Many of us are familiar with the tennis bracelet, but have you ever looked into the history of its name? Let Bhindi Jewelers tell the tale.
The tennis bracelet is one of the most iconic jewelry styles that is renowned for its luxurious appearance and possessing an air of regality and class. For many, the origins of this style’s name, which seems to have little to do with the construction of the piece, remain ambiguous. Our experts at Bhindi Jewelers are here to tell the tale and provide some tips on styling a tennis bracelet along with an insight into how this style has changed over time.
The History of the Tennis Bracelet
Upon their rise to popularity in the 1920s, tennis bracelets were initially referred to as eternity bracelets, similar to eternity band wedding rings or diamond line bracelets. It is said that the terminology shifted around the time of the 1987 US Open. The acclaimed tennis player Chris Evert famously halted her match when her diamond bracelet fell off of her wrist.
In an interview after the match, Evert allegedly referred to the piece as her “tennis bracelet.” Evert was known to evoke “sports luxe” elegance on the court by donning diamond jewelry with her athletic apparel. The incident drew public attention, and many began referring to this jewelry style as a “tennis bracelet.”
Traditional Style
Evert likely chose these pieces to wear during her tennis matches because they are traditionally quite comfortable and lightweight. Tennis bracelets have historically been characterized by a continuous line of diamonds, typically of the same size and cut, prong-set to reveal as much of the surface area of the stones as possible.
Over time, tennis bracelets can loosen, which is likely what caused Evert’s bracelet to slip off of her wrist. When shopping for one, make sure that you select a piece with a strong clasp made of durable materials.
Evolution of the Style
Since the inception of this iconic bracelet style, many iterations have gained popularity. For instance, the inclusion of vibrantly colored gemstones in favor of a continuous row of diamonds has become quite common. Some modern tennis bracelets will feature an alternating pattern of gems or a gradient of hues. This style has also seen modern interpretations that include bezel-set stones, colorful diamonds, gemstones of varying sizes, mixed metals, and other interesting variations.
Styling Your Tennis Bracelet
Though tennis bracelets may seem minimalistic in design, they reflect excessive light, making them quite the statement piece. Their incredible luster causes many to opt to wear these pieces alone on their wrist, unaccompanied by any other bracelet that would have to compete with its shine. However, if you would prefer to stack them with other pieces, it's not uncommon for one to wear two or more tennis bracelets at once for an incredible display of light and luxury.
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