Introducing The Most Popular Types Of Clip-On Earring Findings

Discover different types of clip-on earring findings and the history behind their invention.

Not everyone has pierced ears. Some people can’t pierce them for religious or medical reasons or maybe because they just don’t want to.

But, having non-pierced ears doesn’t mean you can’t wear earrings. You just have to use clip-ons.

Clip-on earrings are available in many styles — chandelier, dangles, drops and hoops — so you won’t be limited in any way.

There are several types of clip-on earring findings and I’ll discuss the different types in this post. Even if you have pierced ears, you’ll find this information valuable, especially if you make jewelry for others.

Types of Clip-On Earring Findings

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Screw Back Clip-On Earring Findings

Fun fact: Back in the Victorian era, affluent women believed it was disgraceful to pierce their ears. For this reason, clip-on earrings were invented.

The first clip-on earring findings were a simple screw back design where the earrings were fastened by tightening a screw with a flat head against the back of the lobe.

Hinge Clip-On Findings

In the 1930s, hinge clip-on findings arrived on the market. These had a hinge that simply opened and closed allowing the wearer to easily fasten the earrings onto their ear.

These findings were perfect for lightweight earrings but not ideal for heavier ones so later, friction grooves were added to prevent earrings from slipping off.

Mini Clips

Mini Clip earring findings are small wedge-shaped hinge back findings perfect for small, dainty earring styles and jewelry for children.

Screw Hinge Clip-Ons

The screw hinge earring findings combine the comfort of the screw-back, plus the ease of hinge earring findings.

Paddle Back Clip-On Earring Findings

By the 1950s, clip-on earrings had become incredibly popular. Pierced ears were virtually unheard of at that point.

The Paddle-back clip-on earring finding was one of the many designs submitted to the patent office. It’s still popular to this day because it’s simple, easy to use and economic to produce.

This type of clip-on finding has a wide back with a tension bar running down the middle. To adjust the fit of the earring, simply bend the tension bar inwards or outwards. A tension key helps with this process.

Hoop Earrings For Non-Pierced Ears

Years ago, if you had non-pierced ears, wearing hoop earrings would have been a distant dream.

Now, you can find lightweight hoop earrings with a sliding spring that give the appearance of regular hoop earrings.

Clip-on earrings for non-pierced ears have been around for several years, even after the “rebels” of the 1970s brought ear piercing back into fashion. I don’t think they’ll be going anywhere any time soon.

Related: How To Choose The Best Earrings For Face Shape