Diamond tennis bracelets have quickly gained popularity these days because these stylish jewelry pieces may be worn to accessorize lovely evening gowns or chic casual attire. The result is dazzling and elegant.
Have you ever wondered why they’re called tennis bracelets? These slim bracelets with symmetrical diamond patterns were first introduced during a US Open Tennis Match in 1987 by accident. American Tennis superstar Chris Evert was seen sporting this elegant diamond bracelet. It accidentally broke and fell off while she was playing in this event. Evert then asked for the game to be halted temporarily until she could find it.
Gabriela Sabatini, a Brazilian tennis star also wore tennis bracelets in the nineties. This trend was further popularized when Serena Williams wore a custom-designed tennis bracelet at the US Open in 2002. William’s bracelet was valued at $29,000 and was designed by Harry Winston. Her Twelve to Twilight diamond tennis bracelet had a safety clasp that provided extra security.
Thus the sporty term for such an elegant piece of jewelry. They are also called eternity bracelets because the symmetrical pattern of the gemstones symbolizes immortal love and devotion, which is why these bracelets are not just great for fashionably accessorizing one’s attire, but also make ideal gifts for special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries.
All About Tennis Bracelets
Ideally, gems are made more visible than the metal used. Nowadays though, any bracelet that uses a repeating outline of diamonds and metal may be classified as a tennis bracelet. Diamond tennis bracelets are made from individual diamonds, typically in princess cut or brilliant cut round stones, in square settings put together into a bracelet and fastened by a clasp. They do not have pendants or other embellishments, which is why they look simple, uncomplicated, yet very elegant. Because of their versatility, they match both fancy ensembles and chic casual outfits equally well.
Four factors make a tennis bracelet distinct: stone shape, stone choice, type of metal, and stone setting.
The most popular cut, by far, is the round cut, though emerald and princess cuts have also been utilized. Some also opt to have unique fancy cuts to be more distinct.
The preferred choice of stone is diamonds as they are lustrous and are very valuable. Some people prefer to customize these bracelets with birthstones because of their color and individual significance.
Gold is the choice metal for tennis bracelets, whether it is yellow, white, or rose gold. This type of metal is more malleable and is also tarnish resistant. People have also taken a fancy to platinum for more valuable bracelets, as it is heavier and thus more secure. Platinum is thirty-five times more rare than gold and is silvery-white in color. It is mostly mined in Russia and South Africa and because it is scarce, it is more expensive. Platinum is more pure and durable compared to gold. Sterling silver may also be used as this is the cheaper option and silver looks just as lovely as the other two. Since silver metal is softer than the rest, and it also tarnishes readily, sterling silver bracelets require more care.
The most common stone setting for this jewelry is the four-prong setting because it puts emphasis on the stones and lessens the visible metal. Bezel settings may also be utilized for added security. Utilizing flush designs with metal teardrops may create elaborate designs.
The metals in between the stones may have different shapes. They may be straight metal bars, or S-shaped, or swirled. For added meaning in an eternity bracelet, some people use X-shaped bars so that together with O-shaped stones, it reads out “XO” which means “hugs- and-kisses.”
The bracelet must be constructed with a good safety latch to secure the piece in place. Eventually the bracelet’s clasp may loosen over time and may become less reliable so jewelry designers add a secondary safety measure to the bracelet so that if the first clasp breaks, the second one will be able to hold the bracelet in place.
Chains and the “figure eight” clasp are the most common safety latches that the designers use. The chain security latch links from one stud to another on the clasp’s other side. This way, if the main clasp breaks, the chain should be able to hold the tennis bracelet intact until this can be fixed. The figure eight clasp, on the other hand, is a double loop of metal, both snapping on the small posts on either side of the main clasp. If the main clasp gets disconnected, these loops will prevent the bracelet from falling off.
Tennis bracelets must be flexible and must be designed so that twisting will be prevented to avoid abrasion in the hinge areas. Ideal gap between the bracelet and the wrist is a finger wide. If the bracelet is made too long, it is likely to catch on things like furniture or clothing. It also places a lot of strain on the hinge joints. On the other hand, if the gap were made too short, it would be utterly uncomfortable if it hits items and may break the hinges and joints. It may also chafe the skin.
The total carat weight of the diamonds placed in the tennis bracelet primarily determines its price. A very slim bracelet may just need a quarter of a carat, while a larger bracelet may also be as heavy as four carats in weight. The quality of the stones also influences its price. Colorless and flawless diamonds would cost more than stones of lower quality.
Tennis bracelet aficionados on a tight budget may choose designs that will use smaller stones and use artistic metal patterns, like elongated ovals or infinity links in place. They may also opt for lower quality diamonds that look just as brilliant as the higher quality diamonds to the untrained eye.
Tennis Bracelets are for Everyone
Tennis bracelets are not just for tennis superstars. Celebrities, too, have been spotted wearing them on red carpet affairs. Fabulous stars Zhang Ziyi, Geena Davis, and Gwyneth Paltrow were seen wearing tennis bracelets to the 2006 Golden Globes. Tennis bracelets have also become trendy gifts for moms and daughters alike as they are stylish and may be worn everyday.
Other articles of interest: