Earrings are small, delicate, and handled constantly. Posts bend, backs get lost, hinges loosen, and stones fall out. Because earrings are often worn in pairs, one broken earring can sideline both. Fortunately, most earring problems can be repaired quickly by a jeweler.
This guide covers common earring problems, how they're fixed, and how to keep your earrings secure.
Common Earring Problems
- Bent or broken posts
- Lost or loose backs
- Hoops that won't close or stay closed
- Broken hinges on huggies and hoops
- Lever backs that don't latch
- Loose or missing stones
- Broken dangles or jump rings
- Damaged French wires or hooks
Earring Post Repair
Bent posts
Bent posts can often be gently straightened. Repeated bending weakens metal, so a post that's been bent many times may need replacing.
Broken posts
A broken post is replaced by soldering a new post onto the earring. The new post should match the metal and be the right length and thickness.
Posts on heat-sensitive earrings
If the earring has pearls, opals, or other heat-sensitive stones, the stone may need protection or removal before soldering.
Earring Back Upgrades
If you keep losing backs, or you're worried about losing valuable studs, consider upgrading:
- Push backs (friction backs) - common, but can loosen over time.
- Larger disc backs - add support for heavier earrings.
- Screw backs - very secure; require a threaded post.
- Locking backs - add security without threading.
Valuable diamond studs are often converted to screw backs for peace of mind.
Hoop and Huggie Repair
- Hinges - loose or broken hinges can be repaired or replaced.
- Latches - snap closures that won't hold can be adjusted.
- Bent hoops - reshaped.
- Dents - smoothed on solid hoops; hollow hoops need extra care.
Lever Back and French Wire Repair
Lever backs that don't latch can often be adjusted. Damaged French wires or hooks can be replaced.
Stone Repair and Replacement
Earrings with loose stones should be repaired before the stone is lost. Missing stones can be matched and replaced. For valuable studs, we can check that both earrings match after a replacement.
Dangle Earring Repair
Dangles and drops are connected by jump rings or loops that can open or wear. Soldering jump rings closed makes them more secure.
Converting Earrings
Sometimes earring repair becomes a chance to change the style:
- Clip-on to pierced or pierced to clip-on
- Studs to drops by adding a dangle
- Single earring into a pendant if one of the pair is lost
- Old earrings into new jewelry with custom design
Fixing a Broken Earring Stem at Home?
It's tempting to glue a broken earring stem, but glue rarely holds on metal under daily stress and can damage stones and finishes. For gold, silver, and platinum earrings, soldering a new post is the reliable fix.
Earring Repair Cost Factors
- Metal - gold, silver, platinum
- Type of repair - post replacement, hinge repair, stone replacement
- Stones - heat-sensitive or valuable stones
- Back upgrades
- Pairs - repairing both earrings for consistency
We'll quote before beginning. See jewelry repair cost.
How Long Does Earring Repair Take?
Many earring repairs, like post replacements and back upgrades, can be done quickly. Stone matching and complex repairs may take longer.
Preventing Earring Damage
- Remove earrings before sleeping, showering, and exercising.
- Store pairs together in a lined box.
- Check backs regularly for tightness.
- Don't pull earrings out by the decorative front.
- Have valuable studs checked periodically.
See our jewelry care tips.
Earring Repair in Mesa
Brilliant Jewelry is a fourth-generation, family-owned jeweler at 1237 S Val Vista Dr Ste 204, Mesa, AZ 85204. We repair posts, backs, hinges, and stones in-house as part of our jewelry repair services. Shop earrings.
Book an earring repair appointment or call or text (480) 331-8652.