What is a Tennis Bracelet?
A tennis bracelet is a type of jewelry that consists of a thin line of symmetrically-arranged gemstones held together by a metal chain. It is called a tennis bracelet because legendary tennis player Chris Evert famously lost her diamond bracelet during a match in 1987. The interruption of the match to search for the bracelet brought the piece of jewelry to fame, and it has been a popular accessory ever since.
Types of Tennis Bracelets
Tennis bracelets can be made from a variety of metals, including yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, and sterling silver. They also come with a variety of gemstones including diamonds, cubic zirconia, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds.
How to Tell if a Tennis Bracelet is Real
No matter what type of tennis bracelet you own, it is important to know how to tell if it is real. Here are 10 ways you can determine if your tennis bracelet is real or not.
1. Check the Quality of the Gemstones
The most important thing to look for when determining if a tennis bracelet is real is the quality of the gemstones. Real gemstones should have a high level of clarity and be free from any visible inclusions. In addition, the cut should be precise and symmetrical, and the color should be consistent throughout.
2. Test the Weight
Real gemstones are typically heavier than man-made stones, so you can test the weight of the bracelet by holding it in your hand and comparing it to similar pieces. A real tennis bracelet should feel significantly heavier than a fake one.
3. Look for a Hallmark
Most real tennis bracelets will have a hallmark stamped into the metal, usually on the clasp. This hallmark indicates the purity of the metal and can help you verify that the piece is authentic.
4. Inspect the Clasp
When inspecting the clasp of a tennis bracelet, look for signs of craftsmanship like a secure and precise closure. The clasp should be strong and secure, and the hinge should be free from any visible defects.
5. Inspect the Prongs
The prongs of a tennis bracelet should be strong and secure, and they should be free from any visible defects. If the prongs are loose, bent, or rusty, this is a good indication that the bracelet is not real.
6. Check the Setting
When examining the setting of a tennis bracelet, look for signs of craftsmanship. A real tennis bracelet should have a secure setting that is free from any visible defects.
7. Look for a Certificate of Authenticity
A real tennis bracelet will usually come with a certificate of authenticity that verifies the quality and purity of the gemstones used in the piece. This is an important document that can help you determine if the bracelet is real or not.
8. Ask for a Gemologist Appraisal
If you are still unsure about the authenticity of a tennis bracelet, you can always ask for a gemologist appraisal. A professional gemologist will be able to verify the quality of the stones and the metal used in the bracelet.
9. Know Your Seller
When purchasing a tennis bracelet, it is important to know who you are buying from. If you purchase a bracelet from a reputable jeweler, you can be sure that you are getting a real piece of jewelry.
10. Compare Prices
Finally, it is important to compare prices when purchasing a tennis bracelet. Real gemstones are expensive, so if you find a bracelet that is significantly cheaper than other pieces, it is probably not real.
Tips for Buying a Real Tennis Bracelet
When purchasing a real tennis bracelet, it is important to keep the following tips in mind:
- Know Your Seller: Make sure to purchase your bracelet from a reputable jeweler.
- Compare Prices: Real gemstones are expensive, so if you find a bracelet that is significantly cheaper than other pieces, it is probably not real.
- Ask for a Gemologist Appraisal: If you are still unsure about the authenticity of a tennis bracelet, you can always ask for a gemologist appraisal.
- Check the Quality of the Gemstones: The most important thing to look for when determining if a tennis bracelet is real is the quality of the gemstones.
Conclusion
A tennis bracelet is a timeless and elegant piece of jewelry that can be a great addition to any wardrobe. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can be sure that your tennis bracelet is real and of the highest quality.