Collection: Flat Back Earrings

Flat back earrings have become the dominant style in contemporary ear piercing jewellery, replacing threaded and externally-threaded posts as the standard for cartilage and lobe piercings. The design is simple: a flat disc backing on the inside of the ear, a threadless post, and a press-fit decorative top on the front. Every piece in this collection is made from ASTM F136 implant-grade titanium with threadless (push-pin) fittings, making them the safest, most comfortable, and most versatile earring style available for healed and healing piercings alike.

Flat back earrings work across every ear piercing: helix, tragus, conch, lobe, forward helix, flat, and anti-tragus. The flat disc backing means there is nothing protruding behind the ear to snag on hair, catch on pillowcases, or press against the head when wearing headphones or glasses. The press-fit top system allows you to swap the decorative head without removing the post, meaning one post can work across multiple styles simply by changing the front piece.

Tops range from plain gold and silver titanium discs for a minimal look, through CZ-set gems in various stone shapes and sizes, to more decorative florals, stars, and shaped pieces. The flat back labret is the recommended initial jewellery for tragus, conch, helix, and forward helix piercings by most professional piercers, as the flat backing prevents pressure during healing. All pieces in this collection are 16G (1.2mm).

Flat back earrings in implant-grade titanium are suitable from day one of a new piercing through to daily wear in fully healed placements. The titanium base means no nickel, no reactions, and no discolouration. For ear stacks, mixing flat back studs at shorter posts with hoops at adjacent piercings is the most popular current styling approach, creating varied texture across the ear without overcrowding.

Explore related collections:

• Gold Flat Back Earrings: all flat back earrings in 18K Gold PVD
• Titanium Flat Back Earrings: implant-grade titanium flat backs
• Helix Jewellery: all jewellery for the helix piercing
• Tragus Jewellery: flat backs and hoops for the tragus
• Labret Jewellery: the full labret range

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a flat back earring?

A flat back earring (also called a flat back labret or push-pin earring) has a straight post with a flat disc at the back that sits flush inside the piercing, and a decorative press-fit top on the front. Unlike traditional threaded earrings, the top simply pushes onto the post without screwing. This makes them easier to change and more comfortable to wear as nothing protrudes behind the ear.

What gauge are flat back earrings?

The standard gauge for flat back earrings in cartilage and lobe piercings is 16G (1.2mm). This fits all standard cartilage piercings including helix, tragus, conch, and forward helix. Some lobe piercings are done at 16G or 18G depending on the piercer. All flat backs in this collection are 16G.

How do flat back earrings stay in?

The flat disc backing keeps the post in place from the inside, and the decorative top is press-fit onto the end of the post using a small ball or pin that clicks into a socket. The tension from the socket holds the top securely during normal wear. To remove, simply pull the front top away from the post with a firm, straight pull.

Are flat back earrings good for healing piercings?

Yes. Flat back labret posts are recommended by the Association of Professional Piercers as initial jewellery for cartilage piercings including helix, tragus, conch, and forward helix. The flat backing eliminates pressure and movement behind the ear that can disrupt healing. ASTM F136 implant-grade titanium is the safest metal for healing tissue.

Can I mix tops between flat back posts?

Yes. As long as the post gauge (16G) and the top pin diameter are compatible, tops from the same range can be swapped between posts. This is one of the main advantages of the flat back system: one titanium post can be used with multiple decorative tops, allowing you to change your look without changing the entire piece of jewellery.