The short answer: for a tennis bracelet worn on the wrist, sapphire and ruby are the most durable gemstones, with spinel as a good alternative, while softer stones such as emerald, tanzanite and opal are riskier because wrists knock against surfaces constantly. Choose by hardness and toughness, then colour.
A bracelet takes more knocks than a ring or necklace. That affects which gems last.
The best performers
| Stone | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Sapphire | Very hard and tough, in many colours. |
| Ruby | Equally hard, rich red. |
| Spinel | Good hardness, vivid colours. |
| Diamond | The hardest, suited to daily wear. |
Use with care
- Emerald, often included and oiled.
- Tanzanite, softer and with cleavage.
- Opal, soft and sensitive to heat.
These can still be worn with a protective setting, but they suit special occasions more than daily use. Our guide to cleavage and chips explains why some stones break more easily.
Natural and lab grown
Lab grown sapphires and rubies give consistent colour across many stones, which suits a bracelet. Natural stones show natural variation, which some people love because no two bracelets are quite the same. We label each clearly, and we never mix the two in one piece without telling you.
Matching
Matching colour across many stones is a skill. We pick stones that sit well together, and we show them to you on video. A bracelet may use dozens of stones, so finding a well matched set of natural stones can take longer than finding a single centre stone. Tell us your timing early and we will say plainly what is realistic.
Settings
Bezels or four claw settings with a low profile reduce snagging. Secure clasps and safety catches matter.
How the bracelet is built
A tennis bracelet is a line of individual settings joined by small hinges, so it moves and drapes around the wrist. Each hinge is a wear point, and a well made bracelet has links that flex freely without gaps opening between the stones. A box clasp with a side safety catch, or a second figure of eight catch, gives two layers of security. We check every link and the clasp before dispatch, and we suggest having them checked from time to time.
Why toughness matters
Hardness describes resistance to scratching, and toughness describes resistance to chipping and breaking. A stone can be hard but still chip along a weak direction if it is hit. Because a wrist knocks into door frames and desks, toughness matters as much as hardness for a bracelet.
Stone size and comfort
Smaller stones sit lower and flex more easily, which makes a bracelet comfortable for everyday wear and less likely to catch. Larger stones make a bolder statement but add height and weight, and they suit evening wear. Many people choose a medium size as a balance. We can show you a render of the bracelet on a wrist at true scale.
Colour choices
A single colour gives a classic line, and a graduated mix of shades, such as blue to green, gives a modern look. A rainbow of colours is playful, and a mix of sapphire and diamond is elegant. We discuss the options and show you samples on video. Our tennis bracelet guide covers the diamond version and how to choose a length.
Care
- Remove it for heavy work.
- Clean gently with warm soapy water.
- Have the clasp and settings checked from time to time.
Nothing is made until you approve the design in writing, and our standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, which can vary with your location and how busy we are. Pieces start from £600.
See the hardness chart, bracelets for small and large wrists and custom diamond bracelets.
Frequently asked questions
Can I mix gems? Yes, if they have similar durability.
Is emerald a poor choice? It needs more care.
Can I wear it daily? Sapphire and ruby suit daily wear.
What makes a clasp secure? A box clasp with a safety catch gives two layers of security.
Which stone size is most comfortable? Smaller stones sit lower and flex more easily.
Can I order from overseas? Yes, by video consultation, with insured, tracked FedEx delivery.