw thread for the screw-on earring back. The addition of the screw thread sometimes makes the post thicker and less comfortable. At the same time, a damaged thread can render the earring unwearable. As a result, a jeweller would need to replace the entire thread and screw-back fitting.

The Alpha or Guardian Earring Back

The Alpha earring back includes a push-button action to release small plates gripping the post. Variations in name exist, such as Guardian earring back to name one alternative term.

To remove the ear back, exert firm pressure on the side triggers. These backs are equipped with a double-grooved post, ensuring a secure lock. This makes them an ideal choice for valuable earrings and for individuals who find traditional scroll backs challenging.

The Alpha or Guardian back comes in various metal choices—both precious and non-precious. Earrings fitted with Alpha backs can be more expensive owing to the additional weight and complexity of the fitting.

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.

When we replace earring backs, we often ask for the pair of earrings to be sent to us. By doing this, we check that any replacement backs or posts are fitted and matched accordingly.

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 Locking Earring Backs for Additional Security

Securing expensive diamond earrings is a significant concern for buyers. Over time, attachments like butterfly backs tend to loosen, while styles like wired hooks can easily become dislodged.

The issue has been worsened by the widespread use of face masks and creates a higher likelihood of women losing various types of earrings, regardless of their value.

Losing a piece of costume jewellery is one thing, but losing a diamond stud is an entirely different matter.

The ease of replacement and comfort offered by butterfly backs make 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 gold effect (silver tone) or yellow gold effect (gold tone). Lox backs provide a hypo-allergenic very secure mechanism for securing earrings within the ear.

We provide additional Lox earring backs, colour-matched for all natural and lab-grown diamond earrings sold at Serendipity Diamonds.

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

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.

Further to our article, other styles of earring attachments do exist. For example hinged earring backs, and the wired hook attachment. If you are looking for a specific earring type, please contact us for help. We provide a complete bespoke earring design service available to make any replacement or pair of earrings, set with a wide choice of gemstone types.

The following example shows a typical pair of earrings, delivered with an additional pair of locking 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. This promise applies to all earring styles including stud earrings, hoop earrings and dangle earrings.

The post Diamond Earring Backs – Butterflies, Screws and Alpha Fittings. appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

One of the first questions you have to ask yourself while engagement ring shopping is whether you want one stone or three. For some people, this decision depends on the center stone they choose. Others know what they want right away. If you’re among the shoppers who aren’t sure which style they want, that’s okay. This guide will explain the differences between the two engagement ring styles and help you determine which option is right for you. 

What to do with your engagement ring on your big day.

After months (or perhaps years) of meticulous wedding planning, you’ve successfully checked off the major to-dos on your wedding checklist. As you approach the big day, there’s one final detail to consider that might not have crossed your mind: what to do with your beloved engagement ring on your wedding day.

While it has become second nature to have it grace your finger, the looming question arises—should you wear it during the ceremony when your partner is ready to place the wedding band on the same finger?

Standard etiquette for wearing your engagement ring on your wedding day

According to wedding planners and jewellery experts, adhering to traditional etiquette suggests that your engagement ring finds a temporary home on your right-hand ring finger.

The wedding band takes its place on the left-hand ring finger during the ceremony. After this significant moment, you can delicately place your engagement ring back in position on top of the wedding band.

The traditional order of wearing your wedding and engagement rings

While there’s no strict rule on how to wear your rings, tradition favours placing the wedding band first on your left-hand ring finger, closest to your heart. Some brides opt not to wear their engagement ring on the wedding day, or they choose to wear it on their right hand.

Ideas for holding or wearing your engagement ring on your wedding day

Use a ring box

Consider storing your engagement ring in a ring box until after the ceremony. Suppose you are a client purchasing rings from Serendipity Diamonds. In that case, you will receive a slimline pocket box, providing an excellent way to safely store the engagement ring in your pocket during the wedding ceremony. This ensures its safety and accessibility, even if it won’t feature in your wedding photos.

Move your engagement ring to another finger

If you keep the engagement ring with you during the ceremony, moving it to another finger is an option. Ensure the chosen finger is of similar size to avoid any mishaps. This provides flexibility in how you showcase your jewellery without the worry of it falling off.

Put the wedding band on top of your engagement ring

Although unconventional, wearing the wedding band on top of the engagement ring is an option, especially if you want your engagement ring to remain a focal point.

Have someone hold your engagement ring

If you’d rather not wear the ring during the ceremony, entrust it to a family member or close friend for safekeeping.

Leave it at home

For those who prefer not to worry about moving the ring around, leaving it at home in a secure place ensures its safety. In such instances, ensure your engagement ring insurance remains in place for additional peace of mind.

Engagement and wedding ring etiquette

Options for wearing your rings on your wedding day

As you approach your wedding day, you have three main options: not wearing the engagement ring, wearing it on a different hand, or keeping it on the same finger.

Traditional ring etiquette

Traditional etiquette involves wearing the engagement ring on the right ring finger during the walk down the aisle, followed by the wedding band on the left ring finger. After the ceremony, you can place the engagement ring on the wedding band.

Rock that bling

If you choose to wear your engagement ring on the left hand, discuss it with your officiant beforehand, especially for religious ceremonies. You can switch the order of your rings after the ceremony.

Additional options

In the end, the decision to wear your engagement ring on your wedding day is a personal one. Whether you follow tradition, opt for a unique arrangement, or leave it in safe hands, the goal is to make your wedding day as special and stress-free as possible.

As you decide, remember that the most important thing is to cherish the symbolism and sentiment behind the rings, representing your love and commitment.

The post Wearing Your Engagement Ring on Your Wedding Day: Etiquette and Advice appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.