When choosing earrings, first of all we pay attention to the design. But comfort when wearing earrings is no less important. Therefore, the type of lock is an important aspect. Some of them are ideal for constant wear, others – only for going out. What are the types of locks of earrings, their pros and cons will be considered in our article.
Types of clasps on earrings
There are many types of clasps on earrings. Here are the main ones.
English lock
Fig. 1. English lock
One of the most popular earring clasp options is the English lock.
Pros:
- Reliability. English lock is almost impossible to undo accidentally. Losing such earrings is quite difficult.
- Convenience. The English lock is comfortable even when worn around the clock.
- Design: suits most types of earrings.
Minuses:
- Lack of adjustment. The distance for the earlobe cannot be adjusted. If the earlobe is wide, the earring will press and cause discomfort.
French lock
Fig. 2. French lock
Another classic variant, which consists of a loop and a locking bracket.
Pros:
- Comfort. The lock does not interfere even when worn around the clock. You can sleep in such earrings.
- Lightness. The thin clasp is almost weightless.
- Design. Fits most types of earrings.
Cons:
- Low reliability. French lock can be accidentally undone if you pull hard on the earring. Therefore, such earrings are not advised to wear during sports.
Italian lock
Fig. 3. Italian lock
Italian lock is also called clip lock. In Russia, it has not received a proper spread, but in Europe and America – is often found. The Italian clasp is quite similar to the English one, but it is adjustable.
Pros:
- Reliability. Unlike conventional clips due to the pin, the earring is securely fixed in the ear.
- Adjustment. You can adjust the earring to the width of the lobe.
Minuses:
- Fragility. The mechanism can be damaged during sleep. Not recommended for 24-hour wear.
- Expensive. Technically, the manufacture of the Italian lock is more complicated, which affects the final cost of jewelry.
Carnations (pousettes)
Fig. 4. Pousset lock
Carnation clasps are subdivided into two types: these are carnations with a pin type of lock and with a screw clasp. As you can understand from the name, the screw one involves screwing the fixing clamp in a similar way to a nut, while the pin type is held solely by the clamp’s hold. Sometimes manufacturers add a silicone clip to the pin lock for more comfort and better retention.
Pros:
- Versatile design. Pousettes can be both modest jewelry for everyday wear and luxurious evening pieces.
- Adjustability. The earring can be adjusted to fit any lobe width.
- Convenience. Some models are suitable for daily wear.
Minuses:
- Low comfort. Most models have quite long and sharp pins, so such earrings are not designed for round-the-clock wear. They can prick the wearer.
- Low reliability. Carnations, especially with a pin type of lock, it is easy to lose.
Hinge clasp
Figure 5. Loop lock
The loop link is one of the oldest types of earring clasps. It can be round or oval in shape. Sometimes the loop is completed with a locking clasp, but can be without it.
Pros:
- Convenience. Earrings with a loop clasp are easy to remove and put on.
- Lightness. The loop does not weigh down the product.
- Versatility. Fits a variety of earrings.
Minuses:
- Low reliability. If the loop does not have a fixing lock, the earring is easy to lose.
- Features of wear. The loop can cling to the hair, scarf and other elements of clothing.
Pin clasp
Figure 6. Lock pin
The lock, which also bears the name “American”. It is a variation of the English lock. More often used for voluminous earrings.
Pros:
- Convenience. Earrings with a pin lock are comfortable to wear. Including suitable for round-the-clock wear.
- Reliable. Accidentally undo the lock-pin can only if you pull hard on the jewelry.
Minuses:
- Fixed pin length. Earrings can not be adjusted to the width of the lobe, so if the jewelry is small, it will be impossible to wear it because of discomfort.
Staple clasp
Figure 7. Staple clasp
The oldest type of clasp. It is popular in all countries of the world.
Pros:
- Convenience. The lock does not have any protruding sharp parts, so the jewelry can be worn around the clock.
- Reliability. It is almost impossible to lose the brace.
Minuses:
- Features of operation. The lock-bracket can deform with strong pressure.
- Difficulty of putting on. Not always such earrings are easy to remove and put on.
Clasp ring
Fig. 8. Ring clasp
Ring type clasps are used on congo earrings and for Creole rings.
Pros:
- Convenience. The thin pin does not interfere with wearing.
- Reliability. The ring clasp is characterized by reliability. Accidentally undo such an earring can only if you pull hard on the ring.
Minuses:
- Need to remove. Ring earrings, especially large models, are not recommended to wear around the clock. You can damage the earring and traumatize the earlobe.
Cuff clasp
Fig. 9. Cuff clasp
A new model of clasps, which involves fixing the jewelry at two points at once.
Pros:
- Uniform load. Fastening in two points allows you to evenly distribute the weight of the product, which is especially important for heavy, voluminous earrings.
- Reliability. It is virtually impossible to lose an earring that has a two-point fastening.
Cons:
- Not for all occasions. The design of earrings-cuffs is quite extravagant and is not suitable for business style.
Clasp clip
Figure 10. Clasp clasp
Another rather young model of lock is the clamp.
Pros:
- Fit. The earrings fit snugly against the earlobe.
- Ease of putting on. Any woman can cope with putting on such earrings. It is enough just to put the wishbone in the hole and align the earring on the lobe.
Minuses:
- A fitting is required. Adjustable clip-on earrings cannot be adjusted, so it is important that the earring fits the width of your lobe. Otherwise, the earrings will either not hold or will pinch the lobe.
Chain clasps
Fig. 11: Chain clasp
Chain clasps have a second name – the piercing. It fully describes the design: the chain is threaded through the hole and hangs freely on the back or both sides of the lobe.
Pros:
- Lightweight. These are very lightweight and graceful earrings.
- Ease of putting on. It is easy and comfortable to remove and put on the chain earrings.
Cons:
- Need to take off. Not suitable for round-the-clock wear: they can easily be torn in your sleep. Some solid chain models can quickly accumulate deposits.
- Clinging to your hair.
Which lock to choose for earrings
The choice of earrings is always very individual. One is comfortable carnations, others from them “hurt their ears”. But if you consider the question of choice from the point of view of practicality, reliability and less chance of accidental loss, give preference to the following types of locks:
- English lock,
- Italian lock,
- French lock,
- screw-lock stud earrings,
- Congo lock,
- pin lock.
