Abstract: An earring includes a pin adapted to pass through a hole pierced in an ear or other body part. The pin has an enlarged, decorative end thereon which rests against one side of the ear with the pin extending through the hole in the ear, and a clutch which fits over the opposite end of the pin and rests against the opposite side of the ear to hold the earring therein. The clutch includes a spring for receiving the pin therein and having a reduced inside diameter intermediate turn thereof which is stretched by the pin as it passes therethrough. There is at least one circumferential receiving groove in the pin to receive and hold the reduced inside diameter spring turn. Thus, the clutch may be positioned so that the reduced inside diameter turn is received in one of the at least one grooves. This resists movement of the clutch along the pin. With multiple grooves the grooves are positioned along the pin so that for each groove, the earring comfortably fits a different size ear.

Abstract: A clutch for securing together component parts of jewelry such as decorative pins, clasps, earrings, necklaces, brooches, and so forth. The coacting body and pin construction herein has a lost-motion detent, whereby to provide for adjustable attachment to ear lobes, clothing, and so forth, of varying thicknesses. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lost-motion effect is constrained by sliding frictional engagement between complete turns of a coil spring provided in said body, and the shank of the pin and the detent effect is maintained simultaneously by a radially inturned end of the spring extending into the annular groove on the shank. The groove is wider than the inturned end, allowing for movement thereof longitudinally of the pin without disengagement.