Diamond Tennis Bracelets 

What is it and how to select a diamond tennis bracelet right for you!

So you’re looking to buy yourself or gift someone special, a diamond tennis bracelet? You have landed on the right page for information about these essential staple jewellery pieces and how to “correctly” select the right one for you!

Classically known as the “line bracelet” consists of perfectly lined matching round brilliant cut diamonds- used in original designs, however can be various shaped coloured gemstones such as rubies - as long as they are all same shape and size in a line. So normally diamonds are selected based on their 4C’s. Which is: clarity, colour, cut, and carat, and of course how they ensemble together in a line to make a 7 inch beautiful matching line (7 inch is the average length of the bracelet).

The term “tennis bracelet” was coined in the late 80’s after an incident during a tennis match at the US Open, where Chris Evert broke her bracelet during the match and asked to pause to find her bracelet on the court! Since that historical moment the jewellery industry has coined this term and the classical jewellery wardrobe must-have has become known as the “Tennis Bracelet”!

Lets get technical

Selecting your aesthetic based on weight and length

Now, what is everyone talking about 1 carat, 2 carat or 5 carat bracelets? That is the total amount of carats the bracelet holds. For example, for a 6 carat diamond tennis bracelet each diamond weighs 0.15 carats, so that means the bracelet holds a total of 40 diamonds totalling the weight of 6 carats! An average length of a line bracelet for an average female wrist is 7 inches long (17.5cm) including the clasp.

 Every diamond tennis bracelet will have various counts of diamonds based on their total value of carats. So the less carat weight, the more stones the bracelet will hold, so it will be thinner and finer sparkle, as to a large 6 carat you would be able to nearly define each stone individually by eye from a good 30cm distance. 

Depending on the width of your wrist, your everyday dress style and your preferences, pick your bracelet by trying various sizes on and see how they sit and feel on your wrist. Some people prefer thinner/finer look to suit their everyday lifestyle and other pieces. Whilst if you are someone who loves to make an impression with bold glamour staple pieces then go for big! 

Nearly most styles (thinner or thicker) bracelets can be achieved at various budgets, as long as you decide what you are looking for (either the clarity and higher grade colour focus) or perhaps you would rather larger stone size and can compromise on the colour and clarity to achieve this. Depending on what are you ready to sacrifice? Could it be perhaps in a lower gold karat make for example in 14 karat instead of 18 karat - which will not alter the look! A bigger look can be achieved on a lower budget by selecting the bracelet in a lower Karat gold (for example 9 karat) or lower colour grade diamonds! 

Selecting a diamond tennis bracelet is like selecting a diamond, the same principle applies- the 4 C’s (colour, Cut, Clarity, Carat) - depending on your budget. First you look at the quality of the stones, then also the “make” of the bracelet, which guarantees your piece longevity.

Look at the make of the bracelet - how is it made. The hinges and how it feels on your wrist - does it hurt to wear, is it heavy for you or does it annoy you when you move your hand - some things can get used to overtime but things like wrist hair getting stuck could be annoying overtime.  

Tennis Bracelet Pro Tip

Have a look - that the back of the bracelet should have hinges between each division so in case one side breaks. It is still held together on the other side and won't fall off your wrist at an unpredictable time.  As it is a daily worn piece of jewellery and unforeseen circumstances occur (for example even take the event where the name was coined! - The bracelet broke off the wrist of Chris Everet! And the game was stopped to find the bracelet on the court!)

Three points of security - Another point to focus on when selecting the bracelet is to see the security of the clasps, I would recommend 3 points of security - click in box clasp and 2 clicks on the sides to hold the bracelet together.

Choosing Colour and Clarity of the diamonds

So only 2% of all diamonds fluoresce! Fluorescence is great because it tells you that the stone is natural! However, don’t be scared, in some instances fluorescent diamonds can be oily (This is typically of higher colour grade diamonds F colour and higher). Oily look will only be seen in sunlight, so if you wear yours in the evenings…by the candlelight dinners, you have nothing to worry about! If you do want to check, anyways ask to view your bracelet in daylight, under the sun! And to compare in incandescent light, to see if the diamonds sparkle and scintillate. The reason to view your bracelet and check your diamonds in sunlight when buying one, is to see if the diamonds will look milky or oily. 

 Also my note if you do go for colour grade “lower” - off-white such as G-H range - the slightly yellowish tint of the diamonds can add a romantic touch as you sit by the candlelight dinner!