What Are Clip Earrings?

Clip earrings, also sometimes called clip-on earrings, are pieces of ornamental jewelry that clip or screw onto the outside of the earlobe rather than being inserted through a pierced hole. The clip style is usually most common amongst people, usually women, who haven’t chosen to pierce their ears, though they can usually be worn over pierced lobes, too; this is particularly common for pendants or chandelier-style dangles that might be too heavy to hang comfortably in the lobe. They come in a variety of styles and there are several different backing options. Traditional designs have a hinged back so they can simply be snapped in place on the earlobe. Less common varieties include those with screw-on backs or magnetic backs. In most cases all are easier to clean and care for than standard earrings since they don’t actually enter the body, but some precautions are usually required to keep them looking their best and to maintain a shiny, clean surface.

The main idea behind clip earrings is to allow people the freedom of wearing earrings of many different styles without the commitment or finality of having their ears pierced. Ear piercing is usually thought of as a very minor cosmetic procedure, and is one that is very popular in many parts of the world. It is somewhat invasive, though, and usually requires the insertion of a metal stud into the ear lobe that must be left for a certain amount of time in order for the skin to heal around it, effectively making a permanent hole or channel through which jewelry can be inserted. Most standard earrings require a healed piercing through the cartilage of the ear lobe.

People who choose not to have their ears pierced tend to be the prime users. This sort of jewelry can be a good choice for those who are undecided about piercing or want to see if they enjoy wearing earrings before making a commitment. Clip-on earrings can also be worn if the appearance of a second or third piercing is desired, or to get an idea of how multiple piercings would look.

Even people with pierced ears may choose to opt for clip-based earrings on occasion, particularly if the piercing is infected or if a particular earring style can only be found in a clip-on version. Most clips fit easily and painlessly over the earlobes whether they’re pierced or not.

This sort of earring typically comes in a variety of different styles, from the large to the more modest or understated. Clip backs are more common for certain types of earrings than others, though. Very heavy costume earrings often feature clasping grasps, for instance, in large part because heavy earrings can cause pain or injury if worn through a piercing. Most vintage rhinestone and paste jewel earrings have clips, too, usually with a screw-on back; these often came from an era before widespread piercing, and were often designed to give a temporary look of elegance to those who wore them.

Not all styles are amenable to the format, though. Hoop earrings rarely come in a clip-on version, and neither do pieces that screw into the ear to give the illusion of a seamless piece. Clip attachments on these styles often look clunky and can also be uncomfortable.

Backings can vary a lot. The most common type is the basic clip-on hinge that holds on to the earlobe and can be removed by releasing the hinge. This is the most popular and usually also the easiest to wear. Screw-on backs feature a post that resembles a metal screw; twisting the post secures the earring to the earlobe. Magnetic backed earrings can be worn on the earlobes, the upper ear, or even on the nose if the magnet is small enough.

Clip-on earrings should usually be cared for based on the materials they are made from. Earrings featuring pearls and opals should be kept in a velvet-lined pouch when not in use. Costume clip-style earrings made from base metals can be stored on an earring tree or rack, or placed in a jewelry box. Clip earrings made from precious metals are rare, but should be cared for according to the specifics of their metal and its cleaning and storage requirements.