Why is it called a tennis bracelet?
The name dates back to 1987, to a match at the US Open. A famous American tennis star lost her diamond bracelet during play. The clasp had come open and the bracelet was lying somewhere on the court. She asked the umpire to stop the match until it was found.
After that, everyone talked about the "tennis bracelet". Before then, this style was called a rivière or eternity bracelet, a design that has existed since the 1920s. The story also shows why a good clasp matters so much. You can read more about that further on.
How our tennis bracelets are made
Every tennis bracelet in this collection has a base of genuine 925 sterling silver. That is silver with 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metal, mostly copper. The extra metal makes the silver stronger, which is good for the tiny settings. The bracelet then gets a layer of rhodium or gold for colour and shine.
- Base: 925 sterling silver
- Finish: Rhodium Plated (silver colour) or Gold Plated (gold colour)
- Stones: zirconia, round cut or rectangular cut, in white or several colours
- Sizes: S, M and L (size S is 16.5 cm long)
You can find the exact lengths of sizes M and L on the product page. It also shows the finish and the stone for each colour. Unsure about a detail? Always check the specifications first, because they are leading.
Zirconia: lots of sparkle for a fair price
Zirconia is a clear crystal that refracts light almost as strongly as diamond. It is made in a lab, so its colour and clarity are even. That is ideal for a tennis bracelet, because all the stones look exactly the same. A row of diamonds of that quality easily costs thousands of euros.
Zirconia is also hard. It scores about 8 to 8.5 on the Mohs scale, while diamond scores 10. That is more than enough for daily wear. Still, it is wise to take the bracelet off for heavy chores at home or in the garden, because a hard knock against stone or metal is bad for any setting.
Round cut or rectangular cut stones
You can choose between two cuts. Round stones give the classic look with lots of sparkle, because they have many small facets. Rectangular cut stones have long, straight facets. They give a calm, sleek shine that looks more graphic and modern.
Choose the round version and you get the timeless look everyone knows. Want something a little different? Then the rectangular cut is a lovely choice. Both styles look great side by side, precisely because their shapes differ.
White or coloured zirconia
White zirconia is the classic choice and goes with everything. There are also tennis bracelets with stones in several colours. Think of warm shades like orange, pink and brown, soft pastels or a deep berry colour. These colours change with the seasons, so check the collection to see what is available now.
A coloured tennis bracelet works well if you already wear a lot of white or gold jewellery. It adds a cheerful accent. Customers often pair it with a beaded bracelet in the same colour, so the stack feels like one whole.
Tennis bracelet in silver or gold: which colour suits you?
The best colour matches the jewellery you wear most often. Do you wear a lot of silver, a white gold ring or a steel watch? Then the silver coloured version will feel familiar straight away. Do you mostly wear gold coloured earrings or a gold necklace? Then choose Gold Plated.
The silver tennis bracelet with rhodium
Rhodium is a precious metal from the platinum group. It gives silver a bright, cool shine that is slightly whiter than pure silver. It also slows down tarnish. Ordinary silver darkens over time because of sulphur in the air. With rhodium, your bracelet stays bright for longer.
The silver colour makes white zirconia look extra cool and fresh. That gives the bracelet a slightly more elegant feel. It goes well with black, grey, blue and white, and also with a dress for a wedding.
The gold tennis bracelet with a Gold Plated finish
Gold Plated means a layer of real gold has been applied to the silver. So the bracelet is not solid gold. You do see the warm colour of gold, though, with precious silver underneath instead of a cheap metal. That is a big difference from many steel tennis bracelets.
Gold gives the white stones a warm glow. It looks lovely on tanned skin and with beige, camel, green and cream. It also finishes off a white blouse or a denim jacket instantly. Combine it with other gold coloured bracelets for a rich, warm stack.
Which tennis bracelet size do you need?
Measure your wrist and add 1 to 1.5 cm for the right length. Use a soft tape measure or a strip of paper. Place it just above your wrist bone, where you wear the bracelet. Do not measure too tight or too loose.
A tennis bracelet needs a little room to move. If it is too tight, it presses and does not turn nicely with your wrist. If it is too loose, it slides over your hand and knocks into everything. As a rule of thumb, one finger should just fit between the bracelet and your wrist.
Choosing size S, M or L
Size S is 16.5 cm long and fits a slim wrist. With an average wrist you usually choose M. Is your wrist wider, or do you like a slightly looser fit? Then L is the best choice. If you are right between two sizes, choose the larger one.
Buying the bracelet as a gift without knowing the size? Secretly measure a bracelet she wears often. If that does not work, M is a safe choice for most women. Does it not fit after all? You have 14 days to return it unworn and with labels.
The clasp: small detail, big difference
A good clasp keeps your bracelet from getting lost. Tennis bracelets often have a box clasp that you press shut until it clicks. Sometimes there is an extra safety catch. The product page shows which clasp your style has.
Always check that the clasp is secure after putting the bracelet on. Give it a gentle tug. Do you hear a click and does it stay shut? Then you are all set, even on a busy day.
Styling it your way
A tennis bracelet looks beautiful on its own, but even better in a stack. That fits perfectly with the Mix & Match idea: jewellery you can freely combine. Start with a base and build up layer by layer.
How to create a beautiful arm party
Place the tennis bracelet in the middle. On one side, add a metal beaded bracelet without stones, for example with 3 or 4 mm beads. On the other side, a stretch beaded bracelet with natural stone works well. That gives you three textures: smooth metal, sparkling zirconia and matte or glossy stone.
Want to keep it calm? Then wear the tennis bracelet next to a sleek bangle. A watch also works very well, especially a classic style with a fine strap. Do stick to one main colour, so silver with silver or gold with gold. Mixing is fine too, but it only looks truly intentional when both colours appear several times.
From workday to evening out
During the day, wear the tennis bracelet with a jumper or blouse with rolled up sleeves. It lies flat and does not catch on fabric. In the evening, add zirconia earrings, such as studs or hoops. That repeats the sparkle of your wrist near your face. With very little effort you create a complete look.
A tennis bracelet as a gift
A tennis bracelet is a gift that almost always goes down well. It suits every age and every style. That is why many people choose it for a birthday, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, an anniversary or a graduation.
Your order always arrives beautifully wrapped. Customers often say the packaging is a gift in itself. Order on a working day before 15:00 and your parcel leaves the same day. International shipping is free from €100, and within the Netherlands from €75.
How to keep your tennis bracelet beautiful for years
A few simple habits keep your bracelet bright for years. Take it off when you shower, swim, exercise and sleep. Soap, chlorine and sweat make the finish dull faster. Apply your perfume and body lotion first and only then put on your jewellery.
Store the bracelet away from other jewellery, ideally in a pouch or its own compartment. That keeps the stones from scratching against other metal. Has it become dull? Gently rub it with a dry, soft cloth. Avoid harsh products, because they damage the finish.
Warranty and service
You get a 2 year warranty on manufacturing defects and 6 months on the plating. So you know exactly where you stand. Have a question about a bracelet? Call the showroom and office at Botterweg 12 L in Zwolle, the Netherlands, on +31 38 853 6655, open from 9:00 to 17:00.
Since 2014 we have designed our jewellery in the Netherlands. Production takes place in workshops in Italy, Bangkok and Hong Kong. Today our jewellery is sold by more than 500 jewellers and retailers across Europe. Also discover the new After Dawn collection if you fancy something new next to your tennis bracelet.
Frequently asked questions about the tennis bracelet
What is a tennis bracelet?
A tennis bracelet is a flexible bracelet with one continuous row of matching stones. Each stone sits in its own setting, so the bracelet moves with your wrist.
Why is it called a tennis bracelet?
The name comes from a tennis star who lost her bracelet at the US Open in 1987. The match was stopped until it was found, and this style has been called that ever since.
Is gold plated real gold?
Yes, the top layer is real gold, but it is a thin layer. On our tennis bracelets this layer sits on 925 sterling silver, so the base is a precious metal too.
How long does gold plated stay beautiful?
With good care, a gold plated bracelet stays beautiful for a long time, often for years. Take it off for water, sport and sleep, and keep it away from perfume and lotion.
Does a gold plated tennis bracelet change colour?
After a lot of wear, the gold layer slowly wears away, especially in places with a lot of friction. The silver underneath then shows a little more, but your bracelet will not turn green or black like cheap metal.
Which tennis bracelet size should I choose?
Measure your wrist and add 1 to 1.5 cm. Size S is 16.5 cm, and the lengths of M and L are on the product page.
On which wrist do you wear a tennis bracelet?
That is up to you, there is no fixed rule. Many women wear it on the left next to a watch, or on the right so it stands out on its own.
Where can you buy a tennis bracelet from Sparkling Jewels?
You can order a tennis bracelet from Sparkling Jewels online right here in size S, M or L. More than 500 jewellers and retailers across Europe also sell the collection. Online you always see every colour and finish that is available now.
