Imperial Princess - Vintage Gold Plated Imperial Topaz Coloured Princess Cut Cubic Zirconia Tennis Bracelet (VB136)

Imperial Princess - Vintage Gold Plated Imperial Topaz Coloured Princess Cut Cubic Zirconia Tennis Bracelet. This gorgeous bracelet is crafted from gold plate over metal. The bracelet features 16 princess cut gems, vintage styling, and quality craftsmanship. This bracelet is comprised of expertly claw-set sparkling cubic zirconia gems, which adorn the bracelet all the way around (known as a tennis bracelet). The gems sparkle like diamonds, and display a wonderful unique peachy/champagne hue, resembling imperial topaz gems. The bracelet features a slide locking system, and two additional security hook-type locks, in perfect working order. This vintage bracelet looks fabulous on its own or stacked with other bracelets. Glamorous and gorgeous! 

History: Cubic zirconia was first discovered by German mineralogists in 1937. The gemstone was dismissed for years until it was rediscovered by Soviet-era scientists. It was hoped that the stone could be used as a diamond-like, indestructible substance. There were also theories that it may be used in place of rubies in lasers. 

Cubic zirconia was invented in Russia in the 1970s, as a diamond alternative for use in laser technology. Later, the jewelry industry starty using CZ because of its sparkle and brilliance that is similar to diamonds. Now, CZ is used in almost all kinds of jewelry – necklace, rings, engagement rings, earrings and more.

The process was invented in 1805 by Italian chemist Luigi Brugnatelli who plated a very thin gold layer on top of silver. Since then, it has become commonplace in the jewelry world, with many base metals covered in gold, silver, or rhodium.

The term Tennis Bracelet was coined thanks to Chris Evert, a professional tennis player from the USA, who had a prolific career which stemmed from 1972 to 1989. During a ferocious match in the US Open her George Bedewi diamond bracelet broke and fell off her wrist. ... This is now known as the "Tennis Bracelet".

Measurements: Bracelet 7 "        Width: 6.00 mm 

Stone Size: Cubic Zirconia  (Princess Cut ) 7.00 mm x 6.00 mm 

Weight: 13.60 grams 

Condition: Very Good      Note: Very Slight wear to gold plate seen under magnification. 

Origin: America 

Date: Circa 1990