Preliminary identification

Gold-Tone Illusion-Set Tennis Bracelet

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

This classic gold-tone tennis bracelet features a series of round-cut clear stones set in square illusion-style links. The design mimics the high-end look of diamond-and-gold fine jewelry, utilizing clever metalwork to maximize the sparkle of the stones. It represents the height of late-20th-century accessible luxury, designed to transition effortlessly from day to night.

Story

The 'tennis bracelet' got its name in 1987 when champion Chris Evert stopped a US Open match to find her diamond bracelet. This sparked a massive global trend for flexible, single-line stone bracelets that persists today.

Maker / Origin

While the specific maker of this piece is unidentified, it belongs to the rich tradition of costume jewelry manufacturers who democratized luxury. Companies during the late 20th century utilized advanced casting and plating techniques to make the glamorous 'diamond look' accessible to everyday women.

Condition & Value

The bracelet appears to be in good vintage condition with all stones present and intact. There is minor surface wear to the gold-tone plating on the edges of the links, which is typical for a piece of this age. Excellent preservation of the plating will help it reach the higher end of the value range.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.