Jewish bracelets come in the same styles as any other type of bracelet, as bangles, charms and ropes. The first type, bangles, are typically engraved with floral patterns like other bracelets, but also have engraved text. Text is fairly common and quite popular on bangles because of their larger size. Some of the most common texts found on these Judaica jewelry pieces include the Shema, the word “Chai”, lengthy Kabbalistic prayers and names. They may also be accompanied by an engraved object such as a Menorah. These bracelets are typically made from precious metals such as gold and silver and may be set with diamonds.

Jewish charm bracelets have the widest amount of variety. The bracelets can be engraved like bangles, but the engraving is usually upon a charm that is attached to the bracelet. Jewish charm bracelets are decorated with Judaica objects such as Stars of David, floral patterns and Hamsas as well as depictions of Jerusalem and the High Priest’s breastplate that featured 12 stones that represented the tribes of Israel. They also may feature the word Israel or the Israeli flag as well as small semi-precious stones and beads. The charms on these bracelets are typically made from metals such as nickel, pewter and silver.

Rope bracelets consist of a cord and metal pieces. The cord is usually black, blue, white or red. Red is popular amongst those who wish to marry for Kabbalistic reasons. The metal plates on rope bracelets also frequently sport metal plates or charms that have an engraving or sport a symbol important in Judaism such as a Star of David or Hamsa.

One other common type of Jewish-themed bracelet is a bracelet which has Hebrew names spelled out in blocks. These Jewish bracelets typically gave different charms on them but they all have a name in white blocks in the center.

1. Chris Evert

Image source: http://dangordon.me/diamonds/why-is-it-called-a-tennis-bracelet/

The tennis bracelet actually received its name from this renowned sports star and tennis pro. Chris Evert happened to be sporting a gorgeous diamond bracelet during the US Open in 1987. When Evert realized she had lost her diamond bracelet, she requested that they stop the tennis match so she could find it. As a result, the term ‘tennis bracelet’ was brought to life. This highly publicized event initiated the start of a serious jewelry fashion trend. Ever since, the tennis bracelet has been very much admired and extremely popular.

Penelope Cruz

This classy Hollywood celebrity loves to sport tennis bracelets. She is always captured wearing a variety of, assorted tennis bracelets. She was recently seen at the red carpet premiere looking absolutely stunning with her basic diamond tennis bracelet on her wrist. The bracelet sparkles with diamonds and is a natural beauty just like her.

Dianna Agron

This tasteful Hollywood actress and Glee star was radiant on the red carpet at the Golden Globe Awards. Dianna Agron looked absolutely dive in her metallic gown and chic up-swept hairstyle. She opted for only one piece of jewelry. The only jewelry she selected to wear was a prominent tennis bracelet encrusted with diamonds to match her elegant look. Since she wore no other jewelry she seems to recognize when it comes to style less is more. Her fashion intellect is quite apparent.

Iman

This well recognized style setter in the fashion business is also a legendary fashion model. Her flawless style cannot be denied. At a glamorous event in New York, she wore an elegant dress that made a statement all on its own. For that reason, she selected to wear hardly any jewelry pieces. She wore delicate earrings, an onyx ring and an impressive diamond tennis bracelet. This tennis bracelet is just stunning, both elegant and attractive. It was the perfect accompaniment to her dazzling look.

Eva Mendes

Image Source: http://stealthestyle.com/ensembles/jewelry/celebrity-inspired-tennis-bracelet-20/

This celebrity looked ravishing walking down the red carpet to promote her latest movie. She kept her accessories simply she was wearing nothing but a stunning white gold tennis bracelet. She looked amazing. Her style is always elegant and understated.

Natalie Portman

This starlet sported a gorgeous tennis bracelet that sparked as bright as the sun when she attended an Anniversary Gala. Her charming and lively style will not be outshined. She is the essence of Hollywood glamour.

Christina Aguilera

http://chicks.thediamondstore.co.uk/2008/04/christina-aguilera-new-face-of.html

This fashion forward celebrity has her own special flashy style. Celebrating the unveiling of her movie Burlesque, all attention was certainly on her. She sported a tennis bracelet with loads of diamonds. Her style is always sure to stop traffic. She looked outstanding with her diamond tennis bracelet. It was a wonderful compliment graceful gown. This bracelet is the talk of the town.

Jennifer Hudson

Image source: http://blog.cerijewelry.com/2009_07_01_archive.html

Jennifer Hudson wanted to show off her new slender figure. When she arrived at the event the only thing that got noticed, was her diamond tennis bracelet which is as unique as she is. Everyone was starring at her beautiful sterling silver pave bracelet. She is unquestionably a nominee for best dressed that night, she gets the crown.

Sandra Bullock

Image source: http://blackdiamondring.us/jewelry-vogue/make-a-splash-in-our-oscar-winning-hollywood-jewelry (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Long time celebrity who dazzles with ease attended the Oscars looking fabulous. She was showing off a magnificent tennis bracelet that complimented her red dress. She was a fashion winner that evening. Her style is always leading lady. She is simply stunning and always on the most fashionable style list.

Serena Williams

http://www.upi.com/News_Photos/view/3336717a16800930d587322dd47f2806/Serena-Williams-models-Harry-Winston-diamond-tennis-bracelet/

This celebrity and sports professional embodies bravery, beauty and style. She is recognized by the mere mention of her name. With low key style, this tennis pro sported a brand new style of a tennis bracelet made by a famous jeweler. She wore this exquisite platinum and diamond tennis bracelet during a US Open tennis competition in New York. Fashion is this stars passion.

Each year celebrities show off their jewelry at events and the tennis bracelet is by far the favorite piece of jewelry that the celebrities are wearing. The tennis bracelet is a preferred by entertainment and sports celebrities alike. Tennis bracelets continue to crop up on the fashion radar and adorn the arms of major A-List celebrities. If you want to look sensational and fashionable like the stars with your own luxurious tennis bracelet visit the Canada Jewelry Store.

Just like we all have our own taste in clothing, be it bohemian, preppy or sexy and glamorous, we all have our own taste in jewelry as well. I personally mix up my style quite a bit so I like to choose jewelry that can mix and match here and there. However, a lot of us (I am guilty myself) often find ourselves buying cheap finds that are trendy and fab at the moment, but soon break or go out of style.

This is of course OK, but nothing is better than buying a piece that will stand the test of time. That is why jewelry from companies like Zoara is so vital to have in our wardrobes. If I have a stunning tennis bracelet, I know I can wear this alone to look elegant with an understated cocktail dress or I can pile it on with some bangles to add a pop to a bohemian maxi dress. The point is that there will be endless possibilities in terms of versatility.

So, what are you waiting for? Go get sparkly! ♥ -Molliee aka MsTwirlySkirts

You can connect with Molliee on her blog on Facebook and Twitter

Tennis Bracelet Settings

Choosing a Bracelet Setting

With all these new fangled websites offering you the opportunity to design your own jewelry, you may suffer from the modern era syndrome of having way too many choices and getting dizzy and falling over and hurting your shoulder. To prevent this from happening, here is a quick guide to the four basic settings you can have for tennis bracelets, otherwise known as eternity bracelets. This is because tennis has been around for eternity. Or probably not. 

Prong Setting – Prong settings for eternity bracelets are the most popular setting today. If you’re wondering what a prong setting is, just meditate on the word “prong” for a while and you’ll figure it out. Five minutes…ok. Now that you’ve meditated and have a good idea, a prong setting is where the metal that holds the diamond of an eternity bracelet in place sticks out like a prong on all four sides of the diamond. So if the prongs were extended, you could impale people with your eternity bracelet. Since jewelry companies don’t generally want their customers doing this, eternity bracelet prongs are short. If you consider yourself a prongy type of person, then the prong setting eternity bracelet is for you. 

Channel Setting – Channel settings are just what they suggest. Channels. Since that doesn’t really explain anything, think of a channel—not a TV channel—but a channel of water. It’s enclosed by two banks, a river. No imagine the water as a river of diamonds that aren’t moving. And no imagine the banks as thin strips of metal holding the diamonds in place on either side. The result is a channel, a river, or diamonds in an eternity bracelet without the prongs. You can’t impale anybody, but the diamonds are seamless and right up next to one another. Pick a channel setting for your eternity bracelet if you want to see an uninterrupted stream of diamonds. 

Bezel Setting – If you’ve ever taken apart a laptop for parts and tried to sell them, you should know what a bezel is. A bezel is something that encapsulates whatever is inside it, so the bezel of a laptop is what holds the laptop guts together, all the chips and such. Analogize that to an eternity bracelet and you have a bracelet where each diamond is surrounded by a metal setting. You should get a bezel setting if you like laptops. Or alternatively, metal, or the metal on diamond look. 

Half Bezel Setting – Much like the half Windsor knot is to the Windsor knot in the necktie realm, so is the half bezel setting to the bezel setting in the eternity bracelet realm. The half bezel resembles a channel setting, but channel strip is sort of angled in to fill in the gaps between the diamonds so the metal moves in an out like a wave. The result is that each diamond is almost completely surrounded save the spot where each diamond touches the next. You should get this setting if you like wavey looking things.

Penelope Cruz - Tennis Bracelet

Penelope Cruz is another fabulous Hollywood star who loves to sport her tennis bracelets.  She was captured on camera most recently on the red carpet premiere of Pedro Almodovar’s film “Los Brazos Rotos” or Broken Embraces”  at The International Film Festival in Toronto Canada.  Penelope looked summery and fresh with her simple diamond tennis bracelet on her left wrist.

She donned a different diamond tennis bracelet on the red carpet of the 16^th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in California this past winter.  She shines with diamonds and, of course, her natural beauty!

How To Buy Tennis BraceletsOnline

Buying a diamond tennis bracelet online can seem a bit tricky since you don’t get the change to try it on or hold the diamond bracelet in your hand before you make your purchase. But, if you do your research and remember a few essential tips, buying a tennis bracelet from an online retailer should be a breeze.

1) Set a Budget. Deciding on your jewelry budget is step 1 no matter whether you are buying your diamond bracelet online or not. Make sure you are honest with yourself about how much you are willing to spend. Write down your limit and only search bracelets that make the cut. This will help you narrow down your search and will also help you balance your checkbook.

2) Figure out your 4Cs. It’s important that you have a basic understanding of diamond grading and diamond quality so that you can make an educated decision about the diamonds in your tennis bracelet. Diamonds are graded according to their cut, color, clarity and carat weight. Read up on the grading systems of each “c” and decide which qualities are most important to you. Keep in mind that most tennis bracelet retailers will give a grade range for the cut, color and clarity grades of the diamonds used in the bracelet. Also, the carat weight will almost always be expressed as total carat weight: total carat weight is the sum weight of all of the diamonds set in your tennis bracelet.

3) Select a Style. There are a wide range of tennis bracelet styles. Now it’s up to you to pick one! Browse online catalogues, celebrity styles and fashion blogs to get an idea of which designs you prefer. The style factor is comprised of several factors:

a. Metal. Most diamond tennis bracelets are available in yellow gold, white gold, platinum and silver. Typically, fine diamond jewelry is set in 14 or 18 karat gold to keep it strong and enduring. Silver is the least expensive metal, and it can tarnish. Gold is the next step up as it will not tarnish and is considered the most classic precious metal. Yellow gold can add an especially beautiful warm glow to a diamond tennis bracelet. Platinum is the most expensive metal due to its rarity and durability. Today it is also an extremely popular choice for fine jewelry, despite the fact that it can develop a fuzzy patina over time, decreasing its luster.

b. Diamond Color. Tennis bracelets can be set with any color diamond you want. Black, pink, yellow, blue…. you name it. Many tennis bracelets incorporate colored gemstones such as emeralds, rubies and sapphires as well. Go with what speaks to you.

c. Diamond Setting. Different tennis bracelets set their diamonds differently. The most common diamond settings are round diamond bezel settings, the universal prong setting and shared bar tennis settings. Some bracelets include more ornate designs and others are extremely simple. Pick a setting style that suits you.

4) Know Your Size. I would either make a short stop at your local jeweler to have them wrist for a bracelet, or I’d try to size it at home. You can either take a bracelet that fits you well and measure it’s length, or measure your size from scratch. Simply take a tape measure and hold it around your wrist. There should be about a half an inch between your wrist and the tape-measure. To make sure you have enough room between your wrist and the tape measure, place your index finger beneath your wrist. It should slide easily between the tape measure and your arm.
If you follow these few easy tips, you should have no problem adding the perfect diamond tennis bracelet to your online shopping cart!
Happy shopping!

Origin of the Tennis Bracelet

So what do diamonds have to do with tennis you ask? Tennis bracelets that’s what! Despite the sometimes aggressive nature of the game, the inline diamond bracelet actually got its current name on the court. The origin of the term “tennis bracelet” harks back to when renowned tennis champ, Chris Evert, lost her diamond bracelet in the middle of a tennis match. The clasp of the George Bedewi designer bracelet simply snapped, causing the expensive piece of jewelry to fall to the ground. Evert turned to the officials and requested that they stop the game until the precious inline diamond bracelet was found – and hence the term “tennis bracelet” was born. 

Needless to say, this accidental televised incident led to an immensely successful jewelry product launch. Apparently, a large number of viewers watching the tennis match set off to buy diamond bracelets of their own, sparking a major jewelry fashion trend. Inline diamond bracelets have since continued to gain immense popularity. On the tennis court alone, many stars have followed in Chris Evert’s diamond-donning footsteps, sporting glamorous tennis bracelets on the court. After all, if Chris Evert won eighteen Grand Slam singles titles and held the title of number one female tennis player, then maybe wearing a tennis bracelet had a little something to do with it… Why not sport a fabulous piece of jewelry just in case? Gabriela Sabatini and Serena Williams are just two of the female tennis players that have decided to play it on the safe side, wearing sparkling tennis bracelets on their wrists at their tennis matches.

After all, despite their glamorous appearance, tennis bracelets are actually very comfortable to wear since they are flexible enough to move with the wearer. In addition, jewelry makers have learned their lesson from the Chris Evert incident and taken care to include a safety latch as back-up in the case of a faulty clasp. Ever since that fateful day at the 1987 US Open, diamond inline bracelets have gained the name tennis bracelets, bringing a whole new meaning to the concept of “sporting diamond jewelry”.

Believe it or not, the tennis bracelet actually has a much longer history than just 1987. There was a time when most people referred to these diamond beauties as eternity bracelets, since just as eternity rings, they are comprised of an endless setting of diamonds around the piece. Some eternity bracelets even had chains with engravings of the owner’s name, like the one the Cuban American actor, Cesar Romero, sported in the 1920’s.

The classic tennis bracelet consists of colorless diamonds, but over time they have come to include colored gemstones as well.  Nowadays, tennis bracelets are available in a wide variety of metal types, ranging from yellow gold and silver to platinum, white gold, and rose gold. In addition, for those who love the inline bracelet design but may not be great fans of diamonds, tennis bracelets can include a wide variety of other gemstones and even cubic zirconia. Therefore, despite their glamorous origin, tennis bracelets have become affordable enough to suit almost any wallet.

Tennis Bracelet - Helpful Buying Tips

Tennis Bracelets are just so in right now. There is nothing more chic or glamorous then a stunning, sparkling tennis bracelet adorning your wrist. Here are a few tips that I’ve found to be useful when buying a tennis bracelet.

• Tennis bracelets come in a variety of styles and designs: from plain unadorned bracelets, to luxurious precious metal bracelets set with the most fabulous gemstones. Of course, the tennis bracelets that are made out of more expensive materials are the bracelets that’ll cost more. So I find that it is always important to set your budget before you start your shopping. A pre-set budget will limit your field and help you with your search.

• I can’t stress how important it is to find a bracelet that fits properly. If you can, try on your selected bracelet before you purchase it. A well fitting bracelet shouldn’t be too snug or it won’t be a comfortable fit, nor should it be too loose or it’ll slide off your hand. Try on as many different types of tennis bracelets as you can manage.

• Check what materials were used to make the tennis bracelet you were thinking of getting. If you have sensitive skin certain metals can cause an allergic reaction. Metals you should watch out for include silver, low karat gold, or any other base metal mixed with nickel. Metals that are hypoallergenic include platinum, rhodium plated white gold and high karat gold.

• Make absolutely sure to check the tennis bracelet’s clasp. A loose or faulty clasp may result in you losing your gorgeous tennis bracelet. I would also recommend that you periodically take the bracelet to a jeweler’s and have him check the clasp for you.

• Most importantly, choose a bracelet that’ll fit you and your personal style. If, for example, you have a slender wrist, a chunky looking cuff might be a little much. A narrower tennis bracelet will probably look better on your slender wrist. If, on the other hand, your wrist is a little wider, a wide tennis bracelet would be the better choice.

Do: wear a gold set tennis bracelet in the summer to compliment your tan. A tennis bracelet is the perfect accent to a summery sundress or tank top and jeans.
Do: wear a tennis bracelet with matching diamond stud earrings. Diamond stud earrings are the perfect simple and classic compliment to a beautiful tennis bracelet. It’ll give you an all around simple and put-together look.
Don’t: play tennis with your tennis bracelet on thinking you are one of the Williams sisters. Tennis bracelets are fine, expensive jewelry that can be damaged despite what many think.
Don’t: stack more than two tennis bracelets. Because they are flexible, more than two tennis bracelets can look messy, be uncomfortable and can also be potentially harmful for the bracelets. It’s easy for them to catch on each other or scratch each other when they are stacked on your wrist.
Do: check that your tennis bracelet isn’t too tight or too small before you put it on. You should be able to place your index finger between your wrist and the chain when you are wearing the bracelet.
Don’t: buy a tennis bracelet that is hard for you to clasp. The whole idea of the tennis bracelet is that it is simple, comfortable and elegant.
Do: show your tennis bracelet off as much as you can. It’s a bracelet that is supposed to endure. TI can be worn with all outfits and should make you feel fabulous!

Dianna Agron Tennis Bracelet

Glee star Dianna Agron lit up the red carpet at the 2010 Golden Globe Awards. Her draped silver gown and elegant up-do made her look absolutely divine. Her choice of jewelry was minimal, yet very straight to the point. She chose a striking two-layered diamond tennis bracelet to match her graceful look.

It seems that Agron understood that when it comes to style, less is definitely more. At 23 years old, her mature outlook on fashion is obviously evident. Her choice of opting for only a single jewelry piece rather than a bunch of them, as we’ve seen so many other celebrity teens do, give Argon a certain edge. The diamond tennis bracelet has proven once more to be a preferred jewelry item and timeless piece for all ages.