Your Guide to Tennis Bracelets
Tennis bracelets exude classic elegance and are always a staple of any fine jewelry collection. They are frequently given as a gift on an anniversary, birthday, holiday, or other special occasion, making them the ultimate choice for marking sentimental memories forever with thoughtfulness and pure style.
Stunning Versatility
Tennis bracelets are ultra-versatile; they can be worn solo and can beautifully layer with other bracelets for a stacked look, laid next to your favorite watch, or shown off as the main focal point. Tennis bracelets always transition effortlessly from casual to formal outfits, making tennis bracelets a must-have, high-quality accessory that easily enhances any wardrobe.
Sentimental Value
Beyond their undeniable fire and ice, tennis bracelets hold sentimental value, often passed down as cherished heirlooms through family generations as a keepsake prized item. Tennis bracelets make a statement as part of any fine jewelry collection, symbolizing love, success, or personal milestones from one person to the other.
What are Tennis Bracelets?
Tennis bracelets commonly feature round brilliant cut natural or lab-grown diamonds four-prong set from end to end with a hidden clasp and safety latch, giving them a seamless appearance filled with fire and showcasing undeniable glamor.
2.75 carat Lab-Grown Diamond Tennis Bracelet
How Did Tennis Bracelets Get Their Name?
According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) website, tennis star Chris Evert was wearing a diamond bracelet during her match at the 1987 US Open when the clasp broke, causing the bracelet to fall off her wrist. The tennis match was halted as she searched for her bracelet, attracting media attention.
The bracelet, designed by famous jewelry designer George Bedewi and featuring natural diamonds, became associated with Evert’s elegant, on-court presence. As a result, the press began referring to the bracelet as a “tennis bracelet,” and the name stuck. After this, tennis bracelets become a must-have staple, synonymous with effortless luxury.
Buying Tips for Tennis Bracelets
Here are some suggestions to make buying your tennis bracelets easier and more streamlined:
Choosing Your Metal: Skin tone plays a key role in shopping for jewelry. White gold complements cool undertones and works beautifully for those with fair complexions. While more affordable than platinum, keep in mind that it may need periodic rhodium plating to maintain its color. Yellow gold, on the other hand, has a warm, classic appeal that pairs wonderfully with warm undertones, like olive or deeper skin tones. It’s also a low-maintenance choice, making it a great option for those who appreciate a more traditional aesthetic. Rose gold, with its soft blush hue, is incredibly flattering and versatile, especially for those with neutral or warm undertones.
Diamond Quality: Evaluating the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight) makes purchasing in your price range much easier; the quality of the diamond is a direct correlation to the price. Choosing diamonds that are quality and size-matched is vital for a uniform appearance–one “bad apple” will become obvious when set next to higher-quality stones, reducing the scintillation and value of the bracelet.
Clasp Styles: Tennis bracelets almost always feature hidden clasps, typically a box clasp, where a thin metal piece slides into the opposite side of the bracelet. Most Lauren B tennis bracelets include a hidden safety latch, while others use a figure-eight safety. Occasionally, zipper closures are used but are generally reserved for half-way tennis bracelets.
4.20 carat Lab Grown Diamond Illusion Set Tennis Bracelet (Box Clasp)
0.80 carat Lab Diamond Zip-Up Tennis Bracelet (Zipper Closure)
Gemstones and Diamonds: Diamonds are synonymous with tennis bracelets, but colored stones can be set into tennis bracelets, mingling with diamonds or other colored gems (sapphire, emerald, ruby, quartz, morganite, etc.). Choosing a birthstone or your favorite semi-precious/precious stone highlights the uniqueness of the tennis bracelet with vibrancy. This also factors into the cost.
Alternating Diamond and Sapphire Bracelet
Stone Shapes: Even though the round brilliant stone is considered timeless sophistication, tennis bracelets may contain a variety of shapes. Ovals, emerald cuts, radiants, or a mix of shapes, most popularly set in prong baskets or bezel settings.
2 carat Round Lab Diamond Tennis Bracelet
4.3 carat Oval Lab Diamond East-West Bezel Tennis Bracelet
Maintenance and Care: Like an engagement ring, a tennis bracelet requires proper care. Always remove it before sleeping, showering, or engaging in strenuous activities. When putting on or taking off the bracelet, be sure to undo the safety latch before opening the clasp to prevent damage.
How to Measure Your Wrist at Home: Length and Fit
Tennis bracelets should fit snugly without being too tight or too loose. Tennis bracelets are fashioned with semi-flexible basket links most of the time, hugging the wrist gently when worn. You should be able to comfortably slide one finger between your wrist and the bracelet for the best fit. With the correct fit beforehand, you can avoid unnecessary resizing, which may involve removing diamond links and altering the original design.
A well-fitted tennis bracelet enhances both comfort and durability, making it easier to put and remove from the wrist. When the links sit properly against the wrist without wide gaps, the bracelet maintains its elegant appearance without looking oversized and ill-fitting. If a tennis bracelet is too tight, it can restrict movement and may even break under pressure from simple arm and wrist motions.
A correctly fitted and sized tennis bracelet is easier to layer alongside other jewelry or wear next to a watch without causing scratches or snagging on clothing. By taking the time to measure your wrist accurately, you can enjoy a seamless and stylish jewelry-purchasing experience, loving what you took the time to select.
Find Your Perfect Bracelet at Lauren B
With our abundant inventory ranging from a classic delicate round brilliant to large bezel set multi-shape tennis bracelets, we guarantee you will be able to find the perfect addition to your wrist stack! Book an appointment in-store to see all our bracelets in person and try them on or schedule a virtual appointment so one of our design consultants can show you your favorites.
