💎 Jewellery Hack 101: How to Fix Huggie / Hoop Earrings That Have Lost Their Click

Huggies and hoop earrings are a staple in any jewellery collection.  Our Lapis London Earring Collections comprise earrings that are beautiful, meaningful, comfortable, and designed for effortless everyday wear. Easy to dress up with charms or wear on their own. But over time, even the highest‑quality metals can lose that satisfying click when you close them. The good news? It’s completely normal, and even better… it’s usually a very quick fix you can do yourself.

This guide explains why it happens, how to fix it safely, and how to keep your huggies and hoops in perfect working order for years to come.

✨ Why Huggies Lose Their Click

Huggie earrings use a hinged mechanism:

• a post with a tiny groove,

• and a back section that the post locks into with a click.

With regular wear, the post can shift slightly out of alignment, especially in softer precious metals like sterling silver, gold vermeil, 14k gold and 18k gold. When the post no longer lines up perfectly with the groove, the click disappears.

The most common reasons are:

1. A Slightly Bent Post

This is the number one cause. If the post bends downwards even a millimetre, the groove won’t meet the catch correctly.

2. Misalignment of the Groove

The groove itself can shift slightly, meaning the post no longer slots into place.

3. Dirt or Debris in the Mechanism

Everyday wear can cause tiny particles to build up inside the hinge or groove, softening the click.

None of these issues mean your earrings are damaged they simply need a tiny adjustment.

✨ The Quick Fix (The Lapis London Method)

This is the easiest and safest way to restore the click, no tools required.

Step 1 — Identify the Groove

Open the huggie and locate the small groove on the earring post which should lock into the other side of the huggie.

Step 2 — Support the Groove With Your Finger

Place your fingertip underneath the groove.

Step 3 — Apply a Gentle Upward Push

Very gently push the groove upwards. This realigns it with the post.

Step 4 — Test the Click

Close the huggie. If it doesn’t click yet, repeat with tiny adjustments.

This is exactly what jewellers do, you’re simply restoring the original alignment.

✨ A More Detailed Troubleshooting Guide

If you want a more thorough check, here’s a step‑by‑step approach:

1. Clean the Mechanism

Use a soft cloth (and jewellery cleaning solution if needed) to remove any dirt from the hinge and groove.

2. Inspect the Post

Use a magnifying glass if helpful. Check whether the post is bent downwards (most common) or upwards.

3. Adjust the Post (If Needed)

If the post is bent downwards, gently lift it upwards using your fingers. If it’s bent upwards, gently press it downwards.

Important: Make micro‑adjustments, a millimetre makes a big difference.

4. Test After Each Adjustment

Close the huggie to check for the click. If it becomes too tight or hard to open, you’ve bent it too far and should ease it back slightly.

✨ Preventative Care Tips

To keep your huggies clicking beautifully:

• Handle gently when opening and closing

• Avoid sleeping in them to reduce pressure on the hinge

• Clean regularly to prevent dirt buildup

• Store safely in a jewellery box or pouch

• Realign occasionally if you notice the click softening

With a little care, your huggies will stay secure, comfortable, and long‑lasting.

✨ FAQs

Why don’t my huggie earrings click anymore? Usually because the post or groove has shifted slightly out of alignment.

Can I fix them myself? Yes, in most cases it’s a simple, gentle adjustment.

Is this normal with gold and silver huggies? Yes. Softer precious metals naturally move slightly over time.

What if they still don’t click after adjusting? Please contact us if the earrings were bought from us and we can realign them for you.

✨ Final Thoughts

Huggie earrings are beautifully designed, but like all hinged mechanisms, they occasionally need a little maintenance. With this simple jewellery hack, you can restore the click in seconds and keep your favourite hoops and huggies feeling secure and comfortable.

At Lapis London, we believe jewellery should be both meaningful and practical and knowing how to care for your pieces ensures they stay with you for years to come. Shop our Lapis London Earring Collections to find a beautiful pair of earrings as a gift or a treat for yourself!