Abstract: An apparatus for replacing a button is provided having a pin and a base. The pin includes a head and a stem attached to, and substantially perpendicular to, the head. The base includes a case having a cavity defined by a top surface including an opening for receiving the stem and a side surface coupled to the top surface. A mechanism for securing the pin within the case includes one or two springs, configured to releasably engage a ridged portion of the stem of the pin. The depth of insertion of the pin into the case is controlled by the engagement of the pin and the springs, a solid bottom surface of the case, and a flange on the stem that engages the top surface of the case at a desired depth.

Abstract: A jewelry connection system utilizing an elastic bent stem having a narrow center section is inserted into a hollow tube such that binding of the stem ends in the tube creates an elastic releasable friction bond (binding) between the stem and tube pieces. A controlled amount of binding can be introduced by controlling the degree of non-colinearity between mating surfaces such that when using a high modulus material, such as Titanium, the use of this system for body piercing openings such as ear and nose rings is successful without reduced risk of loss of jewelry pieces due to vibration, because threaded connections in this arrangement are avoided. Configurations according to the invention can be used in a variety of tiny jewelry pieces as long as a stem can be inserted into a stem receiving member.