Dreaming of making a tennis bracelet purchase but don’t know where to start? Rest assured, we’re here to help. From its intriguing history to valuable tips on finding your perfect match, this tennis bracelet shopping guide is all you need.
Tennis bracelets are loved for their timeless and versatile design, making them a spectacular addition to any jewellery collection. So, whether you want to indulge yourself or spoil someone with a luxurious gift, a tennis bracelet is the way to go. Since tennis bracelets come with a hefty price tag, you need to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth. With these tips for buying tennis bracelets, you’ll know exactly what to look for when purchasing one.
What Is a Tennis Bracelet?
A tennis bracelet is an elegant piece of jewellery featuring a continuous line of diamonds individually set in a precious metal like gold or platinum. This timeless design gracefully wraps around your wrist, exuding style and sophistication.
Why Is It Called a Tennis Bracelet?
Originally known as the eternity bracelet, the tennis bracelet got its current name thanks to tennis star Chris Evert. During the 1978 US Open, she famously paused her match to search for her diamond bracelet after it fell off. This incident popularized the name ‘tennis bracelet’ for this iconic style.
Shop Diamond Tennis Bracelets
A sparkly embrace for your wrist
Things to Know Before Buying Tennis Bracelets
Before we explore the different tennis bracelet styles, here are some important tips to consider before buying a tennis bracelet.
1. Carat Weight
A gemstone’s weight is measured in carats. A one-carat stone is equivalent to 200 milligrams, or, to put it simply, a one-dollar bill. Typically, a tennis bracelet will have an average of 2 to 5 carats, but this can vary drastically depending on the type of tennis bracelet and the size of each stone. While some tennis bracelets will have 10 carats, others might have even more.
An important factor to consider when choosing larger-carat diamonds is that you’ll have fewer stones on your bracelet because each diamond will take up more space. For example, a bracelet with big, 5-carat diamonds will have fewer stones than one with 1-carat diamonds. Bigger stones make a bold, standout statement and really catch the eye. However, since larger diamonds are rarer, they significantly impact the cost of tennis bracelets.
Conversely, a bracelet with smaller-carat diamonds will have more stones. This creates a continuous line of sparkle that’s delicate and elegant. While each small diamond is less expensive, the overall cost can still add up, especially if you’re looking at a total carat weight of several carats.
So, how do you decide? It really comes down to your style and budget. When picking out your tennis bracelet, think about how you want it to look and what you’re willing to spend. Balancing these factors will help you find the perfect bracelet that fits your style and budget.
2. Stones
The most popular stone for a tennis bracelet is the diamond. A classic tennis bracelet is set with round brilliant-cut diamonds, but other fancy cuts like emerald, baguette, and princess cuts have also become popular choices. In recent years, colourful gemstones have gained popularity in tennis bracelets, adding a vibrant twist to this timeless piece.
Coloured gemstones like sapphire, emerald, and ruby are now trending and being incorporated into tennis bracelets. These gemstones offer a unique and eye-catching alternative to traditional diamonds. They add a pop of colour and allow for personalized and distinctive designs that stand out.
Picking the right stone depends on its quality and your style preference. You can choose a traditional diamond tennis bracelet for women or a bold ruby tennis bracelet—the choice is yours.
Read: How to Tell if a Tennis Bracelet Is Real
3. Metal Colour
There are no hard and fast rules regarding the metal you choose for your tennis bracelet. You can look at the metals in your jewellery collection to determine whether you have a majority of yellow or white gold pieces and start from there. Here are some metal options you can consider:
- Gold is the most common choice for tennis bracelets; you can choose from rose gold, white gold or yellow gold.
- Platinum is the most durable metal and is hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for sensitive skin.
- Silver is another excellent choice but isn’t as durable as the other metal types mentioned above.
Another factor to consider when choosing the metal type is the stone you’re opting for. The metal colour should enhance the beauty of the stone. For example, an emerald tennis bracelet would look best when set in white gold or platinum. Other metals like rose or yellow gold can detract from the colour of the emerald.
Shop Gemstone Tennis Bracelets
Colourful gems for your wrist
4. Type of Settings
The two most common types of tennis bracelet settings are prong and bezel.
The traditional prong setting features two or more metal claws that extend over the gemstone to hold it in place. They often have rounded tops, but you can also find them with sharp, modern claws. Changing how they’re arranged can also alter the look of the bracelet.
Bezel settings, on the other hand, don’t come with prongs. The diamonds sit in the metal and are held by a thin rim that you can barely notice. This style gives a more delicate look and is generally more durable. If you like sleek, modern designs and want your diamond to be really secure, a bezel setting is the perfect pick.
Read: How to Put on a Tennis Bracelet
5. Sizing and Care
A tennis bracelet should fit snugly around your wrist, allowing it to move freely without sliding off. A good way to cheque is to see if you can slide one finger between your wrist and the bracelet once it’s clasped. If it fits comfortably, without any struggle, then it’s just right. If it feels tight or there’s no space for your finger, it’s too snug. On the other hand, if there’s too much room and the bracelet moves around too easily, it’s too loose.
The best way to buy a tennis bracelet with the perfect fit is to accurately measure your wrist using a measuring tape—leave an inch or so for one finger to fit through.
The most common bracelet size for most women in the U.S. is 7 to 7.5 Inches.
It is recommended that you wear your tennis bracelet on your non-dominant hand to prevent wear and tear. You should also make it a habit to clean it with a soft cloth after each wear. This will remove oils and sweat that have transferred from contact with your skin and keep your bracelet in pristine condition for years to come.
Read: How to Clean Tennis Bracelet
How Much Does a Tennis Bracelet Cost?
Tennis bracelets cost a pretty penny, making them investment-worthy pieces. Factors like the type and quality of the gemstone, carat weight and metal type play an important role in determining the price of a tennis bracelet. At Angara, tennis bracelets range from $359 and can go up to over $50,000. Our collection features tennis bracelets with diamonds, coloured gemstones, settings, and styles. For example, here is this gorgeous blue sapphire tennis bracelet that’ll leave a lasting impression.
When to Buy Tennis Bracelets
A tennis bracelet is gender-neutral and classy, perfect for celebrating life’s big moments. It’s a great choice for birthday gifts, especially for hitting milestone ages like 18, 21 and beyond. As a modern push present, it’s a thoughtful way to show appreciation for new moms. These bracelets can also be given during holidays and anniversaries and make for the perfect present for Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and, honestly, any special occasion.
Looking for the perfect tennis bracelet for yourself or a loved one? Shop tennis bracelets at Angara and pick your favourite from our exquisite collection of diamond and gemstone options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How can you tell the quality of a tennis bracelet?
The quality of fine jewellery is usually outlined on a certificate of authenticity that you get with your purchase. So, ensure that you get one from your jeweller when you purchase your tennis bracelet.
Q2. What is the best tennis bracelet to buy?
The best tennis bracelet you can buy is one that matches your unique style and falls within your budget. You can explore Angara’s collection of premium quality, handcrafted tennis bracelets today.
Q3. Is it worth buying a tennis bracelet?
Tennis bracelets are a good investment. These gender-neutral pieces are versatile, timeless and perfect for daily wear.
Q4. Should tennis bracelets be tight or loose?
Tennis bracelets are typically worn snugly around the wrist, but not so tight that they restrict movement or feel uncomfortable.
Q5. How do you tell a fake tennis bracelet?
A fake tennis bracelet will scratch easily and have a metal that reveals colours different from its coating. Additionally, you should purchase your bracelet from reputable jewellers known for quality jewellery. Be cautious with sellers offering deeply discounted or suspiciously low-priced bracelets.
Q6. How do I choose the right size for a tennis bracelet?
You can loosely measure your wrist with a measuring tape. Generally, you should be able to fit a finger between the bracelet and your wrist to ensure it’s not too tight. This ensures both comfort and security while wearing the bracelet.
