What is a screw back earring?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
A screw back is a type of earring fastening designed for non-pierced ears, where the earring is secured against the earlobe by tightening a small screw with a flat, round pad at the end. The pad presses firmly against the back of the earlobe as you turn it, and the tension holds the earring in place without any piercing required. Screw backs were common in the first half of the twentieth century before pierced ears became standard, and fine antique earrings, particularly those from the 1920s through the 1950s, frequently use this mechanism.
Frequently asked questions
- How does a screw back earring work?
- The earring has a threaded post that passes through or sits against the earlobe, and a small flat-ended pad screws inward along the thread until it grips the lobe firmly. You tighten it by hand until the earring is secure, then unscrew to remove it.
- Are screw back earrings comfortable?
- They can be quite comfortable if adjusted correctly, though they tend to feel more secure than light clip-ons because the pressure is more even. The key is not to over-tighten them, which can cause discomfort after a few hours. Vintage screw backs sometimes need their mechanism adjusted by a jeweller if the thread has become stiff.
- Can a screw back be converted to a pierced fitting?
- Yes, a jeweller can usually remove the screw back fitting and replace it with a post and butterfly back suitable for pierced ears. For antique earrings this conversion is common and does not significantly affect the value of most pieces.
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