Lever Back Earrings: A Guide to Fingernail & Mouse Trap Earring Posts

Lever Back Earrings: The Ultimate Guide to Fingernail and Mouse Trap Posts

Earrings are a beloved accessory for people of all ages. However, keeping earrings securely on can be a challenge, especially for active wearers. This is where lever back earring findings, also known as fingernail or mouse trap posts, come in. These unique findings allow earrings to stay put while still being easy to take on and off.

What Are Fingernail Earring Posts?

Fingernail earring posts, as the name suggests, resemble an actual fingernail in shape. The post has a hooked piece on the back that leverages over the earlobe to hold the earring in place securely. The lever can flip back easily to remove the earring when needed.

Other common names for this style include lever back earring findings and mouse trap earring findings. This is because of the spring-loaded "trap" mechanism that leverages the earring back onto the ear.

Benefits of Lever Back Earrings

There are many reasons fingernail earring posts have become a jewelry making staple:

• They hold earrings securely in place. The lever mechanism prevents them from falling out easily.
• They allow for quick and easy removal of earrings whenever needed.
• They accommodate heavy beaded styles well without sagging under the weight.
• They work for active lifestyles, staying put even with movement and activity.
• They help avoid injury from sharp earring posts jabbing the skin if an earring falls out.

Using Fingernail Posts for Powwow Earrings

In Indigenous communities, lever back earring posts are a popular finding for powwow earrings and regalia. The heavy beaded earrings worn for ceremonial dance can weigh down regular earring posts. Fingernail lever backs keep these substantial earrings securely on even during vigorous movement.

Being able to quickly release the earrings is also beneficial in case the adornments get pulled on accident. This helps prevent injury to the earlobe while wearing heavy earrings.

Jewelry Making with Lever Back Findings

For jewelry makers, fingernail earring posts open up lots of possibilities. Almost any bead or charm can be turned into a dangle earring with these findings. Follow these steps for incorporating lever backs into your designs:

1. Choose beads, charms, chains, etc. for the earring dangle itself. Glass, gemstone, porcelain, wood, and metal materials all work well.
2. Thread the top of the dangle onto the post, adding spacers if desired. Crimp beads or glue provide a secure hold.
3. Attach a fingernail lever back to the post. Pinch together with pliers for a tight closure.
4. Embellish further by adding ear wires, chain, decorative bead caps, and more!

With this simple process, you can create fashionable lever back earrings with both modern and traditional appeal.

Where to Buy Fingernail Earring Posts

Lever back earring findings can be purchased from most jewelry supply retailers. When shopping, look for:

• Surgical steel or sterling silver metals. These provide strength without irritation.
• Cushioned plastic backings. These make the findings more comfortable to wear.
• Spring hinges that open and close smoothly without sticking.
• A range of sizes to accommodate different gauge wires and dangle weights.

Well-made fingernail posts will provide security for your earring designs without bending, breaking, or scratching the wearer. Invest in quality findings for successful finished pieces.

Get Creative with Fingernail Earring Posts!

With their clever lever back design, fingernail earring posts make putting on and taking off earrings a breeze. Their secure hold also makes them ideal for substantial beaded and ceremonial earrings. For jewelry makers, lever back findings open up endless possibilities for new dangle earring creations. Get creative with these versatile earring components!

FAQs

What are other names for fingernail earring posts?

Fingernail posts are also called lever back earring findings or mouse trap earring findings.

Why are lever back earrings good for powwows?

The spring-loaded lever mechanism keeps heavy beaded earrings securely on even with the vigorous dancing at powwows. The lever also allows for quick release if needed.

What types of materials work well for lever back earrings?

Glass, gemstone, porcelain, wood, and metal beads and charms work beautifully for fingernail post earring designs.

Where can I buy quality lever back findings?

Look for surgical steel or sterling silver lever back posts with cushioned plastic backings at jewelry supply retailers online and in stores.