THE ULTIMATE TENNIS BRACELET BUYING GUIDE

A tennis bracelet contains small diamonds connected by a thin, precious metal chain. Diamond tennis bracelets are beautiful jewellery pieces often given for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, holidays or special milestones like the birth of a child, a graduation or job promotion. Buying a tennis bracelet, whether for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, is a special event. However, with such a large variety of tennis bracelets available in different metals, settings and diamond cuts, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Our tennis bracelet buying guide has everything you need to know about the iconic tennis bracelet, how to wear it, how to assess its quality, different styles and settings, sizing and even the tennis bracelet name origin. Use this guide to determine which styles are most appealing to you – whether it is an 18K white gold classic tennis bracelet or a delicate double row tennis bracelet.

THE TENNIS BRACELET’S NAME ORIGIN

Originally known as a “line diamond bracelet”, the tennis bracelet has since earned a famous name following a sensational event that took place in 1987 at the US Open. Professional tennis player, Chris Evert, lost her diamond bracelet when its clasp came undone during a vigorous match. Evert asked the officials to put the match on hold to look for her bracelet. With spectators and television viewers watching the search, the line diamond bracelet not only acquired a new famous name but caught the world’s attention and has since become a highly desirable item.

TENNIS BRACELET STYLES

The most well-known and popular tennis bracelet design contains a single row (or loop) of diamonds. An example of this timeless design is the Shimansky Classic Tennis Bracelet. However, for the woman who prefers to express her individuality with a more intricate design, there are other styles to choose from. These include bracelets featuring more than one row of stones, like the Double Row Tennis Bracelet. Whether you prefer the classic tennis bracelet design or something with a bit more detail, these stylish and sophisticated bracelets will complement any outfit, whether on the tennis court or red carpet.

HOW TO ASSESS THE QUALITY OF A TENNIS BRACELET

Diamond tennis bracelets are versatile and timeless. They complement any outfit and will never go out of fashion, making them one of those essential jewellery items every woman should own. It is therefore a given that quality is an important factor to consider when shopping for a diamond tennis bracelet. How does one assess the quality of a diamond tennis bracelet? There are two important factors to consider: The type of metal used for the setting and the beauty of the diamonds.

Tennis bracelets are available in several different metals such as sterling silver, yellow gold, rose gold, white gold and platinum. While each metal offers its distinctive look and feel, not all metals offer the same advantages. Since a tennis bracelet is worn fairly often, the durability of the metal is an important factor to consider. Gold does not rust, tarnish or corrode, which makes it an ideal choice for this type of jewellery piece. Platinum is another great option. Platinum is not only the most durable and strongest precious metal but it is one of the most secure metals for delicate settings.

TENNIS BRACELET DIAMOND CUTS AND SETTINGS

Just like the choice of metal, the diamonds play a major role in the quality and beauty of a tennis bracelet. Hence diamond cuts and settings form a key part of our tennis bracelet buying guide. The cut, or make, of a diamond refers to the proportions given to the polished stone by the diamond cutter. Proportions are the size and angle relationships between the facets and different parts of the diamond. Cut is the most important of the 5Cs in determining the diamond's overall fire, brilliance and scintillation.

Tennis bracelets most often feature round or square cut diamonds, such as the round brilliant cut or the princess cut. Emerald-cut diamond tennis bracelets are also found, although they are less common.

Shimansky’s tennis bracelets are crafted with round diamonds, as can be seen in the Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Tennis Bracelet, as well as with square My Girl diamonds, featured in the My Girl Tennis Bracelet. The My Girl diamond is a unique eight-sided diamond cut that reflects light from every angle. This world-first, patented cut is a one-of-a-kind and exclusive to Shimansky.

The most popular diamond settings for tennis bracelets are prong, channel and bezel settings. Shimansky’s tennis bracelets are crafted using the prong setting, which holds the diamonds securely in place while allowing maximum light to shine through and illuminate the diamonds’ sparkle and scintillation.

HOW TO DETERMINE THE SIZING OF A TENNIS BRACELET

In general, sizing a bracelet is not as crucial as sizing a ring correctly. Tennis bracelets are often easily adjusted by removing a link to shorten the chain. However, you still want to get as close as you can. To find the appropriate size for a diamond tennis bracelet, measure the wrist using a piece of string or a ribbon then add between one and a half and two and a half centimetres to your total measurement to calculate the bracelet size.

HOW TO WEAR A TENNIS BRACELET

The bracelet that captivated the world’s attention during a tennis match never ceased to fascinate. Discerning jewellery shoppers who want to know everything about the iconic tennis bracelet, and how to wear it often come up. More specifically, which wrist to wear the bracelet on. Since most people are right-handed, tennis bracelets are usually worn on the left wrist as the wearer tends to use the left hand less than their dominant hand. Despite this, there’s no hard rule when it comes to deciding which wrist you should wear your tennis bracelet on.

Another popular question is, “Can you wear a tennis bracelet every day?” Yes, indeed. Tennis bracelets are elegant, timeless and versatile. This must-have jewellery item presents just as gorgeous when paired with a pair of jeans and a casual shirt as it does when worn with a red carpet dress, making them suitable to wear every day.

FIND THE PERFECT DIAMOND TENNIS BRACELET AT SHIMANSKY

 Shimansky understands the significance of life’s special milestones and celebrations; and that every jewellery creation holds the precious memory of the day it was received. We invite you to browse our iconic selection of diamond tennis bracelets at a Shimansky showroom. Our consultants will be delighted to guide you in finding the perfect bracelet for your special occasion.