There are many different factors that influence the decision of a parent to get their child’s ears pierced, such as culture and faith. As an example, there is a Hindu ceremony called Karnvedh Sanskar in which children have their ears pierced, usually before their fifth birthday although there is no definite age that this is done. The ceremony is accompanied by certain rituals such as girls having their left ear pierced first whereas boys have the right ear pierced first.

It is reasonable to suggest that when we purchase a new pair of stud earrings, whether for ourselves or as a gift, we put a considerable amount of thought in to our purchase. Yet we often give little thought to the backs which secure them. We all wear our earrings in different ways. Some people insert a pair of studs but then rarely remove them, wearing them to sleep, shower, participate in sporting activities etc. etc.

From delicate gemstone studs to large, dramatic hoops, earrings add style to any outfit. They also make a perfect gift for a special occasion and there are many different styles to choose from. Below is an overview of the various types of earrings that can be purchased…

The conundrum of where to buy earring backs can seem quite daunting. However there is no need to despair – the key to this problem is understanding which type of earring backs you require, deciding how much money you are prepared to spend and then choosing whether to purchase from the High Street or online.