A tennis bracelet is usually thin, simple, and is individually set with diamonds throughout. They are sleek and elegant, never gaudy. Tennis bracelets are usually made from platinum or 18-carat gold. Over the years, the bracelets have become an elegant fashion statement and are often gifted for anniversaries, graduations, birthdays, or any special occasion.

 

Tennis bracelets were born in the 20th-century as they use small diamonds to create a single bracelet. They weren’t called “tennis” bracelets until after a tennis star’s jewelry malfunction which caused a tennis match to come to a hault. In 1987, these bracelets got their signature name after world-famous tennis player, Chris Evert, lost her diamond bracelet during the US Open on live TV. People all over the world watched as the match was postponed so that officials could assist Evert in reclaiming her missing jewelry. In a post-match interview, Evert referred to the jewelry as her “tennis bracelet”, and the name stuck, subsequently increasing the popularity of the piece.

 

Chris Evert was certainly not the first to wear, a flexible band of diamonds around the wrist. In the 1920s, men and women were often found wearing lightweight “eternity bracelets,” which would look to us today like the tennis bracelet.

 

Although the classic version of the tennis bracelet has diamonds set in yellow gold, now there are many types of bracelets to choose from. There are many gemstones that can be seen in a tennis bracelet, such as rubies, garnets, sapphires, or emeralds. There are also more affordable options which include, cubic zirconium, a diamond substitute. Some bracelets come in yellow gold, they are most commonly seen in white gold, sterling silver, or platinum. Now almost any straight bracelet with a repetitive design is considered a tennis bracelet.

 

GIA experts offer a few suggestions, on how you can wear your bracelet without fear:

• Along with the original clasp, add a safety catch on the side of the bracelet for added security.
• Be sure to have the tennis bracelet checked periodically by a jeweler to make sure the clasp, safety catch, and mountings are properly secure.
• Keep the diamonds sparkling with occasional cleanings.

 

If you are thinking about investing in or selling a tennis bracelet visit one of our Precious Metals Refinery stores and see what we can offer you. Our mission is to give you the most for your valuables. Bring in any competitor’s written quote and we guarantee we’ll pay you more.