Step By Step Guide to Buying Diamond Bracelets

Whether you are shopping for a gift for a loved one, a personal milestone, or a timeless addition to your own jewelry collection, a diamond bracelet is always a stunning choice. But, with so many different styles, sizes, and types of diamonds out there, how do you know what to look for?

This buying guide will answer some faqs (frequently asked questions) and walk you through everything you need to know before buying a diamond bracelet.

A Quick Look at the History of Diamond Jewelry Bracelets

Diamond bracelets have a rich and glittering history. Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Greeks wore ornate bracelets made of gold and gemstones. But, diamonds didn’t become a centerpiece in jewelry until the Renaissance, when royalty and aristocrats began wearing them as symbols of power and love.

Diamonds became more accessible due to South African mines opening in the 1800s. Victorian bracelets often featured diamonds in romantic motifs like hearts and flowers. Edwardian styles brought delicate, lace-like designs with diamonds and platinum that were very feminine and intricate.

The term “tennis bracelet” was born during the 1987 U.S. Open when tennis player Chris Evert lost her diamond tennis bracelet mid-match and asked to pause the game to find it. Ever since then, this flexible line-style bracelet with evenly matched diamonds has become an icon of timeless elegance.

Today, diamond bracelets come in countless styles: minimalist, bold, vintage-inspired, and even lab-grown. They’re worn by everyone, not just royalty. And, they can symbolize luxury, achievement, or personal style.

Budget

Determine what your budget is so you can prioritize what’s most important when choosing your quality diamonds, precious metals, craftsmanship, diamond size, and bracelet designs. With so many bracelet options, budgeting helps filter your search and reduces decision fatigue.

A good jeweler will help you find the diamond bracelet on your wishlist within your budget. Staying within your means leads to greater satisfaction after your purchase. You can enjoy your bracelet knowing you made a thoughtful, financially sound decision. 

Precious Metals

Diamond bracelets are typically set in a variety of available precious metals. White gold is popular, bright, and relatively affordable. Yellow gold is a classic and warm choice. Platinum is durable and hypoallergenic, but more expensive. Sterling silver is cheaper, but less durable. Your choice of precious metal will impact your budget. Below are a white gold, yellow gold & platinum, and sterling silver bracelet.

Diamond Quality

Whether your bracelet has one diamond or many, the 4Cs of diamonds will help you understand diamond quality. The 4Cs of diamonds includes Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight. Together the 4Cs help determine a diamond’s beauty, rarity, and price.

Cut

The diamond cut refers to how well a diamond is shaped and faceted. The cut will affect sparkle and brilliance. With better high-quality eye-catching cuts, your diamond will shine more than with a poor cut. Cut grades range from Excellent to Poor. Prioritize Excellent or Very Good cuts over size or clarity if you’re on a budget.

Color

Colorless diamonds are measured with Color grades. Color is graded from D, which is completely colorless, to Z which has a noticeable yellow or brown tint to the diamond. Generally the closer to D, the more valuable (while also factoring in the other Cs). 

On a bracelet where diamonds are small, you can go as low as G-I and still look white, especially in white gold or platinum. This can save you money with minimal visual difference. 

Clarity

Clarity refers to the inclusions (internal flaws) and blemishes (surface flaws) in a diamond. Clarity is graded from Flawless (FL) to Included (I1,I2, I3) where inclusions are visible to the naked eye. When a diamond has fewer flaws it is considered rarer and more valuable.

For small stones like those in a tennis bracelet, you can go with SI1 or even I1 and they’ll still look beautiful, especially if the setting hides imperfections. Going for eye-clean diamonds versus perfect will give your budget more stretch.

Carat Weight

Carat weight indicates the size of the diamond (not diamond shape). Higher carats equal larger diamonds. Two diamonds of the same carat weight can look very different depending on the diamond cut. 

For bracelets with many small gemstones, individual carat size matters less than the total carat weight and uniformity. You can opt for slightly smaller gemstones with better cut and save without losing impact.

Lab-created diamonds follow the same 4Cs but can cost less than natural diamonds, so you can stretch your budget even further with no visual sacrifice.

Popular Styles of Diamond Bracelets

There are many beautiful bracelet designs from which to choose. Your budget will be impacted by the style of bracelet that you choose. Bracelet styles can vary in carat weight, gemstone shape, and precious metal (white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, platinum, sterling silver, etc.) making it easy to find one that fits your personal style or gifting occasion.

Tennis Bracelet

The tennis bracelet is one of the most popular bracelet styles, especially in the fine jewelry category. Its timeless elegance and design, versatility, and iconic status have made it a favorite for decades. They are highly customizable and are available in various diamond sizes, settings, precious metals, and even gemstone accents. 

Tennis bracelet styles have a lot of variety. The classic prong-set tennis bracelet is the most traditional and popular style. Diamonds are held in place with four prongs, allowing maximum light and sparkle. The classic tennis bracelet is sleek, timeless, versatile and can be worn dressed up or down.

The bezel set tennis bracelet has each diamond encased in a thin metal rim. It offers a modern, smooth look with more protection. Bezel set bracelets are ideal for an active lifestyle and have less chance of snagging.

The channel set tennis bracelet has the diamond set between two strips of metal (a channel). There are no prongs which makes for a clean, flush design. This bracelet design is great for a sleek and secure everyday option.

The pave or micro-pave tennis bracelet features rows of diamonds closely set together, frequently in intricate patterns. There is more sparkle per inch so this style is often used in luxury or couture designs.

Two-toned or mixed metal tennis bracelets combine yellow, white gold, and/or rose gold. This adds depth and contrast to the look. (White and yellow gold bracelet below.)

Mixed shaped tennis bracelets include a mix of shapes like baguette, emerald, oval, marquise, pear, or round cut diamonds. This makes a bolder and more personalized statement.

Colored gemstone accents on a tennis bracelet alternates diamonds with sapphires, rubies, or emeralds. This adds a touch of color and personality while keeping the tennis silhouette.

Bangle Bracelets

Bangle bracelets can be rigid and circular or sometimes flexible. They can be either slip-on or hinged. Bangles can have a minimalist style or be heavily embellished. They are perfect for stacking or making a bold statement.

Cuff 

Cuff bracelets are open-ended and easier to wear. They are often wider and are modern in style, great for high-fashion looks. Below are a diamond flexible cuff and an Isabelle Fa Pave diamond cuff.

Chain or Link Bracelet

Chain and link bracelets are great for everyday wear, whether casual or trendy.

Finding the Right Bracelet Size

We all know that ring size is important when buying a ring. It’s also a good idea to know wrist size when purchasing a bracelet. Bracelet sizing is key to both comfort and style. Bracelets usually come in standard sizes, but there’s definitely variation depending on the style and brand.

Tennis bracelets often come in 6.5”, 7”, or 7.5”. With bangles, diameter matters–they are generally 2.4” to 2.75” across. Bangles don’t open, so they need to slip over the hand. Cuffs are slightly adjustable and can be squeezed or expanded. Many chain bracelets have extender chains for flexible sizing (like 6.5”-7.5”).

For smaller wrists, you may want to choose dainty tennis bracelets, delicate chain bracelets, slim bangles, or adjustable cuffs. For wide wrists, opt for bold cuffs, chunky chains, multi-strand bracelets, or custom-fit tennis bracelets with a slightly larger carat weight or double row of diamonds for a fuller look.

Quick bracelet size fit tip: measure your wrist snugly with a soft measuring tape. Add 0.5” to 1” depending on how loose you like it (closer to 1” for chunkier styles or comfort).

Clasp Types to Know

Security matters! The most common bracelet clasps include the following:

Lobster clasps are shaped like a lobster claw with a spring loaded arm. They are strong and secure, common on chain and tennis bracelets. These are slightly tricky to fasten one-handed.

Spring ring clasps are circular with a small internal spring that opens when you pull a tiny lever. They are classic and low-profile, but not as sturdy as lobster clasps.

Box clasps are square or have a rectangular mechanism that clicks into a box-like slot. These often include a safety latch or figure eight for extra security. They are common on tennis bracelets and bangles.

Push button clasps have a button (sometimes 2) that you press to release a locking mechanism. When closed, it clicks into place and won’t open unless the button is pressed making it more secure than a simple hook or spring clasp.

Toggle clasps have a bar that fits through a circle to secure the bracelet. They are easy to put on and take off. A toggle clasp is stylish, but can be less secure for dainty or expensive pieces. 

Final Tips

• If available, ask for certification (GIA,IGA) for your diamond jewelry. 

• Check to see if there is a warranty or protection plan that can help with future repairs or lost gemstones. Check into upgrading policies. 

• Ask if your bracelet needs any special cleaning. 

• For tennis bracelets, prioritize secure clasps and sturdy pong settings.

• Choose a diamond bracelet style that fits the recipient's lifestyle.

Where to Buy a Diamond Bracelet

While you can look online at reputable sites, there is nothing compared to stopping in at a local retailer where you receive personalized service. You can look at, feel the total weight of bracelets, and check it’s fit on your wrist when in-store trying on your diamond jewelry. 

Whether you are looking for that perfect gold tennis bracelet or another beautiful bracelet design to add to your jewelry collection, we welcome you to come see us at E.D. Marshall Jewelers. We would love for you to also check out our other fine pieces of jewelry, from engagement rings, diamond studs, to diamond necklaces.