A tennis bracelet is one of the most glamorous and eye-catching pieces of jewellery. The bracelet consists of a continuous line of diamonds, each one set next to the other creating visual tension. A tennis bracelet can be worn to complement any outfit – whether you are going out for a meal or just staying in – and will always draw attention.
There are three different types of settings to choose from: prong, channel and bezel. Each type of setting does its jobs of holding the diamonds securely in place on the bracelet, but as each setting differs slightly, the overall look and feel of a bracelet changes based on how the stone is held.
There are four main metal types and colors that are used for tennis bracelets: platinum, white gold, yellow gold and rose gold. In choosing the type of material your bracelet is made from, the biggest considerations are color and budget. Platinum–the most expensive of the metals–is silver in color, but that’s where the similarities to silver, the metal, end. Unlike silver, platinum is much more durable. It resists scratches and corrosion. It is also rarer, which is why it can be so pricey.
There are often upwards of 50 small diamonds set in a tennis bracelet. The number of stones, as well as their small size, make certification impossible. This is why buying a tennis bracelet from Pleasure Diamonds with a stellar reputation is so important. When you evaluate the diamonds in the bracelet yourself, look for brilliance (or sparkle). The diamonds should look clean–with no noticeable blemishes–and they should be white in color, not yellow.
A tennis bracelet should be loose enough that it can move freely, but not so loose that it can slide off. The general rule is that when you can fit one finger between the bracelet and your wrist, it is the perfect fit. It is typically worn on the left-wrist as most people are right-handed, which means that the bracelet is subject to less wear and tear.
At the 1987 U.S. Open, tennis star Chris Evert was playing in a hotly contested game. She suddenly stopped mid-match and asked the officials for a time out. The reason: The clasp on her diamond bracelet had broken and the bracelet had fallen off her wrist, and she wanted to find it before playing the next point. When asked about it in an interview, she called the missing piece of jewelry her “tennis bracelet,” and so the iconic name was born.
If you’re shopping for a diamond tennis bracelet, you may find yourself wondering what the characteristics are that will help you to evaluate the quality of your purchase. It’s very important to focus on the type of metal that’s used; this will ensure the durability of your bracelet. The second factor to look at when assessing the quality of a diamond tennis bracelet is the beauty of each individual stone.
