How Much Does a Tennis Bracelet Cost?

Take it from us – If ‘glamourous’ is the word that best describes your style, then the tennis bracelet is definitely something you should consider getting. Stylish and stunning, this piece has captured the eyes and hearts of many and is considered to be a must-have for every fashionista.

That said, have you ever stopped to wonder about the hype surrounding this accessory and its cost? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Join us today, as we deep dive into the world of tennis bracelets for women and discuss everything from the various types available to their pricing.

But first, let’s get to know what is a tennis bracelet.

Simply put, a tennis bracelet is a fine jewellery item that features a series of gems (in either the same or graduating sizes) set along the entire length of the accessory. Because of its design, the wristlet was actually called the ‘eternity bracelet’ for the longest time.

Believe it or not, its name only changed after the 1978 US Open. During the same, tennis star Chris Evert happened to lose her diamond bracelet on the ground. She was so distraught about the same that she pleaded with the officials and made them halt the match until the accessory was found. Needless to say, the incident made the jewellery item an extremely famous one and it has been called the ‘tennis bracelet’ since then.

Did You Know?

That Chris Evert isn’t the only player that loves tennis bracelets. Gabriela Sabatini and Serena Williams have often sported these stunners as well.

Before we get started, let’s learn about the different types of tennis bracelets available in the market today. Generally speaking, most tennis bracelets are differentiated based on their gemstone settings. The main types are as follows:

• Four-Prong Tennis Bracelet

When it comes to tennis bracelets, this one is often the most revered choice. Each gem present here is carefully set in place by a four-prong basket. Apart from its ability to secure the gem without hampering its sparkle, this design is also well-loved for its sleek look which never fails to awe.

• Three-Prong Tennis Bracelet

If you’re looking for something that’s slightly more subtle, then the three-prong tennis bracelet’s a great option for you. Similar to the previous choice, this setting secures the jewel in the place with the help of three prongs rather than four.

• Two-Prong Tennis Bracelet

Though slightly less sturdy than the two options mentioned above, this type of tennis bracelet is quite big on the sparkle. It secures the gemstone with only two prongs thus allowing an extreme amount of light to pass through the stone which in turn offers it a spectacularly brilliant look.

• Bezel Tennis Bracelet

If security is your main concern, then you can’t do better than a bezel tennis bracelet. This setting essentially constitutes a sturdy metal collar that encircles your gem and holds it firmly in place. It is considered to be more refined than the prong setting and is a great option for those with a more minimalistic sense of style.

• Chanel Tennis Bracelet

Speaking of great security, another fantastic option is the channel tennis bracelet. The jewels are packed tightly together between two raised metal walls without any bead, bezel or prong in between. Much like the bezel tennis bracelet, the resultant look is a contemporary one that can be used to highlight one’s modern vibe.

• Claw Tennis Bracelet

Edgy yet chic, this type of tennis bracelet is all the rage right now. Here, each gem is held in place by pointed prongs that look like claws. Not only does this setting allow extreme amount of light to enter the gem but it also adds an eye-catching element to the tennis bracelet, which needless to say, enhances its appeal.

• Multiple Row Tennis Bracelet

While the classic tennis bracelet typically has only one row of gemstones, one can find several variations which feature multiple rows of the same jewel. Needless to say, the additional strands elevate the accessory’s luxury quotient and make it a truly eye-catching piece.

Apart from the above, tennis bracelets can also be categorized based on the different metals and gemstones used. And while the most common metal options are gold and platinum, the sky’s the limit when it comes to the jewels. Having said that, diamond is an absolute favourite when it comes to tennis bracelets, and also the most expensive one.

What Are the Four Cs Which Determine a Diamond Tennis Bracelet’s Worth?

It’s interesting to note that several factors can affect the overall quality of the diamonds used in your tennis bracelet. These are as follows:

• Colour

Believe it or not, diamonds can be found in a variety of hues. In fact, the normal colour category contains everything from colourless to yellow and brown diamonds (this does not include fancy colour diamonds). That said, the colourless variety is unquestionably the most valuable of the lot.

Naturally, even slight colour differences can greatly impact the value of the diamond here. Depending on the same, each gemstone is given a letter grade between ‘D’ and ‘Z.’ The implications of the same are as follows:

• D – Absolutely colourless.
• E/F – Colourless to the human eye. That said, minute traces of colour can be detected here by an expert.
• G/H – Near-colourless. The only way to spot the hue here is to compare it to a colourless stone.
• I/J – Almost colourless with a slightly warm tone.
• K-Z – These stones are noticeably coloured and are therefore not very valuable.

What you should get: Needless to say, diamonds that fall within the D category will give you the most sparkle. Having said that, if you’re shopping with a budget, we highly recommend opting for gemstones that fall within the E-H categories. This ensures that you get the most shine without draining your pocket.

• Cut

Contrary to popular belief, the cut of a diamond can actually affect its overall shine. Here, an ideal cut should reflect all the light that enters the gemstone and makes it appear larger than it actually is and enhances all three optical illusions, that is, the gem’s fire, brilliance and scintillation.

What you should get: A round cut is a fabulous choice when it comes to tennis bracelets. Also known as the crème de la crème of gemstone cuts, it features a whooping 57 facets – each of which is expertly created to highlight the fire and brilliance of your stone. It goes without saying that with this cut, you can rest assured knowing that your piece will be a super sparkling one.

• Clarity

As with all gems, inclusions can greatly reduce the clarity and overall value of the diamond. Based on the same, most of these jewels are slotted into one of the following categories:

• Flawless (FL) – These gemstones have no internal or external imperfections. They are considered to be the best, rarest and most valuable of the lot.
• Internally Flawless (IF) – These diamonds do not have any internal imperfections.
•  Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1, VVS2) – These gems contain very few inclusions which are extremely difficult to view under a 10x magnification.
• Very Slightly Included (VS1, VS2) – These jewels have imperfections that are not typically visible to the naked eye.
•  Slightly Included (SI1, SI2) – These gemstones are characterized by their imperfections visible under 10x magnification and might even be visible with an unaided eye.
• Included (I1, I2, I3) – These are essentially graded diamonds with minor inclusions that are visible to the naked eye.

What you should get: Naturally, flawless diamonds will always give your tennis bracelet the best shine. However, if those jewels are out of budget, opt for ones that fall within the internally flawless, very very slightly included, or very slightly included categories. This will ensure that you get the maximum bang for your buck without overpaying.

• Carat Weight

Last but not the least on this list is the carat weight of the jewel. Interestingly, smaller diamonds tend to cost less per carat when compared to larger gems of the same quality. This is because smaller gemstones are easier to find in nature.

What you should get: There is no right or wrong answer here and the same just depends on your budget and preference.

The Main Question…How Much Does a Tennis Bracelet Cost?

Generally speaking, depending on the gemstone, stone quality, carat weight and metal, a tennis bracelet can set you back anywhere between $359 and $54,439 at Angara.

Which Type of Tennis Bracelet Is the Most Expensive?

High carat, white diamond tennis bracelets made from platinum tend to be the most expensive.

Why Are Tennis Bracelets So Expensive?

Tennis bracelets tend to cost more than other fine jewellery items because of the sheer number of gemstones used. Apart from this, factors like the carat weight and grade of the jewel as well as the type of metal used can greatly impact the overall value of the piece.

Buying Tips

One of the most common questions we get is ‘how to buy a tennis bracelet?‘ Our answer: By following the tips and tricks mentioned below:

• Research the Seller

As you can’t view your tennis bracelet in person before purchasing it online, you must double-cheque the authenticity of the seller. You can do this by browsing through the organisation’s website and reading all their uploaded certificates.

If you can’t find any certificates online, go through all the comments featured under their social media posts for real and unfiltered reviews. This will help you understand the legitimacy of the company as well as important information regarding the company’s customer service, turnaround time, etc.

• Read the Return Policy

The best way to conclusively determine the authenticity of your piece is to get it chequeed by your local jeweller. Therefore, make sure that the company has a clear return policy which allows you to either return or exchange the tennis bracelet if it defers from what is claimed online.

• Opt for a GIA-Certified Gemstone

One of the best gemstone organisations in the world, the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) works to protect jewellery lovers and collectors alike from imitation pieces. By picking a GIA-certified jewel, you can rest assured knowing that the accessory is 100% genuine.

Finally, want to know what’s the best way to clean your tennis bracelet? Start by soaking your piece in a lukewarm soap-water solution. Once soaked, gently scrub the edges of each jewel with a soft-bristled brush to get rid of the excess dirt. Next, hold your accessory under running water to wash away any excess soap and leave it aside to dry.