Caring for Tennis Bracelets: How to Keep Them Sparkling
Diamonds look stunning in every piece of jewelry, but there’s something striking about a sparkling line of diamonds in a tennis bracelet. You want to keep your bracelet looking new, and you can do that by caring for your tennis bracelet.
Tennis bracelets have a line of continuous diamonds that wrap around the wrist. They’re typically a symmetrical pattern of diamonds or gemstones of the same size, shape, and color connected by a thin metal chain.
Bracelets for women usually have a lot of carat weight, so they’re gorgeous pieces of fine diamond jewelry made with rare, quality diamonds. Tennis bracelet popularity continues to increase because they’re versatile, can be dressed up or down, and go with any outfit.
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Understanding Materials
Diamonds in tennis bracelets are held in place with four prongs, but you’ll also see bezel-set bracelets. Typical metals for bracelets include platinum, yellow, white, or rose gold. Each of these metals are durable and can safely hold diamonds in place on a bracelet.
Cleaning Techniques
If you regularly wear your diamond tennis bracelet, you’ll need to clean it periodically. Dirt, grime, lotion, and sunscreen all cling to diamonds and gemstones and can dull the surface. Cleaning it can make your diamonds sparkle and shine. You can easily clean it at home by filling a small bowl with some lukewarm water to cover your bracelet. Add a few drops of mild liquid soap and gently stir it. Place your tennis bracelet into the bowl and leave it to soak for about 10 minutes. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub each stone and setting. Plug a drain of the sink and rinse the bracelet under running water to remove soap and dirt. Pat your bracelet dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid using a paper towel to dry your jewelry.
Avoiding Chemicals and Damage
One aspect of keeping your tennis bracelet safe is leaving it at home if you’re going to be cleaning, hiking, swimming, or sitting out in the sun. You can prevent damage or loss by leaving it at home if you have some strenuous activities planned. You’d hate to lose your bracelet while you spent all day gardening and working in your yard.
Storage Tips
Smart storage can also protect your bracelet. Keep it stored separately from other accessories to keep it from scratching other jewelry pieces or getting scratched. Remember that diamonds are extremely hard, and they can easily scratch metal and softer gemstones. You’ll see jewelry boxes with lined compartments, or you can place your bracelet in a soft pouch to protect it. This also keeps it from getting tangled in other jewelry, like necklaces.
Regular Maintenance/Inspection
Your jewelry needs periodic checkups just like your health needs a regular checkup. Taking your bracelet to a jeweler periodically can help the professionals examine all the prongs and the stones in your bracelet. They’ll look at it under the microscope to make sure all of the stones are safe and secure. They can spot any repairs that might need to be made and can help ensure the longevity of your tennis bracelet.
Adjustment and Repair
Keep in mind that professional jewelers are go-to resources for questions about resizing, repairing prongs or loose settings, or asking questions about potential future issues. If you have concerns about your bracelet, it’s best to stop wearing it and talk to a jeweler. It would be devastating to lose the entire bracelet or any of the diamonds or gemstones. Being proactive and staying on top of your jewelry maintenance can ensure your bracelet’s safety and prevent future damage or lost stones.
Insurance
You protect your car, home, and health with insurance, which should include your valuables. Make sure your fine jewelry and tennis bracelets are insured to protect them from loss, theft, or damage. Keep all receipts and any certification documents related to your jewelry. Also, keep track of any repairs that you have made to your bracelet. Review your policy periodically to ensure you know what’s covered and any limitations. It’s also a good idea to have your bracelet appraised so that the coverage is appropriate. Take plenty of pictures of your tennis bracelet as well, including the clasp, close-ups, and the full bracelet.
Final Thoughts
Bracelets are the ultimate women’s accessory. They’re a versatile piece that goes with everything. You can layer bracelets if you have a more formal occasion or wear your bracelet by itself for a more casual occasion. Tennis bracelets have a continuous row of diamonds, gemstones, or both. They’re a significant investment, so you want to protect it by caring for it. Periodically clean it at home to remove caked-on dirt and grime that gets stuck in the settings. It’ll leave your stones looking sparkling and clean.
You’ll also want to take your tennis bracelet to a professional jeweler periodically to ensure there aren’t any loose stones or broken prongs. If you notice any damaged prongs on your own, stop wearing your bracelet and take it to a jeweler for repair. Make sure your bracelet is insured and that you keep careful records about it. Keep receipts, pictures, certification info, repair records, and appraisals in case you need them. Reviewing your insurance policy every now and then is also helpful to ensure your bracelet has adequate coverage.
