Object Description
Maker:
Van Cleef & Arpels
Summary:
Diamond & 18ct Yellow Gold Line Bracelet
Description:
A diamond and 18ct yellow gold line bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels, circa 1990. The bracelet is designed as a single line of round brilliant cut diamonds, with an estimated total of 5cts. Each diamond is prong set in 18ct yellow gold and secured with a discreet tongue and box clasp and a safety catch.
Period:
circa 1990
Gems / Materials:
48 x round brilliant cut diamonds, estimated total 5cts
Setting:
18ct yellow gold signed VCA and numbered
Dimensions:
Length: 16.75 cms/ 6.6″
Width: 0.4 cms/0.15″
Weight:
10.6 grams
Condition:
Very fine
Director’s Notes:
The diamond line bracelet is now often known as a ‘tennis bracelet’, always a single row of diamonds around the wrist. The style itself has been around since the 1920s when women’s fashion allowed bracelets to take centre stage in a way they hadn’t before. The coining of the term ‘tennis bracelet’ to describe this line of diamonds is attributed to the tennis star Chris Evert who regularly wore diamond jewellery on court. During a match in 1978, the diamond line bracelet she was wearing fell off and play had to be paused to allow her to look for it. Henceforth the name ‘tennis bracelet’ became widely used to describe bracelets (and later necklaces) of this classic design.