Butterfly Clip On Earrings
20th Century French Clip-on Earrings
Late 20th Century British Clip-on Earrings
Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s Unknown Clip-on Earrings
Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century French Clip-on Earrings
Vintage 1940s Retro Clip-on Earrings
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Italian Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
1990s Polish Modernist Clip-on Earrings
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s French Romantic Clip-on Earrings
Gilt Metal
2010s American Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
Rhodium, Sterling Silver
20th Century Clip-on Earrings
20th Century French Clip-on Earrings
Gilt Metal
1990s French Modern Clip-on Earrings
Vintage 1980s German Art Nouveau Clip-on Earrings
Gold Plate
1990s American Clip-on Earrings
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1980s French Romantic Clip-on Earrings
Enamel, Gilt Metal
21st Century and Contemporary British Art Deco Clip-on Earrings
Gold Plate
2010s Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1950s American Clip-on Earrings
Mixed Metal
Vintage 1980s French Clip-on Earrings
21st Century and Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Modern Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary European Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Modern Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Retro Clip-on Earrings
White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1940s American Artist Clip-on Earrings
Crystal, Gilt Metal
20th Century Modern Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 1980s French Artisan Clip-on Earrings
1990s Clip-on Earrings
Gilt Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Aesthetic Movement Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold
2010s American Clip-on Earrings
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s American Retro Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s French Artist Clip-on Earrings
Mixed Metal
1990s Italian Modern Clip-on Earrings
Mixed Metal
Early 2000s French Clip-on Earrings
Chalcedony, Diamond, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Baroque Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold
2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1980s French Artist Clip-on Earrings
Mixed Metal
2010s Thai Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Jade, Moonstone, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary North American Clip-on Earrings
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Clip-on Earrings
Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1960s American Clip-on Earrings
Gold Plate
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Clip-on Earrings
Gilt Metal
1990s French Clip-on Earrings
Gold Plate, Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
2010s American Clip-on Earrings
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
2010s American Clip-on Earrings
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Art Deco Clip-on Earrings
Jade, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Clip-on Earrings
Ruby, Diamond, Gold
2010s American Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Emerald, Quartz, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Clip-on Earrings
Citrine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Clip-on Earrings
Moonstone, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Clip-on Earrings
Rhodolite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s American Modern Clip-on Earrings
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Nouveau Clip-on Earrings
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 1...
21st Century and Contemporary Greek Byzantine Clip-on Earrings
South Sea Pearl, Pearl, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Late 20th Century North American Modern Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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Butterfly Clip On Earrings For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Butterfly Clip On Earrings?
Finding the Right earrings for You
In the United States, ear piercing didn’t really become popular until the 1950s and ‘60s, but our desire for a dazzling pair of vintage earrings has deeper roots than that. In fact, wearing earrings actually goes back thousands of years, and you can find many tangible connections between now and then in how we continue to talk about these treasured accessories.
Women wore ornamental earrings — studs and hoops at the very least — in Ancient Egypt, which is home to mines that are among the earliest sources of emeralds in the world. Emerald earrings are highly prized today, and their quality lies in their rich, saturated color. The highest-quality emeralds are green or bluish-green. Earrings worn by the affluent in early Roman civilizations were set with precious stones such as diamonds and pearls, and a clean-looking pop of pearl on the front of the lobe is as timeless as ever. Hoop earrings are imbued with symbolism and cultural significance for many, and on view in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Ancient Near Eastern Art Gallery is a pair of simple gold hoops from Mesopotamia dating to between 2600 and 2500 B.C.
Today, ear piercing is very popular all over the world, and, as a result, it is difficult to overstate how much everyone pines for a good pair of earrings — modernist drop earrings, glamorous Victorian hoops, geometrically complex chandelier earrings, you name it. Sure, jewelry trends and the fashion darlings of social media come and go, but earrings have a staying power that seems impenetrable: The still-strong love affair between British royals and Cartier earrings is more than a century old, glossy 1970s hoops from legacy houses such as Bulgari and Van Cleef & Arpels remain the statement makers they’ve always been and although people have been stacking earrings for many moons, the allure of an expertly mismatched stack of charms and studs still feels fresh and new.
While there is no shortage of modern earring designs to choose from, the classics, like coral earrings, Art Deco–style earrings and diamond drop earrings are still heavy hitters. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of antique, new and vintage earrings today.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 14, 2023A butterfly clip is a type of earring backing. It is a metal disc that rests on two loops that help stabilize and secure it. To use a butterfly clip, you simply slide it onto the round post attached to an earring. Explore a large collection of earrings on 1stDibs.
- What is an ear clip?1 AnswerRoman Malakov DiamondsMarch 22, 2021An ear clip is a type of mechanism of attaching earrings to your ear. These are typically omega-backs but without posts. Ear clips are perfect for women who do not have pierced ears.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023No, clip-on earrings don't pierce your ears. Instead of slipping through a piercing, a clip-on earring attaches to the surface of your earlobe with a fastener. Depending on the design of the earrings, the fastener may be a hinged clip, a screw, a tension bar or even a magnet. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of clip-on earrings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Clip-on earrings may hurt your ears due to the tension that the backings apply on the lobes. If your earrings have adjustable backs, try fastening them less tightly to reduce discomfort. You can also purchase cushions that stick onto the backings to help ease pressure. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of clip-on earrings.
- Are clip-on earrings any good?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023Yes, many people feel that clip-on earrings are good. Clip-ons make it possible for those who don't have piercings to wear earrings every day or for special occasions. Plus, some people find clip-on earrings easier to put on and take off because they don't have to be slipped through the ear. Many antique and vintage earrings are clip-ons, so individuals who collect pieces like Victorian, Edwardian or Art Deco earrings may own several pairs. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of clip-on earrings.
- Do clip on earrings stay on?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Yes, clip-on earrings can stay on, provided they are in good condition. Over time, the clips on the earrings may loosen and no longer stay securely in place. Also, it's important to tighten the earrings properly to help them stay on. If you're concerned about slippage, look for clip-ons that have non-slip, padded clips. On 1stDibs, find a variety of clip-on earrings.
- How do clip-on earrings stay on?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023How clip-on earrings stay on comes down to their hardware. Every pair of clip-on earrings has a closure or clasp that helps to secure them in place. However, the designs vary. Options include screws, hinges, paddle backs, sliding springs and even magnets. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of clip-on earrings.
- What are French clip earrings?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023French clip earrings are a type of earring with a specific backing. The design is typically characterized by an open wire clip with a hinge that swings shut to fit over the post and rest against the back of the earlobe. A benefit of the French clip is that it helps to keep earrings from bending or shifting during wear. Explore a large selection of French clip earrings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023Clip-on earrings were popular during the 1950s and ’60s because many women didn't have their ears pierced but still wanted to wear earrings. During the 1930s, jewelry makers introduced new hinged closures for clip-ons that made the earrings easier to wear. As a result, more women found clip-on earrings to be appealing. Plus, the emergence of the middle class following World War II meant more women had expendable income to spend on luxuries like jewelry. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of clip-on earrings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Sometimes, people call clip-on earrings just clip-ons. Clip-on earrings also have names that describe their type. For example, hinged clip-on earrings feature a swinging clip fastener, while paddle backs have an adjustable tension bar for added security. Screw-back clips-ons must be turned to fasten. There are also slinging spring and magnetic styles. Explore a variety of clip-on earrings on 1stDibs.
- What is a clip post earring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023A clip post earring is an earring that features a backing called a French clip. It is a hinged, open wire that slides down over the post and rests against the back of the earlobe. Due to their backings, clip post earrings are less likely to rotate or shift during wear. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of French clip earrings.
- Why are clip-on earrings better?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024Clip-on earrings are better for some people owing to a few reasons. For starters, the earrings are undoubtedly better for you if you’d prefer not to have your ears pierced. Some people also feel that clip-ons are easier to get on and take off. In addition, those who love antique and vintage earrings will generally find that older pieces have clip closures rather than posts. (In the United States, ear piercing didn’t really become popular until the 1950s and ‘60s.) On 1stDibs, find a large collection of clip-on earrings.
- Are clip-on earrings a thing?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024Yes, clip-on earrings are a thing. They are earrings that feature backings that allow them to be worn on the ear, so it is possible to show off a pair without having ear piercings. Instead of slipping through a hole in the ear, clip-ons may be secured by a tension bar, a hinged clasp, a screw or even magnets. Explore a wide range of clip-on earrings on 1stDibs.
- What are earring clips called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023Earring clips are simply called clip-on earrings or clip-ons. The first clip-on earrings were produced during the late 19th century and featured screw-back fasteners. In the 1930s, hinged clips first appeared on clip-ons, making the earrings easier to wear. As a result, clip-on earrings grew in popularity and were a major trend by the 1950s. Shop a large selection of clip-on earrings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023Yes, you can use clip-on earrings on pierced ears. The different kinds of clasps featured on clip-ons will still secure them to your earlobes if you have a piercing. However, wearing clip-ons exclusively could cause your piercings to gradually close up over time. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of clip-on earrings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023How you use vintage clip-on earrings depends on what type of backing they have. Some simply feature a hinged clip that you open, slip over your ear and then press gently to close. Others may require you to turn a screw or shift a tension bar. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of vintage clip-on earrings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023Yes, clip-on earrings are still a thing. Some makers continue to produce earrings with clip-on backs to suit the needs of those without pierced ears or who want jewelry that is easy to put on and take off. In addition, many people continue to wear antique and vintage clip-ons. On 1stDibs, explore a wide variety of clip-on earrings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023Most vintage earrings are clip-ons largely due to how beliefs about piercings have changed over the years. It was only during the 1980s and ’90s that many women began piercing their ears. Prior to that, many women didn't have piercings and could only wear clip-ons, so makers produced earrings to suit their customer base. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of vintage earrings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023No, clip-on earrings don't need piercings. In fact, a big part of the appeal of clip-on earrings is that they allow anyone to dress up their ears with jewelry, even if they haven't had their lobes pierced. Clip-ons are available with many styles of fasteners, including screw backs, clear invisible backs, cuffs, sliding springs and even magnets. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of clip-on earrings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023To comfortably wear clip-on earrings, first be sure to adjust them properly. Apply enough tension to hold the earrings in place without squeezing your ears. If you still find the pressure to be uncomfortable, consider adding flexible resin pads to the clips. Some clip-ons even come with these pads already in place for added cushioning. Explore a wide variety of clip-on earrings on 1stDibs.
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