Have you ever seen someone wearing a beautiful, thin, elegant bracelet lined with diamonds? If so, you probably saw a diamond tennis bracelet without even knowing it. Tennis bracelets have been around for decades and they’ve been continually popular among fashion-forward shoppers, sports enthusiasts, and jewelers.
But what are diamond tennis bracelets? How can consumers differentiate tennis bracelets from other kinds of bracelets? Finally, where can you find high-quality diamond tennis bracelets at affordable prices?
In today’s guide, we will answer all of these questions and more. So, let’s get started!
What Is A Tennis Bracelet?
A tennis bracelet consists of symmetrical diamonds (or other gemstones) that are all connected by a slender chain, typically made of precious metals like gold or platinum. The gemstones are traditionally uniform in size and shape, with very little space in between each stone. This creates the effect of a bracelet entirely made of precious gemstones.
It is the uniformity that differentiates tennis bracelets from most other kinds of bracelets. For instance, you could choose a bracelet that only has one gemstone, or multiple gemstones of varying size, shape, color, and clarity. Alternatively, a tennis bracelet is made to look like a constant string of identical gemstones that can be worn comfortably and securely on the wrist.
Why Is It Called A Tennis Bracelet?
So, how did the tennis bracelet get its name? Unlike some older jewelry styles whose histories have been lost in time, the tennis bracelet is a comparatively recent innovation. In fact, the birth of the tennis bracelet is an event that was widely broadcast and can still be rewatched to this day.
During the 1978 U.S. Open, tennis star Chris Evert was wearing her signature diamond bracelet. She made a point of replacing the traditional tennis brace or wrap with a more luxurious and elegant alternative. However, things did not go according to plan for Evert, as her signature bracelet flew off her wrist in the middle of an important match.
The match had to be brought to a halt so that Evert could find her valuable piece of jewelry. Commentators and journalists came to refer to Evert’s accessory as the “tennis bracelet.” Evert would later team up with jewelry designer Monica Rich Kosann to create a collection of diamond tennis bracelets to commemorate the unexpected event that changed fashion history forever.
Diamond Tennis Bracelets
The widespread media attention given to Chris Evert and her beautiful diamond tennis bracelet helped solidify its popularity in the United States and Europe. Soon after, the new fashion would grow to become a worldwide phenomenon. Manufacturers worked to improve upon Evert’s original design to make tennis bracelets more durable and less likely to fall off during physical activity. In doing so, the tennis bracelet was cemented in history as a fashion piece that is durable, elegant, beautiful, and versatile.
How Should A Tennis Bracelet Fit?
The key word when talking about tennis bracelets is “delicate.” While you can easily wear these bracelets during physical activity, they are not thick or robust. Instead, they are thin and malleable, making it easier to take them on and off as needed.
Generally speaking, a tennis bracelet should not fit tightly against the wrists. When choosing a size for your tennis bracelet, you should ensure that you can easily clasp the bracelet so that it can fit loosely on your wrist. However, it should not be so loose that it could slip over your hand. This was likely the issue that originally caused Evert’s mid-match blunder.
If you’re worried about your tennis bracelet falling off, you can opt for a size that is only slightly larger than your wrist. This way, the bracelet can still be worn as it is intended, albeit with far less risk of slipping off the hand.
Can A Tennis Bracelet Be Resized?
Yes, tennis bracelets can be resized. Many people assume that the process would be quite expensive since most tennis bracelets are lined with diamonds, but this is fortunately not the case. You can often get your tennis bracelet resized by a professional jeweler for less than $100, though prices will vary based on your location and the metal used for the chain.
In any case, a jeweler simply needs to increase or decrease the length of the chain to make it larger or smaller. If you need significant changes to the size, then it could complicate the process and even make resizing far more expensive. For example, you may want to make your tennis bracelet significantly larger. This would mean that the gemstones in your bracelet would either need to be placed farther apart, or you would need to add one or more additional gemstones to maintain the same placements and spacing.
Alternatively, if you need to make your tennis bracelet smaller, the jeweler may need to remove diamonds to make it possible. This would leave you with one or more diamonds that could be put into a new piece of jewelry, but you would naturally have to pay more for this service. In either case, the degree to which you need the chain lengthened or shortened can substantially affect the price and look of your tennis bracelet.
How To Wear A Tennis Bracelet
As previously mentioned, a tennis bracelet is meant to be worn loosely on the wrist. It is a delicate bracelet that combines elements of casual fashion with high-end luxury. For this reason, you can wear it in just about any setting. Just remember that loose bracelets are more likely to fall off, so make sure that the size is set to fit your wrist and hand comfortably.
Can You Wear A Diamond Tennis Bracelet Every Day?
Absolutely! Diamonds last forever and high-quality metals are made to be worn as often as you like. With that in mind, you should remove your bracelet when cleaning, swimming, and bathing, as these activities increase the risk of losing your bracelet or having it damaged by chemicals. And, while water is unlikely to damage the metal of your bracelet, it can cause gold and other precious metals to lose their luster over time.
How To Wear A Tennis Bracelet With A Watch
You might be inclined to combine your tennis bracelet with other accessories, like a watch or even another bracelet. These are both perfectly acceptable, as long as the two pieces do not clash with one another. That said, if you want to wear them more comfortably and have each piece fully visible, it is best to wear your tennis bracelet on one wrist and your watch or accessory on the other wrist.
How To Open & Close A Tennis Bracelet
Most tennis bracelets use a secure locking system so that you can quickly fasten and unfasten the bracelet as needed. When you want to put on your bracelet, just unclasp the bracelet by pushing the metal clasp between the diamonds and pulling the pin out of the locking mechanism. This is the same process you will use to take off the bracelet. Then, position the bracelet around your wrist and slide the pin back into the opening on the other end of the bracelet until you hear it click into place.
We hope you found this diamond tennis bracelet guide both useful and informative! Are you in the market for diamond tennis bracelet jewelry? Do you want beautiful, certified lab diamond bracelets at competitive prices? If so, be sure to check out the luxurious products available at Liori Diamonds today!
