what is a tennis bracelet and how is it made?
Jewellery style spotlight - the tennis bracelet
What is a tennis bracelet?
This style of bracelet features multiple stone-set links. The settings and the stones are the same size and the links are joined with hidden links and rivets.
So, nothing to do with tennis then?
Well, it appears the tennis bracelet got its name in 1978. Tennis star Chris Evert is said to have worn a diamond bracelet that came off during a match in 1978 and she said, 'I've lost my tennis bracelet'. The late 70s was a time when people would dress down but still wear their diamonds. Previous generations would have kept their fine jewellery for special occasions and formal wear.
This style of bracelet is good to wear when playing sports (at least some sports!) because it doesn't tend to have any claws or parts that could catch on clothing. It combines being easy to wear with luxury - fine jewellery and diamonds.
How many stone settings do you have to make for a full bracelet?
It does depend on your gemstone size, of course, but the one photographed here has 33 handmade links.
How is a tennis bracelet made?
This bracelet is made using square tube in silver or gold. This is cut into sections and they are connected using hidden connectors either riveted or soldered in place. The pieces is then polished before the stones are set.
The tennis bracelet is a piece you learn to make on the Diploma in Fine Jewellery. This is a three-week project because you need to utilise lots of different skills to make this type of bracelet including:
Creating settings for gemstones - these settings need to be consistent so the bracelet sits correctly on the wrist and are the correct size for the stone
Soldering or riveting the links - to ensure the bracelet undulates
Setting the gemstones
Below you can see another jewellery design using the tennis bracelet-style link. (We don't make you handmake a full tennis bracelet for assessment on the Diploma in Fine Jewellery - unless you want to!)
If you're an intermediate to advanced level jeweller and would love to know how to make this piece, check out the Diploma in Fine Jewellery on the button below: