What is a Tennis Necklace?
A tennis necklace is a popular jewelry item that is typically made up of small diamond or gemstone beads that are strung on a metal chain. The beads are usually uniform in size and shape and can range from 3 to 10 millimeters in size. The length of the chain can vary from 16 to 24 inches long. The term “tennis necklace” is derived from the way the beads sparkle when viewed from the side, similar to how the strings of a tennis racket sparkle in the sun.
Materials Used in Tennis Necklaces
Typically, tennis necklaces are made of materials such as gold, white gold, and platinum. The beads on the necklace can be made of diamonds, sapphires, rubies and other precious stones. The metals used to make the necklace can be plated with rhodium, which can add extra shine and luster to the jewelry.
How to Tell if a Tennis Necklace is Real
Before you buy a tennis necklace, it is important to make sure that the necklace is real. There are a few ways to tell if the necklace is real or not.
Check the Materials
The first step is to check the materials used in the necklace. If the necklace is described as being made from gold or platinum, you will want to check that the metal is stamped with a metal purity mark.
The metal purity mark is usually a small stamp, and it will indicate the metal’s purity. For example, if the necklace is made from gold, the metal purity mark should say 14k or 18k. If the necklace is made from platinum, the mark should say 950 or PLAT.
Check the Gemstones
The next step is to check the gemstones used in the necklace. If the necklace is made from diamonds, you will want to check the diamond’s quality. The diamond’s quality is indicated by the “Four Cs”: Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat Weight.
The cut of the diamond should be symmetrical, with all of the facets meeting in the center. The clarity of the diamond should be free of inclusions and blemishes. The color of the diamond should be white or colorless. Finally, the carat weight of the diamond should be clearly indicated on the necklace.
If the necklace is made from other gemstones, such as sapphires or rubies, you will want to check that the stones are genuine and of high quality.
Check for Authenticity
The final step is to check for authenticity. Many jewelry stores will provide a Certificate of Authenticity with the purchase of a tennis necklace. The Certificate will indicate the materials used in the necklace, as well as the quality of the gemstones. If the store does not provide a Certificate of Authenticity, you may want to consider buying the necklace from another store.
Cost of a Tennis Necklace
The cost of a tennis necklace will vary depending on the materials used and the quality of the gemstones. The cost of a tennis necklace made from gold and diamonds can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
Care and Maintenance of a Tennis Necklace
It is important to take proper care of a tennis necklace in order to maintain its quality and luster. Here are a few tips for taking care of a tennis necklace:
Cleaning
- Diamonds: Diamonds should be cleaned with a mild detergent solution and a soft brush. Do not use harsh chemicals, as this can damage the diamonds.
- Gemstones: Gemstones should be cleaned with a soft cloth. Do not use detergents or harsh chemicals, as this can damage the gemstones.
- Metal: The metal can be cleaned with a mild detergent solution and a soft cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals, as this can damage the metal.
Storage
When storing a tennis necklace, it is important to keep it away from extreme temperatures and humidity. The necklace should also be stored in a clean, dry place, away from other jewelry pieces.
Caring for the Chain
It is important to care for the chain of the necklace as well. The chain should be inspected regularly for any signs of wear or damage. If the chain is damaged, it should be repaired or replaced immediately.
Conclusion
A tennis necklace is a popular jewelry item that is typically made up of small diamond or gemstone beads strung on a metal chain. It is important to make sure that the necklace is real before you buy it. You can tell if a tennis necklace is real by checking the materials used, checking the gemstones, and checking for authenticity. The cost of a tennis necklace can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the materials used and the quality of the gemstones. Finally, it is important to take proper care of a tennis necklace in order to maintain its quality and luster.