A good idea is to rinse fine earrings in rubbing alcohol and let dry each time you take them off and store them.

The most common complication is a low- grade bacterial infection of the channel through the ear lobe. These can usually be cleared up if the earring is removed and cleaned with rubbing alcohol three times a day. Also apply an antibiotic ointment to the post before reinserting it. If this doesn't bring improvement in a few days, contact your healthcare provider.

Prevent infections in the following way:

• Clean the earring, the post and the ear lobe with rubbing alcohol each morning before insertion.
• Apply the clasp loosely to prevent any pressure on the ear lobe. The earring should have an air space on both sides. Air needs to enter the channel to keep it dry. The pressure from tight earrings reduces blood flow to the ear lobe and sets it up for infections.

WARNING: Remember that dangling earrings can lead to a torn ear lobe. Take them off when playing sports, boating or jetskiing, washing the hair or handling young children who might yank on them.

Earrring clutches can avoid loss. Some expensive ones are screw on and there are others. The common types are friction clutch and bullet clutch.

                      These are bullet clutches with a plastic disk.

You can permanently pop off the disks. The disks are good for oversize earrings and add extra stability.
I found the bullets are best and I use them even with french hook earrings.. Here is french hook with plastic clutch -they work well, too.

Friction clutches come in different hole sizes..so one size doesn't fit all -test fit before inserting. Sometimes they do not set well and you can lose an earring. (Listen for a click grove at end of post). Check all clutches periodically. These have a Friction Clutch.

TIPS

This is a created emerald..by the way from a seller with 98 feedback score..Chances are this fine stone is snapped in..and may not be set properly. Some post earrings are prone to breakage. Some stones are glued in, -pearls on a half mount. If you buy this -go for leverback. And sometimes they are SO VERY TINY -check size.

 This is a cheap setting..prongs just bent around stone -trouble.  Setting may be too short for an adult.

These are faceted citrine brio leverbacks. If these are glass..they could be HEAVY.  Ad says..

Six large teardrop-shaped citrine stones are showcased along a yellow gold cable chain in these beautiful leverback earrings. The golden honey-colored citrine stones are faceted for maximum sparkle. Complemented by the warm tones of the yellow gold, they take on a beautiful glow reminiscent of late autumn sunshine. These eye-catching earrings measure about two inches long and are set on curved gold wires with easy and secure leverback closures.

WATCH..word..gold..could mean gold tone..look for 14k or 14kGF.

Many earrings are now set in 10K..some are hollow. These can bend easily if done in posts or the post can break off.

Since real stones frequently have inclusions, lab created..may be fine ..especially in an Amethyst. Gemstones have grades too..some custom crafters will tell you these details. There are different levels..and the GIA or whomever grades diamonds..just got caught with false diamond grades...on internet sales. They said they would inspect for free..but the catch is you have to unmount for them to test and would I sent my real diamonds in the mail nto people just caught cheating? NO. Never give your real diamond to anyone for a free overnight cleaning or test ..or could get swap with a cheap replica. 

Wash or replace clutches regularly, too.

You can  use Q tips to swab, then toss. Dry before storing. Store sterling in plastic bag. Pearls NEVER in plastic..and store all items separately to avoid scratching.

Nickel Sensitivity can be very frustrating. But there are lots of choices, such as 12 carat gold, silver, titanium or stainless steel and even fine quality gold filled (not plated)