Buying Guide for Tennis Bracelets

If you've been thinking about adding a diamond tennis bracelet to your jewelry collection, consider this your sign.

Tennis bracelets are one of the most iconic pieces of diamond jewelry, as they are versatile, timeless, and make for remarkable future heirlooms. Trust us when we say this, it's that piece of jewelry you'll keep reaching for, even 50 years from now. And the sparkle, Aah! You'll love the way they shine on your wrist (and stacks).

So, what should you keep in mind when shopping for a tennis bracelet for yourself or a loved one? (Yes, they make a great gift too!) Keep reading this buying guide to find the best tennis bracelet for your style and budget!

What is a Tennis Bracelet?

A tennis bracelet is a versatile piece of jewelry featuring a single row of diamonds (or gemstones) set closely together, creating a continuous line of sparkle around your wrist. These bracelets are widely known as “tennis bracelets” thanks to a famous moment during the 1987 U.S. Open, when tennis champion Chris Evert's diamond bracelet flew off mid-match, prompting her to pause the game until she found it. From that point on, these bracelets became popular and continue to be cherished to this day.

Loved for their graceful design, timeless appeal, and versatility, this piece of fine jewelry easily transitions from day to night. Whether worn with casual attire or formal wear, solo or stacked, they never cease to grab all the eyeballs!

Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Tennis Bracelet

Material of the Bracelet:

One of the first things to consider when shopping for a tennis bracelet is the material of the chain. Precious metals like 14K and 18K gold (yellow, white, and rose) and platinum are popular choices, prized for their beauty and durability. Platinum is highly durable, has a gorgeous silvery-white hue, and hypoallergenic properties, making it suitable for people with sensitive skin. However, it often comes with a higher price tag. You can also consider gold, which is a timeless favorite. It comes in beautiful options, such as yellow gold, which lends a classic, warm look to the bracelet, or white gold for a sleek, modern shine (though it may require occasional rhodium plating). Even rose gold, with its romantic, pinkish hue, can be a stunning choice if you want a trendy bracelet.

When choosing a metal, consider your lifestyle, skin sensitivity, how often you plan to wear the bracelet, and whether you want to pair it with other jewelry pieces. Choosing a high-quality metal ensures your tennis bracelet will stay stunning and last for years to come.

Diamonds vs. Gemstones:

Another big decision you'll need to make when shopping for tennis bracelets is deciding between diamonds and gemstones. They both look stunning, so which should you choose for your tennis bracelet?

Diamonds are the classic choice, loved for their timeless sparkle and ability to go with just about anything. Plus, they're extremely durable (they score 10/0 on the Mohs scale of hardness) and offer an elegant look that never goes out of style. However, if you're looking for something more unique or colorful, consider gemstones. They look gorgeous and often come with special meanings or personal significance.

PS: If you're shopping on a budget, you can even go the lab-grown diamonds route!

Ultimately, whether you choose diamonds or gemstones comes down to your personal style, budget, and how you want your tennis bracelet to reflect your personality.

Size and Fit:

Getting the size and fit is essential for comfort and security because let's face it: You don't want to feel uncomfortable or lose it—can you imagine how awful that would be?!

Make sure the clasp on your tennis bracelet is sturdy and secure, so your bracelet doesn't slip off your wrist. At the same time, ensure there's a little space (up to 2 fingers) for it to move around.

If you're buying as a gift and unsure of size, opt for adjustable designs or consult a jeweler for guidance.

Setting Style:

The setting you choose plays a crucial role in both its appearance and its durability under everyday wear and tear. Prong and bezel settings are the two most common types of settings. Prong settings hold each stone in place using tiny metal claws, allowing more light to pass through the diamonds for maximum sparkle. They create a classic, delicate look, but prongs can loosen or snag, so it's best to avoid wearing prong-set bracelets when exercising, working with your hands, or doing anything vigorous.

Bezel settings, on the other hand, encase each stone in a thin metal rim, offering superior security and a sleek, modern appearance. While bezel settings slightly reduce the amount of visible sparkle, they're generally more durable for everyday wear. If you're an active person who plans to wear your tennis bracelet a lot, then a bezel setting might be a better choice for you. You can also go for channel setting if you want something different. In a channel-set tennis bracelet, diamonds are set in continuous lines bordered by two metals, giving the appearance of a row of diamonds.

At the end of the day, it all boils down to what you like and how you plan to wear it.

Clarity, Color, Cut, and Carat (4 Cs):

The 4 Cs of diamonds play a significant role in determining the quality and price of diamond tennis bracelets. A well-cut diamond maximizes brilliance, while higher color and clarity grades ensure a flawless appearance. Diamonds with larger carat weights dazzle, but this may also increase the overall cost.

To balance quality and budget, consider prioritizing cutting for maximum sparkle, aiming for near-colorless (G-H) diamonds, and choosing slightly included (SI) clarity grades that still appear clean to the eye. Smaller, well-matched diamonds offer a beautiful look and don't come with a high price tag.

Pro Tip: You can also opt for lab-grown diamonds rather than natural ones if you're shopping on a budget. Tennis bracelets crafted with these stones are more affordable and eco-friendly. What’s more? These stones also have fewer visible inclusions, so you can get higher-quality diamonds and stay within budget.

Choosing the Best Tennis Bracelet for Your Budget

Tennis bracelets come in a bunch of different price points. Some tips to help your budget include:

• Going with lab diamonds rather than natural stones.
• If you're on a tighter budget, opt for smaller stones, reduce your carat weight, or choose simpler styles, such as a half tennis bracelet, instead of a full one.
• Mixing some colored gemstones into your tennis bracelet—they'll add a pop of color and cost less than diamonds.
• Choosing a metal that fits your budget—metals like platinum are rarer than others, so they command a higher price tag.
• Opting for a simpler design—an intricate setting for your bracelet could cost more because it's more complex.

Styling Your Tennis Bracelets

Once you find the perfect tennis bracelet, how will you style it? Tennis bracelets can be dressed up or down, making them ideal for everyday wear or special occasions.

For a classic look, you can wear yours solo and let it shine on its own. But if you want a bit of drama, try stacking tennis bracelets with other bracelets in different metals, textures, or widths for a trendy, layered stack. If you have a gemstone tennis bracelet, wear it with monochromatic outfits for a striking look.

As you can see, there are endless ways to style these iconic jewels. No matter how you wear them, they'll always make a stunning style statement.

Caring for your Tennis Bracelet

Is your bracelet looking dull? Then it's time to get it looking new again. You can care for your tennis bracelet easily at home. Soak your bracelet in a bowl of warm water with mild soap. After about 15 minutes, use a softly-bristled brush to scrub around the stones. Rinse your bracelet with water and relish in how amazing it looks—just like new! You’ll also want to take your bracelet to a jeweler periodically to ensure the stones are intact and the settings are secure.

Conclusion

When buying a tennis bracelet for yourself or someone else, there are a few important considerations: metal type, gemstone or diamond quality, setting style, and proper fit. Consider how the bracelet will complement your lifestyle and personal style, whether you prefer something classic, bold, or uniquely colorful. A well-chosen tennis bracelet is a beautiful accessory and a meaningful piece you can wear for years to come if you care for it properly. Are you ready to find yours? Then head to With Clarity now to see all your tennis bracelets that’ll seamlessly match your taste and budget.