What Is a Tennis Bracelet?

One of the most beautiful and long-lasting pieces of jewelry is a tennis bracelet. It has a flexible band of precious metal with single brilliant diamonds set snugly on it. Usually, the diamonds or crystals are the same size, cut, and form, which makes the wrist look like it is always shining.

Every fashionista wants these bracelets. They may dress up your everyday clothes (jeans and a t-shirt) or dress down for formal events (evening gowns and cocktail dresses). Their simple yet stunning design is what makes them still popular in any jewelry collection.

Why Is It Called a “Tennis Bracelet”?

The very first designs of line diamond or eternity bracelets have also been their initial names, as those were the main symbols of the love that lasted forever or the promise of a mutual commitment. A "tennis bracelet" name made a big step towards being known worldwide following an incident at a tennis match. The 1987 U.S. Open event, when Chris Evert, a well-known tennis player, interrupted her game abruptly as her diamond bracelet came off and fell. Only after the event, the media and the audience start calling the pattern of that bracelet a "tennis bracelet." The name became more and more popular over time.

Types & Materials

1. Diamond Tennis Bracelets

The diamond tennis bracelet that is only made of diamonds is one of the most wanted things by rich people from all over the world. The 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat) are the scales on which the features of the perfection of a diamond are rated. Most of the time, there are diamonds that are set in 18k gold (white, yellow, or rose) or in platinum. Due to the high price and purity of the diamonds, the production process, especially the part of the clasp and the settings, must be of top quality for both safety and user-friendliness.

2. Silver / Cubic Zirconia / Crystals

It is surprising how people find a few very clever and fashion-conscious ways to dress smartly without spending too much money. One of these is the use of cashmere and lab-created gem bracelets. Most of these cobas are either entirely covered in sterling silver or just plated with some metal. They are in fashion and at the same time are less expensive.

3. Colored / Gemstone Variants

The originality of the bracelet can be the use of colored gemstones such as sapphires, rubies, emeralds, or multi-color stones. The gems can be combined with diamonds or solo, thus giving more potential and charms to the eternity piece.

4. Matching Necklace / Jewelry Sets

Tennis necklaces are similar to the continuous stone setting ones. The blend, coordination, and harmony of the polished look come from the matching of a bracelet with a necklace (and sometimes, rings or earrings).

Design Details: Settings, Clasps & Styles

Stone Settings

• Prong: The tiny metal "claws" that hold the gem are so small (usually there are between 2 and 4 for each stone) that most of the light is made accessible to the jewel, and its brilliance is increased as a result of this feature.
• Channel: The jewels are being placed in the space between two metal strips, which are set next to each other, thus creating a regular and clean look.
• Bezel: Every jewel is completely covered with metal. This "frame" not only increases the protection, but also, to some extent, prevents the exposed surface from reflecting light.

Clasps

The many types of clasps are different from one another by such characteristics as ease of use, security, and the range of designs.

• Spring clasp & lobster clasp: These are tiny devices that have a spring inside and are operated with a small lever. Most jewelry pieces use these as the main types of closures.
• Box clasp: A metal tab that is inserted into the box-like housing is then locked in place—usually, a safety latch is added for extra security.
• Slider clasp (Adjustable): This device allows you to change the size over a specific range by sliding it either up or down to close or open.

First, imagine whether the wearer is an active person (wearing the jewel daily/energetically) and if they prefer a quick or more secure closure, then you will buy a piece or give it as a present.

• With a watch: Put the tennis bracelet closer to the wrist (hand side) and the watch a little higher. Try to match the metal tones (e.g., white gold with silver or white gold).
• Stacking: For an antique look that no one else has, combine it with thinner bangles or charm bracelets that you already own.
• Daily vs Special Event: Most gem or precious metal jewelry was, according to tradition, utilized only for the past or formal wear, whereas crystal/silver ones are progressively becoming fashionable in casual clothes.
• Color matching: If your bracelet has colored gemstones, wear or have accessories that match or are close to the color of the gems and are next to them on the color wheel.