The Ultimate Guide to Tennis Bracelets
You know what’s true style? Something that looks good- and feels good, with little effort.
That's why we love tennis bracelets. They're a classic fashion accessory that can be dressed up or down, and look perfect in both styles. Plus, they preserve their exquisite subtleness—and we love that you can put them on with anything from your Sunday garb to office formals.
But how do you pick the best tennis bracelet for you? We've got all the info you need to wear it with style and panache.
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What Is a Tennis Bracelet?
If you're thinking of buying a tennis bracelet, or if you already own one, it's important to understand exactly what makes them so special.
A tennis bracelet is a bracelet made up of a symmetrical pattern of diamonds, gemstones, or zirconia connected by a thin, precious metal chain. Typically, the stones included in these bracelets are all of the same size, shape, color and clarity.
A tennis bracelet was actually known simply as a diamond bracelet. However, it wasn't until the late 1980's that the term “tennis bracelet” became popular. Read on and find out why!
Are Tennis Bracelets Affordable?
Now you might be thinking, tennis bracelets sound expensive. And they can be. One of the most expensive ones had diamonds weighing a total of 38.6 carats and was crafted with white gold. The cost? A whopping $1,35, 811.
But the truth is, tennis bracelets do not have to break the bank,
Good ones can cost you as little as $60. However, if you want a tennis bracelet laden with real diamonds or precious metals, be ready to dish out anything upwards from $2500.
Maybe you’re the kind of person who wears their expensive jewelry only on special occasions. Or maybe you’re the kind who does not want to invest a big chunk of money into precious jewelry. Or simply can’t afford to. Whatever the case, you can definitely find a beautifully stylish tennis bracelet you can wear on a daily basis.
Instead of diamonds or other gem stones, you can opt for tennis bracelets made of glass, crystals or cubic zirconia, and less expensive metals such as silver, steel or gold plated brass.
Some people prefer gold bracelets because they are more affordable than platinum or silver bracelets. However, platinum is known for its durability and resistance to tarnishing or corrosion from chemicals or moisture exposure over time which makes it ideal for those who live in humid climates or who like to explore outdoors.
The beauty and timeless elegance of this piece of jewelry will come through, no matter what it's made of.
How to Style a Tennis Bracelet
The tennis bracelet is a timeless piece of jewelry, something which will never go out of style.
If you're looking to add some flair to your outfit, a tennis bracelet is the perfect way to do it. The best part is that they come in a variety of colors and styles, so they can fit any look or style you have going on.
As far as how to wear them, there are really no rules! They go great with casual outfits like jeans and t-shirts or even more formal looks like dresses and blazers. But if you really want to get technical, here's how you can style them like a pro.
Wearing The Right Tennis Bracelet
While tennis bracelets typically come with multiple round-cut diamonds set on a single line, they can easily be customized to fit your preferences. Some of the most popular styles today include emerald and pear cut stones ranging from zirconia to emeralds, and of course the classic diamonds.
Whether it's simple or intricate, here’s how you guide to picking a tennis bracelet:
Pick the Right Setting
While the classic tennis bracelet has one loop or row of stones, they can also come in two or three rows of stones. There are three main settings for a tennis bracelet: Prong, channel and bezel. Each setting has its own unique look, for example prong settings show off the brilliance of the gem stones and channel settings allow the stones to flow seamlessly.
Size Matters
The next thing you'll need to consider is the size of your wrist—a bracelet must fit comfortably around it without being too tight or too loose. You don't want it so big that it falls off when you move around or bend your arm at all; nor do you want it so small that it feels like torture every time you wear it because there is no space left between skin and metal!
How to Wear a Tennis Bracelet With a Watch
Wearing a tennis bracelet with a watch can be tricky. But it's not impossible.
If you want to make sure your look is on point, first think about the type of watch you're going to wear with your bracelet—is it a dressy one or something more casual?
If it's a dressier piece, then you can probably get away with pairing it with a tennis bracelet that sports a matching metal band. If it's more casual, then consider wearing an everyday watch or a more delicate bracelet with a simpler design.
For those who like being quirky, go ahead and mix totally different styles of watches and tennis bracelets- style is all about what makes your individual personality stand out!
Finally, consider where the two items overlap—if the clasp of your bracelet overlaps with the clasp of your watch (or vice versa), then try either moving them so they don't touch. You could even wear one on either wrist so they don't clash with each other's design.
What to Wear With Tennis Bracelets
When it comes to pairing outfits with tennis bracelets, there's no need to overthink it! They're a great alternative to diamond studs or chokers and are perfect for any time of day, from ball dresses and pantsuits to t-shirts and jeans.
No matter what you wear them with, your tennis bracelet will always finish your look elegantly. And if you're looking for a little extra sparkle? Try pairing your tennis bracelet with pearl earrings or the little black dress!
Why Is It Called a Tennis Bracelet?
The history of the tennis bracelet dates back to 1987 when professional tennis player Chris Evert lost her diamond eternity bracelet during a match in New York City. Evert requested that the game be halted so that she could search for her bracelet. This moment in sports (and fashion) history was watched by both spectators and television audiences around the country.
Besides being a tennis legend, Chris Evert was also a fashion phenomenon. Evert's diamond eternity bracelet, for which she was dubbed "The Ice Maiden," was her most notable fashion accessory.
After Evret’s famous search on the court, the demand for ‘tennis bracelets’ went up astronomically and thus the simple diamond bracelet became the tennis bracelet.
How to Clean a Tennis Bracelet
Cleaning your tennis bracelet may seem like a task that should be up to the professionals. However, you don’t have to stop by the jewelers every week or so to get it cleaned. Here is what you need to do a quick clean of your tennis bracelet:
- Fragrance-free cleaning solution
- Warm or lukewarm water
- A shallow bowl
- A soft, unused toothbrush or jewelry cleaning brush
- A mesh colander
- A clean microfiber cloth
These are the steps you follow to clean the bracelet:
- Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of fragrance-free cleaning liquid. Agitate the mixture until bubbles form. As long as your bracelet is fully submerged in the water, you don't need any specific volume of water.
- The next step is to put the bracelet into a soapy bath. To do this, use a skewer or your finger to gently move the bracelet into the water and soap mixture until it is evenly coated. There's a good chance this will assist in removing some of the difficult residues that jewelry accumulates with everyday use.
- After you've soaked your bracelet in the mixture, you'll want to leave it there for about 10 minutes. This will ensure that any stains that might have been left behind are completely removed.
- After soaking your tennis bracelet in the mixture, gently brush the diamonds with a toothbrush. Any loose diamonds will not be harmed by this process, but they may be pushed out of their proper position.
- When you’re satisfied your jewelry is clean and shiny, pat it dry with a soft, unused microfiber cloth. Never rub or wipe the jewelry as this can damage the prongs and make the cloth stick.
- When you’ve finished cleaning your tennis bracelet, use a mesh colander to catch any unsecured gems that may have popped out of their prongs. Then take them to a jeweler for re-setting.
The Takeaway
Tennis bracelets are one of the most versatile pieces of jewelry you can wear. While they're often associated with tennis, they can be worn with just about anything—from ball dresses to pantsuits!
You can find them in a range of styles and materials, from gold to silver and even platinum. They come in a variety of lengths, too: some are designed to sit at the wrist while others wrap around your entire forearm. You'll find so many options when it comes to tennis bracelets that you'll never want to take yours off again!
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