A tennis bracelet is one the most elegant, timeless pieces of bijouterie of all time - and considering Wimbledon 2024 is in fully swing (pardon the pun), what better time to discuss the decadent piece of on-trend jewellery.
Despite the diamond trinket being associated with highly glamorous occasions, it actually got its eponymous name , of which its now most commonly known, from the sport.
When the jewellery style rose to fame around the 1920's, it was called a 'diamond line bracelet.' However, an incident at the US Open in the summer of 1978 with American tennis player Chris Evert, changed its name forever.
Evert was already a certified fashion muse. From red striped shirts to pleated skirts, block-coloured dresses to powder pink minis, her on-court style was well-versed and effortlessly enviable. Add her memorable jewellery moment into the mix, and she became the ultimate tennis style icon.
Centre court fashionistas including Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova are among those who've donned delectable wrist diamonds whilst playing the game, and British number one Katie Boulter has brought her fashion A-game to Wimbledon 2023, amping up the glam by wearing the most elegant tennis bracelet from British lab grown jeweller The Diamond Lab, alongside her wrist sweatbands (talk about juxtaposing styles).
The popularity of the bracelet silhouette only continues to soar. According to The Diamond Store, sales of tennis bracelets, necklaces and stud diamond earrings increased by 98 per cent in the lead-up to Wimbledon last year.
Courtside guests began searching for their sporty jewellery look earlier this year, with searches for tennis bracelets already 20 per cent higher than 2023. This stat was bolstered by the release of Challengers and Zendaya's tennis-inspired looks, which surged searches for tennis bracelets on The Diamond Store website by 133 per cent the week of the premiere.
Here's everything you need to know about sport's most glamorous accessory.
What is a tennis bracelet?
"The classic tennis bracelet is a popular and timeless piece of jewellery that is typically adorned with a continuous line of diamonds," according to The Diamond Lab.
How did the tennis bracelet get its name?
In 1978, Chris Evert was playing in the US Open when her line diamond bracelet snapped mid-match and she requested to pause the game whilst she looked for the jewels. From that moment on, the bracelet became synonymous with Evert and has been known as a tennis bracelet ever since.
Which wrist should you wear a tennis bracelet?
"The tennis bracelet is most popularly worn on the opposite wrist to your dominant hand (in true tennis player fashion)," says Welsh jewellery company Clogau.
How do I style a tennis bracelet?
"If you have an active lifestyle or you simply fancy a change from heavy bangles, then investing in a tennis bracelet is a smart move to up your jewellery game," Clogau explains. They also suggest pairing it with other wrist jewellery such as watches and rings, and stacking with other bangles.
Where do I buy a tennis bracelet?
Tempted? We don't blame you. Discover our top choices of tennis bracelets below.
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