What is a Tennis Bracelet?
A tennis bracelet is a classic piece of jewelry that features a single line of small diamonds, usually in a setting of 14k or 18k gold. It is typically worn around the wrist as a bracelet, and is so called because tennis champion Chris Evert famously lost hers during a tennis match in 1987. Since then, this elegant and timeless piece of jewelry has become a staple in many jewelry collections.
Signs of a Real Diamond Tennis Bracelet
When it comes to purchasing a diamond tennis bracelet, you want to make sure you’re getting the real deal. Here are some signs that indicate a tennis bracelet is made of real diamonds:
Certification
The best way to ensure a diamond tennis bracelet is real is to look for a certification. All reputable jewelry stores have diamonds that are certified by a third-party lab, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). This certification will include details such as the stone’s cut, clarity, color, and carat weight, so you can be sure you’re getting a genuine diamond.
Price
Diamonds are expensive, so if the price of a tennis bracelet seems too good to be true, it probably is. A real diamond tennis bracelet will cost several thousand dollars, so if the price is significantly lower than that, it’s likely not made of real diamonds.
Setting
The setting of a diamond tennis bracelet should be made of either 14k or 18k gold. If the bracelet is made of a different material, such as silver or platinum, then it’s likely not a real diamond.
Weight
Real diamonds are much heavier than other types of stones, so a diamond tennis bracelet will be noticeably heavier than a fake one. If you have the opportunity to compare the weight of a real and fake diamond bracelet, then you should be able to tell which one is which.
Sparkle
A real diamond will sparkle and catch the light, while a fake diamond will not have the same reflective quality. If the diamonds in the bracelet don’t sparkle in the light, then it’s likely not a real diamond.
Color
Real diamonds are colorless, so if the stones in the bracelet have a yellow or brown tint, then it’s likely not real.
Inclusions
Real diamonds have inclusions, which are tiny flaws inside the stone. Fake stones are usually flawless, so if the diamonds in the bracelet appear to be perfect, then it’s likely not real.
Clarity
Real diamonds have a clarity grade, which is an indication of the stone’s size and shape. Fake diamonds usually have a lower clarity grade, so if the clarity grade is too low, then it’s likely not a real diamond.
How to Spot a Fake Tennis Bracelet
In addition to the signs of a real diamond tennis bracelet, there are also some signs that indicate a bracelet is not made of real diamonds:
Material
If the bracelet is made of a material other than gold, such as silver or platinum, then it’s likely not real diamonds.
Price
As mentioned above, real diamonds are expensive, so if the price of a bracelet is too good to be true, then it’s likely not real.
Weight
Real diamonds are much heavier than other types of stones, so a fake diamond bracelet will be noticeably lighter than a real one.
Sparkle
Fake diamonds do not have the same reflective quality as real ones, so if the diamonds in the bracelet do not sparkle in the light, then it’s likely not real.
Clarity
Fake diamonds usually have a lower clarity grade than real ones, so if the clarity grade is too low, then it’s likely not a real diamond.
How to Care for a Diamond Tennis Bracelet
Once you’ve purchased a real diamond tennis bracelet, it’s important to take care of it so that it can last for years. Here are some tips for taking care of your diamond tennis bracelet:
Cleaning
Diamonds can become dull over time, so it’s important to clean your bracelet regularly. The best way to clean a diamond tennis bracelet is to use a soft cloth and a jewelry cleaner designed specifically for diamonds.
Storage
When you’re not wearing your diamond tennis bracelet, it’s important to store it in a safe and dry place. Avoid storing your bracelet in direct sunlight and make sure you keep it away from chemicals and water.
Insurance
It’s also a good idea to insure your diamond tennis bracelet. This will help protect it in case it is lost, stolen, or damaged.
Conclusion
A diamond tennis bracelet is a timeless and elegant piece of jewelry that can be worn for any occasion. Before purchasing a diamond tennis bracelet, it’s important to make sure it is made of real diamonds. Look for signs such as certification, price, setting, weight, sparkle, color, inclusions, and clarity to determine if the bracelet is real. Once you’ve purchased a real diamond bracelet, make sure to take care of it by cleaning it regularly, storing it in a safe and dry place, and insuring it.