How to Choose a Diamond Tennis Bracelet

When seeking a gemstone bracelet, diamonds are a wonderful choice, and even more so in a tennis-bracelet style. Because diamonds are so hard, they can't be scratched. These precious stones, however, can encounter other dangers, even if you don't wear them while engaged in sport. The quality of cut and setting, along with the integrity of the clasp, will determine how well a diamond tennis bracelet will hold up.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Recognize Quality in a Diamond Tennis Bracelet

1. Choose diamonds at an established jewelry dealer's shop. View some loose stones first, to affirm that the dealer does carry high-quality gems. Then she is likely to offer genuine diamond bracelets as well.

2. Browse finished diamond bracelets. See which stones make an impression on you, i.e., colored or colorless diamonds. You may find diamonds set with other colored gemstones as well.

3. Browse diamond bracelets and focus on the metal setting. Note whether you prefer simple link chains or tooled settings, and how much "dangle" you want, as opposed to a close fit on your wrist.

4. Examine a number of the most appealing tennis bracelets for diamond quality with a jeweler's loupe. Your view is limited by the setting, so note as much about the brilliance and clarity of the diamonds as possible. This may be very difficult to distinguish in a cluster of tiny stones.

5. Return to the shop and examine the tennis bracelet at different times of the day in natural light, and in the jeweler's various light environments. Light acts upon different diamonds in different ways, and you'll want to know how they perform in varying circumstances.

6. Choose a bracelet that you love and request documentation of its authenticity. The dealer should produce a laboratory certificate willingly and promptly.

Tips & Warnings

• Loose diamonds are much easier for a novice to evaluate for quality. Look at them without enlargement first and then with a jeweler's loupe, or magnifier, in order to detect flaws that can't be seen with the naked eye.
• Choose a gold, white gold or other metal for the setting that won't tarnish. This way, you can avoid disturbing the stone setting with excessive polishing.
• Have your diamond jewelry appraised by an outside source after the purchase but before your money-back return window closes.
• A tennis bracelet is as prone to bumps and knocks as a ring, so well-set stones are a must. Buy from a reputable dealer, or be prepared to lose stones from your setting. It is not advisable to wear diamond jewelry while playing tennis or other sports for this reason. (The tennis bracelet got its name from one worn by Chris Evert that broke during a game.)

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