Source for 14-18k jumbo earring backs?

[monarch64]

I go through earring backs like socks. (I do manage to keep sets of good wool socks for several years!) Most of the stud earrings I have came with very small butterfly earring backs and I would like to upgrade them all to jumbo backs in 14k or 18k gold. I see prices online around $100 for one pair and that seems excessive to pay for such a tiny amount of gold. Does anyone have a good source for these that is more reasonably priced? I probably should ask this in the Jewelry Pieces subforum but I know it will get more visibility and possibly more answers here. Thanks!

 

[marcy]

I’ve ordered earring backs from here before.
Jewelry Supply

 

[yssie]

The good ones are pricey, but the nice thing IMO is that you can buy one of each metal and reuse them for all your studs!

These are my absolute favourites:

14K Yellow 10 mm pad Heavyweight Friction Earring Back

24203 / 14K Yellow / 10 mm / Each / Semi-Polished / Heavyweight Friction Earring Back

www.stuller.com

Anyone who can buy from Stuller can get these for you. They’re vices on posts, they fit the gamut of standard post diameters without alteration, they last forever, and the concave pad shape keeps even heavy studs perky. I’ve given up on everything else - these are the only earring backs I use now. I use the 8mm and 10mm pad sizes.

I bought a number of the swirl type (y’all know the backs with those swirl/flower patterns)… Eons ago. I sold a bunch for cheap and gave the rest away with preloved purchases. They’re… Fine. They get the job done. But the metal is thinner, and it’s noticeably less grippy because of that, which translates directly into how well they hold studs up on the lobe. They’re less pricey than my faves but still not cheap.

I’ve got some other heavyweight styles with flat pads (not the swirl type) - those have thicker metal and they work well too, but they usually cost right about the same as the ones I linked above.

 

[monarch64]

Thanks, @marcy and @yssie ! I've always had the swirly jumbo backs which worked ok, I thought. But, maybe due to their less grippy nature, I kept losing them. I'll check out these pad backs instead!

 

[AprilBaby]

I just always buy the cheap silicon ones on Amazon.

 

[SparklieBug]

Has anyone tried Chrysmela backs? They keep coming up online, and I've been tempted yet haven't purchased...yet.

 

[diamondyes]

The good ones are pricey, but the nice thing IMO is that you can buy one of each metal and reuse them for all your studs!

These are my absolute favourites:

14K Yellow 10 mm pad Heavyweight Friction Earring Back

24203 / 14K Yellow / 10 mm / Each / Semi-Polished / Heavyweight Friction Earring Back

www.stuller.com

Anyone who can buy from Stuller can get these for you. They’re vices on posts, they fit the gamut of standard post diameters without alteration, they last forever, and the concave pad shape keeps even heavy studs perky. I’ve given up on everything else - these are the only earring backs I use now. I use the 8mm and 10mm pad sizes.

I bought a number of the swirl type (y’all know the backs with those swirl/flower patterns)… Eons ago. I sold a bunch for cheap and gave the rest away with preloved purchases. They’re… Fine. They get the job done. But the metal is thinner, and it’s noticeably less grippy because of that, which translates directly into how well they hold studs up on the lobe. They’re less pricey than my faves but still not cheap.

I’ve got some other heavyweight styles with flat pads (not the swirl type) - those have thicker metal and they work well too, but they usually cost right about the same as the ones I linked above.

Any idea if the 10mm will be visible from the front on my tiny tiny lobes? How would I even begin to guess?

 

[yssie]

Any idea if the 10mm will be visible from the front on my tiny tiny lobes? How would I even begin to guess?

You could cut a piece of cardboard into a 10mm circle and poke a hole through it, and stick it on the back of one of your studs?

The hole is right in the middle of the back so if your piercing is more than 5mm above the bottom of your lobe you *should* be able to wear 10mm pads. But trying it to verify is free so why not

 

[diamondyes]

You could cut a piece of cardboard into a 10mm circle and poke a hole through it, and stick it on the back of one of your studs?

The hole is right in the middle of the back so if your piercing is more than 5mm above the bottom of your lobe you *should* be able to wear 10mm pads. But trying it to verify is free so why not

Great idea! Thank you

 

[icy_jade]

I see prices online around $100 for one pair and that seems excessive to pay for such a tiny amount of gold.

They cost a bit more than that for a good pair in 18k gold. But as others have said, they last forever and work with other earrings too.

The good ones are also solid enough to hold bigger earrings (like pearl studs) up properly on the ear so they are worth getting imo.

 

[missy]

I just always buy the cheap silicon ones on Amazon.

Same. Mainly because my ears are super sensitive to weight so the lightweight silicone jumbo backs do the trick at a fraction of the gram weight. They keep the earrings flat against my lobe with no drooping whatsoever and hardly add any weight...A win for me.

 

[monarch64]

I just can’t do the silicone backs because of the metal. I have to be really careful about what I wear in my ears, having had terrible issues with metal allergies in my piercings. Only in the last 6-7 years have I been able to tolerate rhodium-plated sterling silver and SOME costume earrings but only for a few hours. So that’s why I don’t just grab the cheapies and be done with it.

I seem to lose a jumbo back every couple of years, it’s just one of those things. I probably need to buy earrings with longer posts of have them modified to longer posts because I think what’s happening is I have a thicker earlobe and the backs aren’t staying on past the friction mark. Screw backs don’t work because the stud droops.

It’s a real conundrum, y’all. Sometimes I wish I didn’t love wearing earrings. For some reason I just feel naked without them! Gah

 

[monarch64]

The good ones are pricey, but the nice thing IMO is that you can buy one of each metal and reuse them for all your studs!

These are my absolute favourites:

14K Yellow 10 mm pad Heavyweight Friction Earring Back

24203 / 14K Yellow / 10 mm / Each / Semi-Polished / Heavyweight Friction Earring Back

www.stuller.com

Anyone who can buy from Stuller can get these for you. They’re vices on posts, they fit the gamut of standard post diameters without alteration, they last forever, and the concave pad shape keeps even heavy studs perky. I’ve given up on everything else - these are the only earring backs I use now. I use the 8mm and 10mm pad sizes.

I bought a number of the swirl type (y’all know the backs with those swirl/flower patterns)… Eons ago. I sold a bunch for cheap and gave the rest away with preloved purchases. They’re… Fine. They get the job done. But the metal is thinner, and it’s noticeably less grippy because of that, which translates directly into how well they hold studs up on the lobe. They’re less pricey than my faves but still not cheap.

I’ve got some other heavyweight styles with flat pads (not the swirl type) - those have thicker metal and they work well too, but they usually cost right about the same as the ones I linked above.

Thanks for all of this info. As always, you are a veritable fount of knowledge and I appreciate your input!

 

[CircularBrilliant]

The good ones are pricey, but the nice thing IMO is that you can buy one of each metal and reuse them for all your studs!

These are my absolute favourites:

14K Yellow 10 mm pad Heavyweight Friction Earring Back

24203 / 14K Yellow / 10 mm / Each / Semi-Polished / Heavyweight Friction Earring Back

www.stuller.com

Anyone who can buy from Stuller can get these for you. They’re vices on posts, they fit the gamut of standard post diameters without alteration, they last forever, and the concave pad shape keeps even heavy studs perky. I’ve given up on everything else - these are the only earring backs I use now. I use the 8mm and 10mm pad sizes.

I bought a number of the swirl type (y’all know the backs with those swirl/flower patterns)… Eons ago. I sold a bunch for cheap and gave the rest away with preloved purchases. They’re… Fine. They get the job done. But the metal is thinner, and it’s noticeably less grippy because of that, which translates directly into how well they hold studs up on the lobe. They’re less pricey than my faves but still not cheap.

I’ve got some other heavyweight styles with flat pads (not the swirl type) - those have thicker metal and they work well too, but they usually cost right about the same as the ones I linked above.

Has anyone tried Chrysmela backs? They keep coming up online, and I've been tempted yet haven't purchased...yet.

I have the Chrysmela backs and really like them for most things, but they didn't quite do enough for my largest studs. My local jeweler just got me a pair of the backs @yssie recommended (she called them "monster backs"), and they do the trick! I'm not sure why they work better, given that the pad isn't bigger than the discs on the chrysmela backs, but they definitely do.

 

[AprilBaby]

I just can’t do the silicone backs because of the metal. I have to be really careful about what I wear in my ears, having had terrible issues with metal allergies in my piercings. Only in the last 6-7 years have I been able to tolerate rhodium-plated sterling silver and SOME costume earrings but only for a few hours. So that’s why I don’t just grab the cheapies and be done with it.

I seem to lose a jumbo back every couple of years, it’s just one of those things. I probably need to buy earrings with longer posts of have them modified to longer posts because I think what’s happening is I have a thicker earlobe and the backs aren’t staying on past the friction mark. Screw backs don’t work because the stud droops.

It’s a real conundrum, y’all. Sometimes I wish I didn’t love wearing earrings. For some reason I just feel naked without them! Gah

Mine have no metal, just silicon.

 

[monarch64]

Mine have no metal, just silicon.

Well in THAT case I will have to try them!

 

[Tonks]

Has anyone tried Chrysmela backs? They keep coming up online, and I've been tempted yet haven't purchased...yet.

I have not, but when I was researching them I remember seeing a thread from @RunningwithScissors referencing them so perhaps she could weigh in. They look fascinating.

I have oversized le pousette backs on my newest studs and they are great, though I did have one fly across the room yesterday and it made me think perhaps I ought to get an extra set.

For my pushback studs I have the backs @yssie mentioned above. I’m fairly sure mine are 10 mm, and I’ve got the world’s smallest lobes and they don’t show from the front. Barely.

 

[diamondyes]

I have not, but when I was researching them I remember seeing a thread from @RunningwithScissors referencing them so perhaps she could weigh in. They look fascinating.

I have oversized le pousette backs on my newest studs and they are great, though I did have one fly across the room yesterday and it made me think perhaps I ought to get an extra set.

For my pushback studs I have the backs @yssie mentioned above. I’m fairly sure mine are 10 mm, and I’ve got the world’s smallest lobes and they don’t show from the front. Barely.

I have the world’s smallest lobes, too. Now I want to know what size diamonds and pearls you wear!

 

[CircularBrilliant]

I have not, but when I was researching them I remember seeing a thread from @RunningwithScissors referencing them so perhaps she could weigh in. They look fascinating.

I have oversized le pousette backs on my newest studs and they are great, though I did have one fly across the room yesterday and it made me think perhaps I ought to get an extra set.

For my pushback studs I have the backs @yssie mentioned above. I’m fairly sure mine are 10 mm, and I’ve got the world’s smallest lobes and they don’t show from the front. Barely.

Ooohh can you tell us more about the oversized la pousette backs? I have the guardian ii posts and backs onmy newest studs, but while the guardian ii pad is a little bigger than the pad of standard la pousettes, it still isn't enough to hold the studs up properly. I'm happy with how the backs @yssie recommended work, but am definitely interested if there's a larger la pousette back out there.

 

[Tonks]

I have the world’s smallest lobes, too. Now I want to know what size diamonds and pearls you wear!

2.22 studs from HPD!

Hello, all! This is a most overdue SMTB, and my sincere apologies to @Wink I have had my fabulous new CBI earrings since mid-January, and life just got away from me! Nevertheless, I am THRILLED with these earrings and with everything about the High Performance Diamonds experience. Wink and...

www.pricescope.com

These are my MRB studs. I believe they are 6.66 mm and they pretty much fill up my earlobes.

I am a terrible PSer and haven’t done a SMTB on my other daily wear pair. They are VC CERs in bezels and I love them. The stones measure 6.4 mm. I’m not sure how much the bezels add but they are whisper thin. Visually they look to be the same size as my HPD studs and they also fill up my lobes. I would theoretically love to have bigger studs but unless they hang off the lobes I don’t think that’s happening.

As to pearls, I have some, but I’m not really a pearl person at this point in my life, so I truly couldn’t tell you anything about size. I alternate between these two pairs of studs every day. Though reading @yssie ’s pearl posts does make me drool.



Comparison of VC bezels and HPD 8 prong studs. Both G color. 6.6 mm MRBs in prongs on the right, 6.4 mm in bezels on the left.



VC bezel studs on ear (I am terrible at ear shots!). They are gorgeous.




VC bezel studs on ear. I truly don’t think I have additional lobe real estate.




These are the 6.6 mm 8 prong HPD studs. They fully fill the lobe, no extra room.

 

[Tonks]

Ooohh can you tell us more about the oversized la pousette backs? I have the guardian ii posts and backs onmy newest studs, but while the guardian ii pad is a little bigger than the pad of standard la pousettes, it still isn't enough to hold the studs up properly. I'm happy with how the backs @yssie recommended work, but am definitely interested if there's a larger la pousette back out there.

Sure! I don’t know much about them, though. Earrings tend to want to droop on me so I asked Victor for large backs and wanted to try la pousettes. He said he could do these which are larger than standard. They’re platinum.




I’m not exactly sure how big they are but my studs have 6.4 mm stones plus a bezel.

 

[RunningwithScissors]

I use three different products to prevent earring droopage, depending on what size/shape earrings I'm wearing.

I've tried the jumbo push backs that Yssie recommended, but they don't work on me because they hang below my earlobe. I think they would do a great job if you have a medium-sized or larger lobe, but not for small-lobe folks unfortunately.

So here's what I use:

1) Chrysmela Extras for earrings that aren't too large, like my Miki pearl studs, my Tiffany Victoria Medium studs, and my VCA Sweets. (Note - these aren't the regular Chrysmelas, they are the ones with the clear plastic disc attached called the "Extras."). They keep smaller studs perky, but don't work as well on larger/heavier studs.

Chrysmela Catch Earring Backs

The only earring back that fits, locks and lifts. Add discs for extra lift.

chrysme.la

2) Levears - For my larger/heavier studs, like my 3.8 ctw diamonds, I use these. They are similar to normal push backs but they have an extra swirl of wire. They keep even my heaviest studs perky and pointed in the right direction (kinda like a good bra! ) They come in sterling silver and in 14K gold. These are my most-used earring backs, I love them.



3) clear plastic discs. My VCA SA Patrick turned me on to them and they are fabulous! You can use these clear discs with any push back, la pousette back, and even Omega backs -- so perfect with the VCA Vintage Alhambras! You simply place them in between the back side of your earlobe and the backing of your earring. They are cheap, come in packs of 50or 100 (so losing them isn't a problem) and super light weight. Also, because they are clear, they are great for people with small earlobes because even if they extend a little past your lobe, they are almost invisible. Just make sure you purchase ones with center holes wide enough to fit your particular posts. I like the ones that have wide holes and not all of them do, so read the product description when buying!

 

[CircularBrilliant]

Sure! I don’t know much about them, though. Earrings tend to want to droop on me so I asked Victor for large backs and wanted to try la pousettes. He said he could do these which are larger than standard. They’re platinum.




I’m not exactly sure how big they are but my studs have 6.4 mm stones plus a bezel.

Thank you! That looks like the style I have (the guardian ii's have a ~7mm pad, whereas the standard la pousette's have a ~6mm pad). I'm glad they're working for you! I love the style of back, but the pad unfortunately isn't enough for my studs -- I think it's due to them them being on the heavy side + my having poorly done piercings.

 

[RunningwithScissors]

And I forgot to mention that I don't think you need a designated pair of backings for every pair of earrings you own. I have and use the three backings I posted above, interchangeably, with all my earrings. That's all I need. Also, the clear discs can be worn with any earring backs you currently own as long as the earrings have posts, so if you want a cheap, quick fix, I'd highly recommend those.

 

[SparklieBug]

Thank you, @RunningwithScissors! I'm going to look up the Levears, as I have a similar pair that work well, but if they turn sideways, they definitely show from behind my (also) small lobes. The clear plastic disks are also a great idea!

 

[yssie]

On the topic of plastic disks - I LOVE these, which are almost the same but silicone rather than plastic. Exact same idea but the silicone is just a tiny bit grippy against skin. I wear these with all my omega clips.

Amazon.com: MODRSA Clear Disc Pads no Pull Plastic Piercing Disc for Piercing Bump Silicone Discs Silicone Piercing Disc Stabilize Earrings 16 Gauge : Beauty & Personal Care

Amazon.com: MODRSA Clear Disc Pads no Pull Plastic Piercing Disc for Piercing Bump Silicone Discs Silicone Piercing Disc Stabilize Earrings 16 Gauge : Beauty & Personal Care

www.amazon.com

Same as RWS pointed out - these have different size holes so check diameter.

 

[diamondyes]

On the topic of plastic disks - I LOVE these, which are almost the same but silicone rather than plastic. Exact same idea but the silicone is just a tiny bit grippy against skin. I wear these with all my omega clips.

Amazon.com: MODRSA Clear Disc Pads no Pull Plastic Piercing Disc for Piercing Bump Silicone Discs Silicone Piercing Disc Stabilize Earrings 16 Gauge : Beauty & Personal Care

Amazon.com: MODRSA Clear Disc Pads no Pull Plastic Piercing Disc for Piercing Bump Silicone Discs Silicone Piercing Disc Stabilize Earrings 16 Gauge : Beauty & Personal Care

www.amazon.com

Same as RWS pointed out - these have different size holes so check diameter.

Oh this is wonderful! I could never get my omega clips to go on right- they would always tilt forward in an ugly way.

 

[yssie]

And I forgot to mention that I don't think you need a designated pair of backings for every pair of earrings you own. I have and use the three backings I posted above, interchangeably, with all my earrings. That's all I need. Also, the clear discs can be worn with any earring backs you currently own as long as the earrings have posts, so if you want a cheap, quick fix, I'd highly recommend those.

Agree, I don't have designated backs either. Just one of each metal and size I need.
(Okay, and maybe a few extras).

 

[SparklieBug]

On the topic of plastic disks - I LOVE these, which are almost the same but silicone rather than plastic. Exact same idea but the silicone is just a tiny bit grippy against skin. I wear these with all my omega clips.

Amazon.com: MODRSA Clear Disc Pads no Pull Plastic Piercing Disc for Piercing Bump Silicone Discs Silicone Piercing Disc Stabilize Earrings 16 Gauge : Beauty & Personal Care

Amazon.com: MODRSA Clear Disc Pads no Pull Plastic Piercing Disc for Piercing Bump Silicone Discs Silicone Piercing Disc Stabilize Earrings 16 Gauge : Beauty & Personal Care

www.amazon.com

Same as RWS pointed out - these have different size holes so check diameter.

@yssie Is the brand you linked, above, silicone? I notice it says plastic in the description. Sometimes Amazon seems sketchy... I never know quite what to believe of the vendors' descriptions.

 

[bright&shiny]

And I forgot to mention that I don't think you need a designated pair of backings for every pair of earrings you own. I have and use the three backings I posted above, interchangeably, with all my earrings. That's all I need. Also, the clear discs can be worn with any earring backs you currently own as long as the earrings have posts, so if you want a cheap, quick fix, I'd highly recommend those.

I ordered all three today. Thanks for the recommendations!!!