There are few things more beautiful on a woman’s wrist than a diamond tennis bracelet. But why in the world are these sparkling accessories referred to with the name of a sweaty sport attached? The answer is quite simple. During the 1987 U.S. Open, tennis pro Chris Evert was wearing one of these stone clad beauties. During her match the clasp on her bracelet broke, and she asked the officials overseeing the event to pause the match until the piece of jewelry could be located. Since that occasion, the term “diamond tennis bracelet” has been adopted and stuck. Today you can find these bracelets in a wide array of designs and styles, although the trademark look of all is the line of diamonds that are linked with some sort of setting of a precious metal.
Characteristics of Diamond Tennis Bracelets
Because these bracelets come with a number of stones, diamond tennis bracelets tend to be one of the pricier pieces of jewelry that you can own. The price range generally runs anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand, depending on the carat size and the quality of the diamonds. Many diamond tennis bracelets come with stones that are of lesser quality than you will find in a ring, pendant or earrings, simply because the number of stones makes this style less costly. Lower quality stones do not necessarily mean a less brilliant piece of jewelry however, since many diamond flaws are only visible to a well-trained, magnified eye. You can also find less expensive versions of the diamond tennis bracelets with semi-precious stones (like birth stones) intertwined in a colorful pattern, or a geometric pattern of metal with the stones. One popular version like this is to use a metal “X” shape with round stones to give a “hugs and kisses” message.
What to Look for in your Diamond Tennis Bracelet
The most important feature to look for when shopping for a diamond tennis bracelet is a style that appeals to your personal taste. You can find these pieces in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and colors. The most popular metals that are usually used in these tennis bracelets are white or yellow gold, but you can also find some that will incorporate other types of gold as well. The more expensive bracelets that use larger stones will often have a platinum setting, since this metal can hold the stones more securely. When it comes to choosing your stones, cost may often be a factor. This will lead many jewelry shoppers to consider diamond tennis bracelets that include semi-precious stones like birth stones or alternatives to genuine diamonds like cubic zirconium.
One important feature that you will want to be sure that your diamond tennis bracelet includes is a safety clasp that will keep your bracelet on your wrist in the event that the original clasp comes open or breaks. This will help to prevent the loss of an expensive and valuable piece of jewelry. Most diamond tennis bracelets will come equipped with this feature, particularly if the jewelry piece runs on the higher end of the cost spectrum.
