The Tennis Bracelet: From the Court to Couture
The tennis bracelet is a timeless accessory, perfect for any occasion and any outfit, from jeans and T-shirts to full-length gowns and everything in between. They are currently of the moment, but in fact, they have been around—or around women’s (and more recently men’s!) wrists, rather—for a little over 100 years.
They remain in style, and part of pop culture, driving interest and sales whenever a celebrity or fashion icon is spotted in one. Tennis great Serena Williams has worn them in competition, and Zendaya sparked a 133% increase in online searches when fashion watchers commented on her bracelet during her press tour for the tennis-themed movie Challengers.
But how did this classic piece of jewelry become associated with tennis, on the court and off?
All that jazz
In the 1920s, the simple accessory was known as an “eternity bracelet,” symbolizing eternal love. The loose chains, set with diamonds or gemstones in a seamless loop, were casually and elegantly draped around the wrist. Modern-day bracelets still feature the same symmetrical design, and there has been extraordinarily little change since their Jazz Age debut.
So, while the bracelets had been popular for over 50 years, they really caught the public eye at the 1978 US Open, when tennis legend Chris Evert sent a ball flying, and along with it, her seemingly delicate diamond bracelet. The game stopped while she retrieved it, generating media and giving the bracelet a new name: the tennis bracelet.
Throughout the rest of the disco era, women embraced the tennis bracelet as part of a more casual approach to fashion. Farrah Fawcett wore them at award shows and on the street, and women followed her lead. Their adaptability and versatility were established, and it has not let up. The bracelets remain a foundation piece of almost every woman’s jewelry collection.
It comes down to basics
Tennis bracelets are usually made from gold or platinum for strength and a lustrous appearance. A secure clasp is essential, given that wearers sport them in both high-energy activities and more languid pursuits. They traditionally feature round-cut diamonds, though new variations include other cuts and colored gemstones for a more personalized touch. However, whenever, and wherever they are worn, tennis bracelets have been an enduring symbol of casual luxury and good taste for almost a century and will remain that for another century to come. So, add some sparkle to even the most casual outfit, or the final, elegant touch to an evening ensemble. Mix or match them with other types of bracelets or a stylish wristwatch for a fashionable stacked look.
