How To Choose The Perfect Tennis Bracelet – CARAT* London Review *

AD | As a rule, I don’t tend to wear much jewellery on a day-to-day basis. Only my wedding and engagement rings, my watch, and occasionally some gold hoop earrings. Classic staples that go with any outfit, although perhaps a little, shall we say, safe? So, I was very excited to add a bit of sparkle with a gorgeous Tennis Bracelet from CARAT* London recently. This elegant, ethical, and sustainable piece is now my new favourite, whatever I’m wearing, and here’s why.

Who are CARAT* London?

CARAT* London are a fashion brand who create stunningly beautiful pieces of jewellery using precious metals with either high quality Cubic Zirconia crystals or lab grown diamonds from their sister brand, Gentle Diamonds. There are so many benefits to not using real diamonds, ranging from ethical, sustainable, and affordable too, of course. Unsurprisingly, CARAT* London have an enthusiastic celebrity following including the likes of Lady Gaga, Emma Willis, Olivia Palermo, and more.

Diamond or Cubic Zirconia – What’s The Difference?

When I worked in education marketing some years ago, I helped create schools’ resources for both De Beers and for Rio Tinto. And I learned how intensive and resource heavy the mining process for gems and precious metals really is. I also learned about conflict-diamonds (aka “blood diamonds”) which were prevalent during the 1980s due to the civil wars in Africa.

Even today, it’s hard to produce new jewellery in a truly sustainable way. So, if you don’t want to go for antique jewellery, how much more environmentally and ethically responsible to opt for a beautiful, more affordable cubic zirconia with a diamond-like appearance instead, don’t you think?

And in case you were wondering, cubic zirconias aren’t fake diamonds, they’re real gemstones, albeit with a different mineral structure to carbon-based diamonds. As they’re created artificially, they’re also virtually flawless stones with no inclusions and high clarity. Although they don’t shine quite as brightly as diamonds, nor are they as hard-wearing – so handle them with care, and don’t test their cutting abilities on your wine glass (!)

What is a Tennis Bracelet? Why are Tennis Bracelets Called That?

If, like me, you’ve not heard of the term tennis bracelet, there’s a fun story behind the name. It’s a string of same sized, same shaped, same coloured diamonds or gemstones on a thin metal chain. Apparently, world class tennis player, Chris Evert, was in the middle of a match when her beautiful bracelet snapped and she had to ask for play to stop while she looked for all her diamonds!

My CARAT* London Tennis Bracelet

With three beautiful tennis bracelets for women to choose from, I had a very hard time picking my favourite. In the end, after multiple pleas from my daughter, I opted for their 18cm long Vianne Tennis Bracelet* (also available in 16cm and Sterling Silver). As you can see, it features sparkling round brilliant cubic zirconias on a slender chain with a secure safety clasp – something I’m very appreciative of as I’d hate to have the Chris Evert experience 🙁

Delivery was super fast – I placed my order on Thursday, had an email on Friday to say it was on its way, and it was on my wrist by the following Tuesday! Very impressive. And I’ve been wearing it pretty much every day since then, including on our recent summer holiday to Gozo, Malta. (I think sparkly jewellery always looks better with a sun tan, although I’m rather disconcerted at how lizard-like my skin looks…)

My new tennis bracelet is such an elegant piece, I feel it adds a touch of glamour and style to any outfit: t-shirt and jeans, jacket at the office, or a dinner dress. I love the way the gemstones sparkle in the light and catch the eye. And I feel happy that it’s not only an affordable choice, it’s also an ethical and sustainable investment too. And of course, it’s a versatile staple in any accessory collection that you can wear on all occasions.

How to Choose Your Perfect Tennis Bracelet

So, I chose my CARAT* London tennis bracelet* based on stone shape and metal choice, but if you think a tennis bracelet could be perfect for you (or make a gorgeous birthday or Christmas gift for a loved one) here are a few things to consider.

Are Tennis Bracelets Unisex?

Yes, they are, although I’d venture to suggest that more women are likely to wear them than men.

How Should a Tennis Bracelet Fit?

Sizing your bracelet is important. It needs to move freely but not be too loose – if you can fit one finger between the chain and your wrist, that’s a good fit. Some tennis bracelets are adjustable but if not, you can always ask for it to be shortened or lengthened. CARAT* London offer two lengths of bracelet: 16cm and 18cm.

How to Wear a Tennis Bracelet?

If you’re right handed (as I am) then it’s usually more comfortable to wear it on the left wrist. And vice versa if you’re left-handed. But really, there’s no hard and fast rule, it’s whatever suits you best.

What Metal Type Do You Prefer?

As I mentioned, I chose a yellow gold tennis bracelet because I prefer the look of gold, but other options to go for include rose gold or sterling silver jewellery.

How to Care For Your Tennis Bracelet

Once you’ve chosen your perfect tennis bracelet, you’ll want to take good care of it to maintain its sparkle, especially if you’ve opted for cubic zirconias which are more brittle than diamonds.

Take it off before you shower, bathe, or swim as soaps, creams, salt water and chlorinated water can result in a film building up on the gemstones, dulling their shine. And make sure you apply any cream or perfume before you put your bracelet on, for the same reasons.

If you find you do need to clean the stones, use a jewellery polishing cloth. Or, if they’ve become really tarnished, a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap, then rinse and leave your bracelet to dry in its case.

Can you wear a tennis bracelet every day? Yes, of course you can, but perhaps best not to while cleaning, gardening, or any other activity where it’s likely to become damaged.

Is a Tennis Bracelet Worth It?

For me, the answer is a resounding yes. In all honesty, affordable tennis bracelets weren’t jewellery items I’d even heard of before CARAT* London got in touch. And although I’ve only had a few weeks’ wear from my beautiful Vianne tennis bracelet so far, I absolutely LOVE wearing it. And I know if I look after it properly, I’ll be able to pass it on to Flora in due course too.

I’ve been so impressed with the quality of the cubic zirconias and the craftsmanship in the gold chain that I’ve got my eye on some more of CARAT* London’s range of necklaces, earrings, ear jackets, rings, and other bracelets too! If you’re looking for ethical, sustainable, and stylish jewellery staples that don’t cost a fortune, then take a look at what’s hot right now* and let me know if anything takes your fancy. And in the meantime, anyone for tennis bracelets?

What’s your favourite style of bracelet to wear?  Are you a fan of tennis bracelets?  If so, how would you style your CARAT* London tennis bracelet?

This is a sponsored post with gifted items but all opinions are my own unless stated otherwise. This post also contains affiliate links – please see my Disclaimer.