Disco and Diamonds: How The Famed Tennis Bracelet Got Its Name

What Exactly Is A Tennis Bracelet? 

Before delving into the origins, it’s important to identify what exactly constitutes a tennis bracelet. Over the years, the term has grown to encompass a multitude of styles. However, according to Aditi Daga, co-founder of fine jewelry brand Angara, a traditional tennis bracelet includes a single line of round, usually colorless, diamonds set in precious metal. “Jewelers commonly use gold or platinum for their durability, ensuring that the prongs securely hold the diamonds in place,” she says. Whereas, styles made from silver are more prone to damage because of the metal’s softness and can result in the loss of diamonds. 

A traditional tennis bracelet includes a single line of round, usually colorless, diamonds set in precious metal.

However, one of the key features that separates the linear design from other diamond bracelets is its ability to withstand the brunt of activities like, say, a tennis match. “A strong clasp mechanism or double lock is essential to keep the bracelet securely fastened,” Daga continues. As is the style’s lightweight yet flexible design. 

How The Tennis Bracelet Got Its Name

For context, the iconic jewelry piece was so aptly named after a similar design worn by three-time Wimbledon champ Chris Evert, who was known for her sense of style both on and off the court. The tennis player sported a dainty white diamond bracelet while competing, when it flew off mid-match. “I just dropped my bracelet on center court at the US Open, and that’s when they called it the tennis bracelet,” Evert said in a 2018 interview. Contrary to many reports stating the event occurred in 1987, the style is often traced back to the late ‘70s. “This date for the jewel is the one that makes sense historically,” jewelry historian Marion Fasel told British Vogue back in 2020. “It was the disco era, when people were beginning to dress down and wear denim with diamonds. There was a desire for low-key luxury, and high-end jewelers began making it.”

I just dropped my bracelet on center court at the US Open, and that’s when they called it the tennis bracelet.

As Fasel explained, the seventies marked a noticeable shift in the fashion industry, as well as the way in which people dress. Elevated items (like fine jewelry pieces) once reserved for special occasions, were being donned on the day to day with more casual ensembles. 

The Evolution Of The Tennis Bracelet

Today, the tennis bracelet remains a household name, being sold by most jewelers, regardless of size or stature. They’ve since expanded into a full category to include all singular, line pieces and in turn, coined the phrases “tennis necklace” and “tennis anklet,” respectively. It’s also worth noting more modern iterations as well, like colored gems or bracelets with bezel settings—where gold frames each diamond or stone—rather than using prongs. Which means, if you’re looking to start a stack of your own, the options are seemingly endless. Famed diamond destination Ring Concierge has a curated selection of traditional styles if something timeless is on your radar. While the brand Extensible, which can be found at Greenwich St. Jeweler  Per Angara’s offering, lab-grown diamonds are also an option if natural stones don’t align with your interests. Of course there are kitschier, more affordable pieces too, like the ‘Doubles’ bracelet from Miansai’s “Out of Office” Collection, which is punctuated with a tennis racket charm. 

Other options include particularly sparkly styles from Swarovski in an array of colors, which is great if you’re not in the market to invest in diamonds because it looks a lot like the “real” thing. 

How to Wear Them

As for styling tennis bracelets, the formula is rather simple. Whether worn solo, stacked in multiples, or paired with your go-to pieces for a mix-and-match vibe, the sparkly staple tends to speak for itself and goes well with pretty much anything. “The tennis bracelet’s neutral and versatile nature allows it to pair well with nearly any bracelet or bangle, provided the height doesn’t overshadow it,” Daga says. “I often wear mine solo with long sleeves that can’t be pushed up. With shorter sleeves, I stack it with emerald and sapphire bracelets.”

The tennis bracelet’s neutral and versatile nature allows it to pair well with nearly any bracelet or bangle

In the spirit of the style’s core intention, I, however, tend to wear my tennis bracelets in a more casual manner, stacking my favorite colorless styles with a vintage timepiece or woven friendship bracelet.

My Favorite Tennis Bracelets