Wire hoops are lightweight and inexpensive, usually with one end flattened and having a hole in the middle where the opposite end latches into. Round hoops can be found in lots of sizes from ones that hug the ear lobe to huge components that touch your shoulders. There are the traditional round hoops, but also, square, rectangular, triangular, ovals and more. Hoop earring findings are available in a wide variety of colors and even shapes. In addition to that, there are variations that have loops where you can attach dangles to the earring.Ĭlutch or butterfly post earring backs keep these types of findings secure. Some styles include cups or pegs or flat pads for adding half-drilled beads and cabachons. Post or stud earring findings consist of a post that goes through the ear and an embellishment that is fused or soldered to the front. The ear harp is a type of lever back earring that’s shaped like a harp. Most designs have a loop at the bottom so you can easily attach beads or charms. This earring style is very popular for high end jewelry as the leverback design prevents earring loss. Leverback earring findings or hinged ear wires have a hinged back that snaps into place behind the ear lobe. Kidney ear wires are shaped like a kidney with a built-in latch that allows for added security. These earrings can be embellished with charms or beads. The post allows the earrings to slip into the ear easily where it dangles both at the front and the back. V-wires are typically larger than regular hooks and can support heavier dangles.Įar threads a.k.a ear threaders or threader earrings consist of a short post with chain attached. The top of these are pointed instead of the gentle curve usually found in French earring hooks. V-wire hooks or Marquise wires are variations of the traditional ear wire hooks. To prevent this, add a rubber back stopper to secure the hooks and avoid losing them. One downside of these findings is that they sometimes slip out of the ear while being worn.

You can create variations of these simply by changing the shape or adding decorative elements to the ear wire itself.

In their simplest form, they are made using a piece of wire that is curved with a small loop at the bottom end so you can attach the earring. Types of Earring Hooks or Earring Wiresįrench or Shepherd hooks are the most popular type of earring findings. If you click and make a purchase, there’s absolutely no extra cost to you. At the end of this post you’ll know all the different kinds there are for when you want to make your own earrings.Ĭlick here to learn which earrings best suit your face shape. This is the ultimate guide to earring findings. There are several types and that’s what I’ll discuss today. (The history of earrings is more fascinating that I would have guessed.)įast forward thousands of years and earrings are a popular accessory for any gender worldwide. Whether you have pierced ears or not, most people have at least a few pairs at home.Īs a jewelry maker, you need to have earring findings in order to make beaded earrings. Eventually, the Catholic Church in Europe forbade the piercing of ears and only the lower class continued to wear them. Earrings have been used to show everything from being a slave to a wealthy member of society. Throughout the years, they were used to represent various statuses in different cultures. Discover all the different types of earring findings in this complete guide so you can explore various designs when jewelry making.ĭid you know that earrings were predominantly worn by men in ancient times?

Findings for earrings