A lab grown tennis bracelet is a style of jewelry that utilizes a long strand of diamonds as the main design element. These are the types of pieces people often wear during social events, both in day-to-day settings or during special occasions. More and more customers are considering this particular option due to the range of benefits lab diamonds provide. Learning about how such bracelets are constructed, the key factors that determine their quality, and the aspects to keep in mind when comparing different items will help you select the most appropriate piece.
What Is a Lab Grown Tennis Bracelet?
A lab grown tennis bracelet consists of a strand of diamonds secured a metal band. The bracelets’ namesake comes from the famous tennis player Chris Evert, who accidentally lost her diamond bracelet during an outdoor match in 1987. This is one of the most popular styles of jewelry in the world, with the majority of its bracelets being made from precious metals and real diamonds. Modern variations feature lab diamonds and are otherwise identical to traditional tennis bracelets.
The main difference between lab diamonds in tennis bracelets and other diamonds comes from the fact that companies produce the former in laboratories. Experts use either the HPHT or the CVD method to grow diamonds, which are virtually identical to naturally occurring diamonds. It takes professional equipment to distinguish between the two, but the visual appearance is identical.
Why Do Customers Prefer Lab Grown Diamonds?
There are several reasons why customers are drawn to lab diamonds over naturally occurring ones. First of all, they can afford a bigger or better diamond within the same price range. Furthermore, many companies offer the option of choosing lab diamonds with grading reports provided independent organizations. This way, clients have an exact idea of a diamond’s quality before purchasing. Additionally, lab-grown diamonds are now easier to find, with many producers offering multi-carat diamonds with identical appearance.
How to Assess a Lab Grown Tennis Bracelet?
When analyzing the characteristics of a tennis bracelet, the emphasis should be placed on the entire set. Although some customers look for pieces with an exceptionally big or high-quality diamond, they should be aware that one part of a bracelet may be significantly worse than the others. As far as the basic characteristics go, it is essential to remember the four Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.
The first factor to determine the overall appearance and quality of a tennis bracelet is going to be the cut. One should always choose a well-cut diamond in order to benefit from the maximum amount of sparkle. Although the shape is usually round, a properly cut gemstone will also affect the cut of the entire bracelet.
A customer should also think about what kind of metal they prefer. For example, white gold creates a more modern look while yellow gold is associated with traditional styles. Rose gold has a softer appearance as opposed to platinum, which is extremely durable.
Another detail to consider is the type of setting: pronged or bezelled. The first option allows the gemstone to sparkle more due to the amount of light that hits it, whereas the second one offers a more secure fit, which is ideal for an active lifestyle. It also safeguards the diamonds, preventing them from sustaining any damage. Finally, it is essential to ensure that the bracelet has a secure clasp, preferably two different locking mechanisms. This way, it will be possible to avoid any unpleasant surprises of a bracelet slipping off and getting lost.
What Carat Weight to Choose for a Tennis Bracelet?
When talking about tennis bracelets, there is no need to choose between an item with a bigger or smaller carat weight. In reality, the carat weight of a tennis bracelet refers to the combined weight of multiple diamonds. Therefore, it is entirely up to the buyer to decide which total weight they are looking for.
Some people prefer a tennis bracelet with a lower carat weight so they can enjoy this piece more often in their daily life. At the same time, those people who want to make a bolder statement have more options at their disposal, including larger diamonds and/or a bigger amount of gemstones. However, one should bear in mind the general appearance of the bracelet and the size of one’s wrist.
What Diamond Shape to Choose for a Tennis Bracelet?
There are different shapes to choose from when considering a tennis bracelet, but round diamonds will always offer the best value for money. Not only do round diamonds provide an exceptional amount of sparkle, but they also create a harmonious appearance throughout the bracelet. Many people who purchase a tennis bracelet also like to complement it with an engagement ring made from round brilliant cut diamonds.
One of the most common questions about such rings revolves around the exact amount of facets a round brilliant cut diamond has. The general answer to this question is 57 or 58, depending on if the culet is included.
How to Ensure Quality in a Tennis Bracelet?
Unlike a ring, a tennis bracelet has a dozen of diamonds that are placed right next to each other. Therefore, it is essential to analyze each stone and determine if they have identical characteristics. A professional jeweler will ensure that the colors of the gems are within the same range of the color spectrum and that their clarity is also consistent. In addition, professionals will choose these diamonds so that the cut of the bracelets is also identical. The only difference that is noticeable in tennis bracelets is subconsciously felt the eye and is completely imperceptible to laypeople. Although these aspects of a bracelet may seem unimportant at first, they will affect the overall appearance of the piece.
How to Care for a Lab Grown Tennis Bracelet?
To ensure that a tennis bracelet remains as beautiful as the day it was purchased, it is essential to perform routine maintenance. First of all, a person should remember to regularly clean the piece in warm water with a bar of mild soap and a soft brush. This will help remove any excess oil, dirt, or other substances that might diminish the sparkle of the bracelet.
After cleaning the bracelet, it should be thoroughly dried with a lint-free cloth. It is also necessary to conduct periodic inspections for any signs of damage. For example, if the prongs of the bracelet become loose or the clasp ceases to function properly, it will be necessary to take the piece to a professional jeweler. It is also a good idea to store a tennis bracelet separately from other jewelry items in order to prevent scratches to either the metal and diamonds.
Can I Wear a Lab Grown Tennis Bracelet Every Day?
It is entirely possible to wear a lab grown tennis bracelet every day due to the exceptional strength and hardness of diamonds. On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, diamonds score 10, which means that they only sustain scratches from other diamonds. While it is possible to wear a tennis bracelet 24/7, it is advisable to remove it before engaging in strenuous activities.
In this regard, it is important to note that many people like to wear their tennis bracelets almost every day due to the appearance of the piece. This kind of jewelry offers unmatched versatility, which allows a person to easily alternate between their business attire and evening dress.
What to Consider Prior to Buying?
It is important to remember that not everything that glitters is indeed gold. In other words, a customer should conduct proper research before buying a lab-grown bracelet. In particular, it is essential to pay attention to the following characteristics:
- Assessment of individual diamonds for quality and overall appearance;
- The overall quality of the metal;
- A reliable setting method and secure clasp;
- The overall length of the bracelet to fit one’s wrist comfortably;
- A possibility of obtaining a certificate of analysis and warranty;
These characteristics are more important than the carat weight because they directly contribute to the bracelet’s quality and overall satisfaction with the purchase.
Conclusion
A tennis bracelet made from lab diamonds offers the customer a unique blend of traditional appeal and modern convenience. With multiple advantages over traditionally mined diamonds, this piece provides the satisfaction of owning real diamonds with an exceptional amount of sparkle. Furthermore, lab diamonds offer customers the opportunity to choose from a variety of pieces in different quality ranges while also maintaining their budgets. By keeping in mind the characteristics of diamonds, metal, bracelet construction itself, and other aspects of jewelry, it will be possible to analyze each piece in detail and choose the one that perfectly suits a specific outfit, occasion, and personal preferences.