Unlocking the Past: How to Date Earrings by Their Fastenings
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Article Content
Introduction
Hook earrings
Hinged back earrings
Screw-Back Earrings
Clip-On Earrings
French Wire Earrings
Lever-Back Earrings
Push-Back Earrings
Butterfly Back Earrings
La Pousette Back Earrings
Safety Back Earrings
Conclusion
FAQs
Introduction
Earrings are one of the oldest and most popular forms of jewellery, with styles ranging from classic to trendy. When it comes to dating vintage or antique earrings, one of the easiest ways is by examining their backs. The backs of earrings have changed over time, and by knowing how to identify different types of earring backs, you can accurately date earrings and potentially even discover valuable antique pieces.
Hook Earrings
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Hook earrings are one of the oldest and most traditional forms of earrings. These earrings, as their name implies, have a basic hook that enters through the earlobe and hangs down. This form of earring has been used by many different civilizations throughout history, and it often includes beads, jewels, or other ornamental features.
Hook earrings were very fashionable throughout the 1960s and 1970s as well, when huge, hanging earrings were prominent.
Hinge Back Earrings
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Hinged earrings were initially created as a more secure alternative to basic hook or wire earrings in the late 1800s.
These earrings have a hinged back piece that opens and closes, and a small metal post that threads through the pierced earlobe.
These type of earrings were popular in the early twentieth century-as well, especially in 1920s - 1930s and can often be identified by their Art Deco-inspired designs and use of diamonds and other precious stones.
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Screw-Back Earrings
Screw back earrings were originally popularised in the early twentieth century, during the 1920s. Nevertheless, they did not become extensively fashionable until the mid-twentieth century, notably in the 1940s and 1950s, when many women preferred exquisite and glamorous jewellery.
Clip-On Earrings
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Clip-on earrings were first popularised in the 1920s and became even more common during World War II when women entered the workforce and needed easy-to-wear jewelry. These earrings do not require pierced ears and instead clip onto the earlobe.
Today, clip on earrings remain popular among women who do not have pierced ears, as well as those who do but prefer the convenience and versatility of clip on earrings. They are available in a wide range of styles, from simple studs to elaborate chandelier earrings, and can be found in a variety of materials, including precious metals, glass, and plastic.
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French Wire Earrings
French wire earrings have been around for generations and are also known as fishhook earrings or shepherd's hook earrings. They were popular as an ear adornment in ancient times, and their popularity has lasted throughout history. The current style of French wire earrings that we know today, on the other hand, was introduced in the 1800s. Earrings in this type have a long, curved wire that hooks into the ear and hangs down, frequently with a decorative embellishment at the bottom. French wire earrings are still popular today, valued for their beauty, adaptability, and timeless appeal.
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Lever-Back Earrings
Lever-back earrings are a more secure alternative to French wire and fish hook earrings. These earrings have a small metal hook that snaps into a U-shaped back piece, ensuring that the earring stays in place. Lever-back earrings have been popular since the early 20th century and are often used in bridal or formal jewelry designs
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Push-Back Earrings
Push back earrings, also known as friction back earrings, debuted in the early twentieth century. This innovative method of earring fastening gained popularity owing to its simplicity and convenience of usage. Push back earrings, unlike screw back or clip-on earrings, do not need any extra equipment or pressure to keep them in place, making them a handy and practical option for daily use. Push back earrings are still a popular and extensively utilised earring fastening solution for many different styles of earrings today.
Butterfly Back Earrings
Butterfly back earrings, also known as clutch back earrings, debuted in the 1950s. A little metal component fits onto the earring post, and a butterfly-shaped back gives a strong grip against the earlobe. Because of its simplicity of use and snug fit, the butterfly back design rapidly became popular for various kinds of earrings, including stud earrings. Butterfly back earrings are still a popular and extensively used earring fastening style today.
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La Pousette Back Earrings
In the mid-twentieth century, La Pousette back earrings were created as a solution to the issue of earring backings that were difficult to fasten and prone to sliding off. The La Pousette design has a hinged lever back that locks into place to keep the earring firmly in place.
The actual date of the invention of La Pousette back earrings is unknown, but they were popular in the 1950s and 1960s and remain a popular earring style today.
Safety Back Earrings
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Safety back earrings are a modern invention that offer a more secure alternative to traditional earring backs. These earrings have a small metal piece that threads onto the post of an earring, and a hinged lever that clicks into place to secure the earring. Safety back earrings are often used for expensive or heavy earrings, as they offer a high level of security.
Conclusion
Dating earrings by their backs can be a fun and rewarding way to discover the history of your vintage or antique earrings. By identifying different types of earring backs, you can accurately date earrings and potentially even discover valuable antique pieces. Whether you are a collector, jewelry enthusiast, or just curious about the history of your earrings, examining their backs is a great place to start.
FAQs
Can earring backs be replaced? Yes, earring backs can be replaced by a professional jeweler.
What is the oldest type of earring back? Screw-back earrings are one of the oldest types of earring backs, dating back to the early 20th century.
Are clip-on earrings comfortable to wear? Clip-on earrings can be uncomfortable for some people, especially if they are tight or heavy.
Can you wear safety back earrings with any type of earring? Safety back earrings are typically used with post-style earrings, but can sometimes be used with other types of earrings as well.
What is the most secure type of earring back? La Pousette back earrings are considered to be the most secure type of earring back, as they have a hinged lever that clicks into place to hold the earring securely in place.
