The most dramatic non-tennis tennis moment is not a tantrum courtesy of Nick Kyrgios/John McEnroe/Lleyton Hewitt/Marcos Baghdatis, Jane Novotna being comforted by the Duchess of Kent after her Wimbledon loss or even one of the many on-court meetings between the Williams sisters. In fact, one of the most seminal — for some people, at least — on-court moments occurred during an early round of the US Open in 1978 when 18-time Grand Slam champion Chris Evert’s gold and diamond bracelet broke and fell onto the court. Naturally, Evert demanded play be ceased until the bracelet was found, with the term ‘tennis bracelet’ being coined soon after.
What is a tennis bracelet?
A tennis bracelet is a linked bracelet made of a single line of symmetrical and identical diamonds or gemstones connected by a precious metal (such as gold or silver). Tennis bracelets typically take on a dainty, delicate appearance.
Why is it called a tennis bracelet?
The tennis bracelet received its name from the infamous 1978 US Open match wherein Chris Evert’s gold diamond bracelet came undone on the court. Prior to this, the tennis bracelet was typically referred to as an ‘eternity bracelet’ or a ‘line bracelet’. Before the Evert incident, the bracelets were designed to express eternal love and were often gifted to romantic partners.
Post-1978, jewellers began changing their marketing copywriting and adopting the term ‘tennis bracelet’ to cash in on the buzz. It worked, with sales of tennis bracelets skyrocketing. Tennis bracelets have endured in popularity thanks to their subtle yet elevated aesthetic and versatility when it comes to styling.
How to wear a tennis bracelet
In addition to looking good with tennis whites, tennis bracelets can be used to dress up casual outfits or accompany more formal getups. Worn alone or stacked alongside other jewellery, a tennis bracelet is a failsafe piece.
The best tennis bracelets
Regardless of whether or not you can hit a forehand, a tennis bracelet is an undeniable style serve. From classic yellow and white gold iterations to funkier multicolour pieces, these are the best tennis bracelets to buy.
1. Mejuri Diamond Tennis Bracelet
An impossibly dainty style, this Mejuri iteration comes in white or yellow gold and features a thin string of ethically sourced diamonds.
Price: $3,500AUD
2. Linjer Tennis Bracelet
A budget-friendly take on the classic style, this Linjer option is available in gold vermeil or silver and is studded with sparkling cubic zirconia stones.
Price: $155AUD
3. Saint Valentine Hollywood Tennis Bracelet x Molly King
A distinctly contemporary take on the style, this version is available in sterling silver or gold-plated options dotted with cubic zirconia stones. Taking on a slightly chunkier appearance, the Hollywood Tennis Bracelet makes a statement on its own or layered with other pieces.
Price: $175AUD
4. Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger 36 Stone Bracelet
The traditional style meets iconic French jewellery designer Jean Schlumberger’s rendition of an ‘X’ to form this eternal symbol of love. The bracelet is crafted from 18k gold while the round brilliant diamonds are set in platinum, with a total carat weight of 2.95.
Price: $67,000AUD
5. Baublebar Kayden Bracelet
An offbeat take, this style swaps identical diamonds or clear stones for mixed-shape iridescent gemstones to create a striking eternity bracelet.
Price: $68USD
6. Suzanne Kalan Rose Gold, Diamond and Pink Sapphire Princess Tennis Bracelet
A distinctly avant-garde take, this bracelet is defined by its unique gemstone settings which showcase the beauty of organised disorder.
Price: $26,324AUD
7. Monica Rich Kosann The Tennis Bracelet – CE Collection
Arguably the most authentic bracelet on this list, this collection was developed in collaboration with tennis bracelet pioneer Chris Evert herself. “I remember everything about that day,” says Chris Evert. “The green court. The white lines. My diamond bracelet and the dripping sweat of competition.” Drawing inspiration from the aforementioned green court and its white lines, each piece in this collection features a green emerald accent interspersed amongst the clear gemstones or diamonds. With options for every price point, the eternity bracelets in this collection range from sterling silver with white sapphires up to yellow gold with fancy cut diamonds.
Price: $2,100-55,800AUD
Words by T. Angel
Feature image courtesy of Hailey Bieber
