Tennis bracelets seem like an easy choice. They have a simple design, with a line of diamonds set into tiny metal settings. However, the size of the diamonds, flexibility of the links and clasp can all mean that the bracelets can feel very different to wear, despite looking similar in photographs.
There are lots of choices for tennis bracelet in Spain, with some being more delicate and made with white gold. Others stand out more with bigger stones. Some will be made with natural diamonds, whilst others will use lab created diamonds. Knowing what will affect how the bracelets look, how much they cost and how they will look when worn can help you decide on your choice.
Why Tennis Bracelets Feel Different To Other Diamond Jewellery
Tennis bracelets have linked chains which are more flexible than a stiff bangle. They will usually have diamonds along the bracelet to give a balanced look, without a large central stone.
Tennis bracelets became widely known due to tennis player Chris Evert, after a diamond bracelet incident happened during a match at the 1987 US Open. The style was popular for many years prior to this however.
Now there are a variety of styles to choose from. Some have round brilliant cut diamonds, whilst others use oval, emerald cut or princess cut stones. Round diamonds are a traditional choice for tennis bracelets due to them working well with the continuous setting.
Things To Consider With The Diamonds
As there are many stones on a bracelet it is important to consider their uniformity.
Diamond Size & Total Carat Weight:
Diamond bracelets are often described by the total carat weight. This is how much all the diamonds weigh in total.
If there are 40 diamonds on the bracelet and the total carat weight is 2 carats then each diamond will be an average of 0.05 carats. How many stones and their size will depend on the style and how long the bracelet is.
The bigger the diamonds the more prominent the style will be, but will also weigh more and cost more.
Diamond Colour & Clarity:
They will look fairly uniform when compared to each other. If one diamond looks darker or yellower than the others it may cause issues with the overall look.
Diamond clarity can also be an issue. As the diamonds are so small it can be hard to see how clear they are without magnifying. Often for small diamonds on a bracelet it will be more useful to know how they look and if they are uniform rather than paying for very high clarity grades.
Lab Created Diamonds
Lab created diamonds have the same basic chemical make up and crystal structure as natural diamonds. They are real diamonds but have been created in a controlled environment.
They are often cheaper than natural diamonds meaning that you can get a higher total carat weight.
There are some great collections to compare at Novita Diamonds España as they specialise in lab grown diamond jewellery. It is still worth comparing the diamond specifications, setting and warranty.
It is important to note that lab grown diamonds are not the same as cubic zirconia or moissanite.
Gold Colour:
White gold will give a cool and bright look, matching the colourless diamonds. Yellow gold will give a warmer look, whilst rose gold will give a softer pink look.
18K gold is a traditional choice in Spain for fine jewellery. It means that 75% of the gold is pure, however other metals will be mixed in to strengthen the gold and give it a different colour.
When comparing styles at Novita Diamonds España or another jeweller look for solid gold and clear information on the metal purity. Gold plating is not the same as solid gold.
Tennis Bracelet Size
The bracelet should have a little bit of movement.
To find out the correct size measure your wrist with a flexible tape measure. Add approximately 1-2cm to the measurement. The bracelet should not dig in when your wrist bends.
A good way to tell if the bracelet is the correct size is if you can fit 1 finger comfortably between the bracelet and your wrist. This also follows the advice of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
The clasp should be checked. A box clasp with an extra safety catch will give extra security.
Tiny Detail:
The way the diamonds are set will affect how they look and can affect how easy they are to maintain.
Prong Setting: Each diamond is held with tiny claws. This means that most of the diamond can be seen. Bezel Setting: The diamond is surrounded by metal. This means that the edges of the diamond will be more protected. Channel Setting: The diamonds are set between rails of metal.
There is no automatic choice for everyone. If you wear jewellery often you may want a setting with less edges showing.
The bracelet should also be flexible. If the links are stiff, the spacing is not even or the clasp does not securely shut then you should take a closer look.
Buying A Diamond Bracelet Online In Spain
When buying online it can be tricky to see how big the diamonds are and how thick the bracelet is. Product descriptions should give enough information.
Look for total carat weight, diamond origin, metal purity, bracelet length, setting and clasp.
If you are comparing Novita Diamonds España to other available styles then this will help you to see if the difference is due to the quality of the diamonds or the build.
Before ordering look at the delivery options for Spain, return policy and if resizing or repairs can be done. Ask if there are any documents for the diamonds and precious metal, especially if it is a higher value item.
Caring For Your Tennis Bracelet
Diamonds are hard to scratch however the metal links and settings should be cared for.
A warm soapy water and soft brush will usually be suitable for cleaning an undamaged bracelet. Wipe dry with a lint free cloth and keep it away from other jewellery.
Avoid wearing the bracelet when swimming, exercising or using harsh cleaning products. If there are loose settings or a weak clasp ask a jeweller to check