BUYING EARRINGS? DO THIS FIRST!!!

There are many different styles of earrings, from studs to hoops, and dangles to clip-ons…

But there is always something you must do before you purchase that pair of earrings:

TEST THEM!

This doesn’t mean try them on… (many jewelers won’t allow this due to hygiene issues anyway), but it does mean that you should check the fasteners, the post, the prongs, the clasps… And since every style is different, let’s look at them individually.

1) Post Earrings:

On post earrings, you want to make sure that the post that’s attached to the earring is straight, not bent.

Next, you’ll want to pull the earring back off, and push it back on. It should feel snug, and many times you’ll even hear a click that tests how secure the back is. The backs should catch and hold, not be loose, wobbly, or come off easily. Jewelry manufacturers have a bad habit of putting the smallest, cheapest, weakest backs on earrings to reduce cost. It’s wise to buy a set of heavy duty earring backs that can be swapped out, and keep your earrings safe and in your ears.

Don’t skimp on these!

I always recommend asking for more durable backs if you’re buying at a jewelry store. The best backs SNAP on with an audible click. You’ll hear it. Then you know that your expensive studs are staying where they should, or falling on the floor.

Hoop Earrings:

Hoops usually have a post with a clutch, or a built-in fastener that closes and locks. Check to make sure this is aligned well (not bent), it should line up with the clips (rabbit ears), and it should snap closed so it’s secure. If it feels weak and flimsy, or fragile, it won’t last long and it will probably fall off your lobes.

Dangle Earrings:

Dangles with euro wires (built in fasteners that hinge back and close upon itself), should be aligned properly. Just like hoops, this bar should fall upon the other side properly, hold securely, and hinge effortlessly. It should feel like it stays closed, without leaving gaps or open too easily.

Make sure they are aligned, feel flush (nothing jagged or catching or lifted), and that the joint feels solid, not loose. And when you open the hinge, it should feel taught, and not worn or unsteady.

Clip-on Earrings:

Clip-ons are tension style non-pierced earrings, that close around your earlobe and hold them in place. They should have good pressure, but not too tight that they hurt the lobe. You want them to open securely, feel strong, and close around your ears comfortably.

Clip-ons are great if they work well, but if the earring is too heavy, or the clamp is too weak, you’ll loose your earrings for good.

Lastly…

Check all earrings for smoothness (so they don’t get caught in your hair), and consistency in the metal. You don’t want to see oxidation or cracks or peeling…

Run your fingers over the prongs and hinges to make sure they feel smooth and are not rough. Check the prongs as well, and make sure they are holding the gemstones in tightly (a 10x loupe is great for checking the prongs).

And, as a side note…

Keep your earrings clean. Clean gemstones always look better, last longer, and nothing beats a sparkling diamond!

Check out all of the jewelry cleaners here.

Cheers! :)