Some things are bought for a single evening, and some join the family. A tennis bracelet belongs to the second kind: one line of diamonds closed around the wrist, with no break, no ornament, nothing surplus. In the Bridal collection we make it with 77 natural diamonds of 2.7 carats total, by hand, in solid gold, in our own atelier workshop.
What is a tennis bracelet?
A tennis bracelet is a flexible line of identical diamonds set around the entire circumference, joined by links so that it falls freely around the wrist. There is no centre stone and no central motif; the whole effect comes from repetition: equal spacing, equal sizes, one height of setting. It is one of the most recognisable designs among diamond bracelets in the world and at the same time one of the hardest to execute, because any break in the rhythm shows immediately.
Where does the name tennis bracelet come from?
The name came from the court. In 1987, during the US Open, Chris Evert lost a diamond bracelet mid match and asked for play to be paused so it could be found. The story travelled the world, and a design previously known simply as a diamond line became the tennis bracelet for good. Something useful survives in that name: the piece is light, close fitting and made to be worn in motion, not only with an evening dress.
Why do 77 smaller diamonds give more brilliance than one large stone?
Because brilliance is born on edges, and many stones have far more of them than one. Each of the 77 diamonds in the Bridal N°2 bracelet measures 2 by 2 millimetres and carries its own set of facets that catch and return light independently of the rest. As the hand moves, reflections light up and go out in sequence, an effect jewellers call scintillation. A single diamond of the same total weight would give one strong flash from one place; a line gives a band of light around the whole wrist.
What do colour D and clarity VVS1 mean across so many stones?
In a line of diamonds consistency matters more than in a single stone, because every difference has a neighbour to be compared with. All the diamonds in the Bridal bracelets are colour D, the highest and entirely colourless grade, and clarity VVS1, where inclusions are difficult to find even for a gemmologist under ten times magnification. That is why 77 stones read as one continuous line rather than a set of slightly different tones. We take the diamond bracelet decision apart more broadly in our guide to choosing a diamond bracelet.
How are the diamonds set and what does that mean for durability?
Each stone sits in a setting that holds it from two sides, level with the line of the bracelet rather than above it. That is a decision about everyday life: a low set diamond does not catch on sleeves or knitwear and does not stand proud of the gold, so it does not take the knocks. The whole construction is solid metal, with no hollow chambers, which is why the Bridal N°2 bracelet weighs about 15 grams at a width of only two millimetres. We make it in 585 or 750 gold, in yellow gold as N°2 and in white gold as N°4.
Tennis bracelet or a rigid one with diamonds?
The difference lies in how each behaves on the hand. The tennis bracelet falls softly and turns around the wrist, so light works along the entire circumference. The rigid Bridal N°1 bracelet keeps a fixed shape and stays in one position: it carries 64 diamonds measuring 1.5 by 1.5 millimetres, 0.81 carat in total, weighs about 7.2 grams and costs 24 950 zł. The rigid On the edge N°2 bracelet takes yet another path, where 16 diamonds of 0.2 carat total are an accent on a geometric form rather than its main subject; that one costs 9 450 zł. How to measure a rigid form is covered in our piece on bangle size.
How much does a tennis bracelet cost and what does the price include?
The Bridal N°2 bracelet costs 39 500 zł, and the stones make that price above all: 2.7 carats of diamonds in colour D and clarity VVS1 is the highest standard we work with. The whole category of diamond bracelets begins far lower, from 1 850 zł for the Minimal N°7 gold bracelet with a single diamond and a letter of your choice, with thirteen designs between those points, among them Cube N°2 at 3 250 zł. Each price includes what rarely comes up at the moment of buying: complimentary engraving, one resizing, and free refreshing and polishing for as long as you wear the piece.
How is the fit decided and what happens afterwards?
We measure the wrist in the boutique, and the workshop adjusts the length by adding or shortening links so the line of diamonds lies flat, with no slack and no pressure. On a tennis bracelet that millimetre matters more than on any other piece: too loose and the clasp turns to the top, too tight and it loses the freedom of movement that is its finest quality. Years later we check the settings and bring back the shine, all within our complimentary service. You are welcome to try it on unhurried at the boutique at Mokotowska 71 in Warsaw or at Szczepańska 9 in Kraków, Monday to Saturday from 11:00 to 19:00. If you would rather ask first, write or call.
Frequently asked questions about the diamond tennis bracelet
How many diamonds does the BELLER tennis bracelet have?
The Bridal N°2 bracelet has 77 natural diamonds measuring 2 by 2 millimetres, 2.7 carats in total, in colour D and clarity VVS1.
How much does a diamond tennis bracelet cost?
39 500 zł in yellow gold as N°2 and white gold as N°4, in 585 or 750 gold. The price includes complimentary engraving, one resizing and lifetime service.
Can a tennis bracelet be worn every day?
Yes. The diamonds are set level with the line of the gold rather than above it, so they do not catch on clothing, and the construction is solid metal with no hollow chambers.
Can the length of the bracelet be adjusted?
Yes. We measure the wrist in the boutique and the workshop adjusts the length by adding or shortening links. One resizing is included in the price.