How to Unpretentiously Rock a Diamond Tennis Bracelet

Understanding Diamond Tennis Bracelets

First things first, why do we call the glimmering string of bling around your wrist a tennis bracelet? No surprise here, but the term “tennis bracelet” originates from a blend of sport and style.

The story takes us back to the 1987 U.S. Open where Chris Evert, a professional tennis player, was competing. In the heat of the match, her diamond bracelet fell from her wrist. Noticing the loss, Evert stopped the game to search for and reclaim her precious accessory (because, honestly, who wouldn’t do the same?). And the media ate it up.

The rest is history. The incident fixed itself in public memory, sparking a heightened demand for these elegant diamond bracelets, which from then, were forever known as “tennis bracelet”.

Types of Diamond Tennis Bracelet Settings

So, you’ve got the gist of what a tennis bracelet is. Now, let’s talk about variations. Because believe it or not, there is actually a great deal of option when it comes to setting your tennis bracelet.

Classic diamond tennis bracelets

The ultimate classic is a prong-set diamond tennis bracelet, where a jeweler sets each diamond in its own individual metal basket. This setting uses four dainty prongs to secure the stone firmly in place. Craftspeople link these little settings together, creating an endless line of sparkle. Of course, you can find different prong styles, varying by the number of prongs or their design, which influences the bracelet’s final appearance.

Channel-set tennis bracelets

Then there’s the channel-set diamond bracelet style. This style nestles each diamond between two metal walls, called channels, to secure them. The diamonds are locked into little notches which hold them in place, and the links are connected to offer a seamless look that gives a bit of graphic elegance and sleekness to the style.

Double and triple-row tennis bracelets

And while the classic tennis bracelet is a single row of diamonds, don’t even get us started on double or triple-row diamond bracelets. A three-row bracelet? It’s basically the Beyoncé of wrist candy-bold and fabulous. Keep in mind that the more rows your bracelet has the more likely it’s going to be a special occasion piece instead of a daily wear deal. But you do you, darlings.

Innovative Diamond Tennis Bracelet Design Ideas

We all love a classic, but tennis bracelets don’t have to be basic. Get ready to level up with some seriously unique design ideas. We’re talking geometric shapes, funky colors, and diamonds that shine brighter than your favorite TikTok star. It’s all about expressing your unique style and turning heads wherever you go.

Mix it up

Instead of going with a single row of round diamonds, or even switching it up for Asschers or emerald cuts, etc., we love the idea of mixing up diamond shapes in a tennis bracelet for more fancy variation. That’s right. Don’t settle for one. Mixed diamond shape bracelets can offer a super fun look with lots of eye-catching interest.

Play with color

You can also play with color, whether that’s colored diamonds, say yellow diamonds, champagne diamonds, or even pinks — or go with colored gemstones. We love the idea of an ombré sapphire bracelet featuring different shades of blue, for instance. Or go for a rainbow effect with different stones that circle the wrist.

Think outside of the box

There are also halo-set diamond tennis bracelets, where each stone is surrounded by its own little halo of teeny-tiny stones. Or Xs and Os bracelets like that classic Gossip Girl signoff. Or go for something more ornate with an Art Deco-inspired style bracelet that has geometric, open work diamond links. No matter your style, there are plenty of design choices that exist to customize a diamond bracelet that you’ll want to wear forever.

Good as (yellow) gold

Yellow gold is a classic choice, known for its warm and traditional appearance. It creates a gorgeous contrast with bright white diamonds but also perfectly accents yellow diamonds or bright green emeralds if you want to play with color.

Rose and rosé all day

Rose gold, also known as pink or red gold, has gained popularity in recent years for its romantic and feminine appeal. It gets its distinctive pink hue from the addition of copper alloy to pure gold. Rose gold exudes a soft, warm glow and adds a touch of elegance to any jewelry piece. It’s a modern twist on traditional gold that appeals to those seeking something unique and stylish.

White and bright

And then there’s white gold, which offers a sleek and contemporary alternative to traditional yellow gold. It is created by alloying pure gold with white metals such as palladium, silver, or nickel. To enhance its bright, silvery appearance, white gold is often plated with rhodium, a precious metal that adds shine and durability. White gold complements a wide range of gemstones and is favored for its modern aesthetic and versatility. It’s a popular choice for engagement rings and wedding bands, as well as other fine jewelry pieces.

Pleasing platinum

If you want to step it up even further consider platinum. Platinum is a rare and precious metal prized for its strength, durability, and purity. It has a naturally white color that does not fade or tarnish over time, making it an excellent choice for jewelry that requires long-term wear. Platinum is denser and heavier than gold, giving it a luxurious feel and substantial presence. While platinum is more expensive than gold, its durability and hypoallergenic properties make it a preferred choice for those with sensitive skin or active lifestyles. 

Ultimately, metal choice is totally up to you, and any of these will do for slaying brunch with the squad. But — if you’re feeling nostalgic, yellow and rose gold are where it’s at, giving off major throwback vibes that never go out of style and white gold is for those ready to rock the modern moment.

Natural vs. Lab Grown Diamonds

Now, let’s talk about diamonds. You’ve got your natural bling straight from Mother Earth, and then you’ve got the lab grown diamonds that are all about sustainability and ethical vibes. These two options are identical in chemical, optical, and physical properties, with the same stunning durability and brilliance, so don’t go thinking anything here is fake. But lab grown diamonds will save you a pretty penny when it comes to the price tag. Either way, you’re getting that jaw-dropping sparkle without any guilt trips. It’s a win-win, baby!

How to Find Your Diamond Tennis Bracelet Size

Finding the perfect fit for your diamond jewelry (no matter what type!) is key. But here’s a quick tip: all you need to figure out your bracelet size is a measuring tape. You know, the flexible kind. If you don’t have one, you can also use another bracelet you already own that you like the fit of, and a piece of string, ribbon, or even a strip of paper. Simply wrap it around your wrist, mark where it meets, and then lay it flat to measure it with a ruler.

Remember you’ll want a little bit of wiggle room, not a super tight fit. So add a quarter or half inch to the measurement if you’ve wrapped something snug around your wrist. The industry standard for women’s bracelet lengths is between 6-7 inches, while men’s bracelets fall into the 8-9 inch range.

Caring for Your Diamond Tennis Bracelet

When it comes to keeping your bracelet looking fresh, remember to treat it like the queen it is. Store it away from other jewelry in its own box or a soft pouch, and give it a cleaning every so often. You can clean it with room temp water, a soft toothbrush and a couple drops of dish soap in a shallow dish. This will keep it shining bright like, well, like a diamond, obviously.

When to Buy a Diamond Tennis Bracelet

Birthdays, anniversaries, graduation—whatever the occasion, a tennis bracelet is always a good idea. It’s the ultimate flex. One that says, “I’m a boss babe, and I deserve the best.” So go ahead, treat yourself or spoil someone special with a gift they’ll never forget.

And there you have it—your ultimate guide to slaying a diamond tennis bracelet without looking like a pretentious snob. Whether you’re hitting the town or just chilling with your crew, remember to rock your bling with confidence and style. Wear it on its own, of course, but we highly recommend layering it with other bracelets like a classic chain bracelet or a charm bracelet, too! And if you’re ready to take your wrist game to the next level, check out Frank Darling’s collection of tennis bracelets to shine like the star you are.