Cubic zirconia sits at 8 to 8.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. It's harder than most natural gemstones, with only corundum and diamond above it. Very durable, CZ holds up in everyday wear in a way that its price point doesn't imply.
Made With Purpose
The friction back, also called a butterfly back or push back, is the standard post earring back. It has a small metal finding with two spring-tension wings that grip the post when pressed on, holding the earring in place without a locking mechanism.
Built For Ease
The clutch back's position on the post is a small adjustment with a visible effect. Close to the lobe: flat, snug, forward-facing. More post exposed: gap forms, angle shifts, the earring starts to hang rather than sit. The back's placement is doing design work most wearers never think about.