While the tennis bracelet wasn’t created specifically for tennis players, it was a particular game that helped to rename and rebrand this accessory. Nowadays there are a lot of variations of this type of jewelry including different settings, thicknesses, metals and stones meaning there’s a tennis bracelet for every style.
Why is a Tennis Bracelet Called a Tennis Bracelet?
A tennis bracelet features a symmetrical pattern of diamonds or gemstones connected by a thin, metal chain. Typically the stones are the same size, shape, color and clarity. Tennis bracelets used to be called eternity or diamond line bracelets. Like eternity rings, they are made of gemstones, most commonly diamonds, set close together to completely encircle the wrist.
The tennis bracelet coined its name from a notable public sporting event, rather than its origin or function. During the 1987 US Open, professional tennis player Chris Evert lost her George Bedewi diamond bracelet in the middle of a match. She asked the officials to pause the game while she searched for her missing bracelet, all while TV viewers and spectators watched the now famous tennis bracelet search.
The bracelet was recovered and Evert learned it was lost due to the clasp breaking. Not only did this encourage jewelers to create more secure clasps for their bracelets, but due to the popularity created from this notable event, tennis bracelets themselves were in much higher demand. A tennis bracelet is a sleek, modern jewelry staple that adds sparkle and sophistication to your look.
How to Wear a Tennis Bracelet
Many tennis players since Evert have sported tennis bracelets. In 2002 Serena Williams wore a $29,000 Harry Winston tennis bracelet to a game, which turned heads. Many retailers report a spike in sales during Wimbledon, as the focus hits the sport and tennis bracelets come back into the limelight. The design of the tennis bracelet makes it perfect for athletic women and those who lead active, busy lifestyles.
Unlike other types of bracelets like bangles, tennis bracelets are comfortable, flexible and less intrusive. A tennis bracelet should fit comfortably enough that it can move freely on your wrist without discomfort but isn’t too loose that it could fall off. They don’t get knocked around or hurt your wrist like a solid bangle would, which also makes the tennis bracelet a comfortable choice if you want to look stylish while playing your game.
While most traditional designs contain one row of diamonds, some bracelets have two or even three rows of stones. Most tennis bracelets utilize round cut diamonds and the setting is usually one of three varieties: prong, channel or bezel. There are now many different designs that tennis bracelets come in including different colored and shaped stones.
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