Discover How The Tennis Bracelet Got Its Name And See Some Of The Best Examples
History of the Tennis Bracelet
The beautiful and delicate diamond and gold bracelet got its name in the summer of 1978 when Chris Evert's diamond bracelet, designed by George Bedewi, broke during the US Open Tennis Tournament. Her accident led to the unintentional fame for this bracelet style and a new name for a type of diamond bracelet that had been worn since at least the art deco era of the 1920s.
During the 1920s, diamond bracelets were fashionable in the form of square-cut diamonds set closely together in an interlinking row. These bracelets were called line bracelets because the diamonds formed a line around the wearer's wrist. Some jewellers and jewellery designers still refer to tennis bracelets as line bracelets – they are the same thing.
A Gift Given Each Year
Informally, these bracelets were called 'service stripes', referring to the military stripes worn in the military to denote the length of service of the wearer.
These bracelets were often given as gifts on wedding anniversaries and were, light-heartedly, seen as referring to successful 'tours of duty'. Wealthy women and film stars typically wore them. They were collected and layered, rather than being worn singly – often with broader art deco bracelets to form an exciting collection of diamonds and precious metals on a glamourous woman's wrist.
By the time the 70s rolled around, the fashion was for lower-key luxury. So these light, delicate bracelets were worn singly and with casual outfits, rather than being reserved for luxury high-status occasions.
Jewellery In Sport
Chris Evert's accident, seen on live TV across the United States and worldwide was the first time these bracelets had been so publicly seen paired with sporting attire. This new association led to the name 'tennis bracelet', a new way to wear them and a resurgence in their popularity that has not decreased in the 40 or more years since.
Today the tennis bracelet is a staple of many women's jewellery collection, often worn every day, giving women the opportunity to sparkle and feel sexy on every occasion.
Baguette Diamond Tennis Bracelet 3.00ct G/SI in 18k White Gold
£4,017.00
£6,927.00
A diamond tennis bracelet is an excellent way to show off your style. This stylish bracelet is sure to make a statement when you wear it with its sleek design. It has G/SI quality, baguette-shaped, diamonds in a classy channel… read more
How To Choose The Right Tennis Bracelet For You?
Choosing the ideal diamond tennis bracelet for you is a matter of matching the design to your lifestyle. If you have an active lifestyle, then a tennis bracelet can fit right in. But even if tennis isn't your game and your sporting activities are limited to a brisk stroll to the car and pushing your shopping trolley around Sainsbury's, there will be a tennis bracelet to suit you!
Ensure that the bracelet you choose is not so loose that it will catch in your clothing or snag on any protruding objects. Likewise, it might pinch or, even worse, if it is too tight, could stretch the links leading to damage or even breakage! If you can just fit a finger under the bracelet when it is on your wrist, you will have the size about right.
Look out for tennis bracelet designs with a safety clasp or chain to ensure that the bracelet will not easily fall off your wrist if the main clasp should come undone. If the bracelet you fall in love with lacks these features, a jeweller should be able to add a short chain to the bracelet to give you the peace of mind you need.
Tennis Bracelet Styles
Back in the 1920s, these bracelets almost always featured square-cut diamonds in a straight line around the wearer's wrist. Modern tennis bracelets would be recognisable to women back then, but there is much more diversity of design and diamond shape.
Today, round-cut diamonds are often used because of their brilliant sparkle and interesting shapes they can form on the wrist. Look out for other diamond shapes, such as the classic square cut or baguette styles, for something slightly different.
The diamonds may be claw set for maximum exposure and brilliance or in a rub over form. The precious metal rises above the girdle of the diamond for utmost security and gives a more subtle effect on the wrist. Of course, other setting styles are plentiful, so you can choose the setting style that suits your lifestyle and taste. At All Diamond, we have a wide variety of diamond settings in our bracelets, including the very modern-looking tension setting like this lovely example.
£1,789.00
Treat your special someone with this exquisite hand-crafted yellow gold tennis bracelet containing a carat and a half of brilliant and ethically sourced G/SI quality diamonds. An elegant piece that will be at home in any surroundings. This design shows… read moreRub Over Diamond Tennis Bracelet 1.50ct G/SI in 9k Yellow Gold
£2,907.00
Today's styles can offer more than a simple single row of diamonds. You can choose styles with the gems linked together to form different patterns on the wrist with much more eye appeal than in the past.
Single Row Tennis Bracelets
The most noticeable difference between tennis bracelets is the number of rows of diamonds. The simplest designs feature a single row of diamonds creating a timeless piece of jewellery encircling the entire wrist.
Double Row Tennis Bracelets
Double row tennis bracelets up the ante with a second row of diamonds to create a more elegant and noticeable effect. The second row of diamonds will stand out with any outfit but will, of course, have its impact multiplied with short-sleeved outfits.
Multi-Row Tennis Bracelets
If you want to push the boat out with a piece that retains the heritage of the service bracelet while making a real show, look out for designs that have three or four rows of diamonds. They can be real showstoppers that will attract attention whenever you wear one!
Rub Over Diamond Tennis Bracelet 1.40ct G/SI in 9k Rose Gold
£1,542.00
£2,547.00
With this beautiful, handcrafted diamond bracelet, you can wear your love with you wherever you go. The bold beauty of the rose gold makes the perfect fashion accessory for an elegant and stylish look. A classic design that is sure… read more
Although tennis bracelets have a much longer history than most people imagine, one thing is true. If Chris Evert had not had an accident with her delicate diamond bracelet on national and worldwide TV at a high-profile sporting event, the tennis bracelet as we know it would not exist today. Women everywhere, and their jewellers, owe her a debt of gratitude!
There is no hard and fast definition of what makes a diamond bracelet a tennis bracelet. All that they have in common is a row of diamonds! Modern tennis bracelets are about fun and pleasure, so pick what you like and call it whatever you want to!
Now that you know a little more about the history and design of this lovely jewellery item, we would love for you to check out what our British design team has done with this jewellery classic. Please check out our collection of diamond tennis bracelets – perhaps you will be inspired to buy one for yourself or to drop a hint that you'd like one for your next anniversary. You might even think of your first tennis bracelet as being the first of your collection of service stripes, just as your great grandmother might have done a century ago!
