Learning About (and Shopping) the Tennis Bracelet
Chris Evert, one of the most iconic women’s singles tennis players to ever set foot on the court was considered a sports hero in the 70s–80s, not only for her athletic performance but for her style. Spectators were of course enamored with her skill but definitely honed in on her outfits and accessories as she battled it out and reigned time and time again. So, it’s no surprise Evert caught the attention of onlookers when her diamond bracelet reportedly broke away from her wrist mid-match during the 1987 U.S. Open. With that slight mishap, history took shape and the term “tennis bracelet” became a thing. Along with worshipping the game of tennis, female spectators everywhere lusted after a wristful of delicate diamonds.
Since that moment, players have continued to rally in head-to-toe sponsored statement ensembles finished with gold and jewels; it’s just become part of the game. And the actual tennis bracelet? Well, that too has been going strong, as we’ve seen it reimagined in many different forms over the years. Recently, it’s back and better than ever, and being artfully stacked, putting a new spin on the trend. Here are my top picks!
Timeless Allure
My old-Hollywood pick, the Tiffany & Co.’s Victoria Cluster Tennis Bracelet, captures the romance of a time when grace and glamour guided fashion. Designed to turn a few heads, this shimmering bracelet looks to alternating marquis and round brilliant diamonds to create an almost celestial type of effect. Coming in at a total of about 6 carats, the platinum find from the legendary house is indeed out of this world and something I would wear forever.
Undeniably 80s
Straight from the 80s jewelry gods arrives this diamond eternity bracelet from KATKIM’s Eternal collection. The 18k yellow gold masterpiece features a princess cut, and white diamonds with a grand finale of champagne diamonds for an ombré effect to make it just a little bit more ‘now.’ It’s designed to be a staple piece and one that definitely looks amazing when paired with an oversized timepiece.
Classically Now
A GSI regular, Serena Williams Jewelry, turns the tennis bracelet style up a notch with 3 carats of brilliant round cut diamonds, each connected with clasp hardware. Offered in 14k white gold, the ICON stunner definitely looks up to vintage flair but is perfectly wearable for the current times.
Fit for Royalty
Since tennis is sometimes referred to as the “Sport of Kings,” I had to find a royal-inspired tennis bracelet enhanced with sapphires, which for a long time have been associated with divinity and royalty. This fresh find from Cartier’s Essential Lines collection uses 18K white gold and a combination of 26 brilliant-cut diamonds and 26 brilliant-cut sapphires for a dose of pure elegance.
About The Author
Debbie Azar is the Co-Founder and President of Gemological Science International (GSI), one of the largest gemological organizations in the world, and a distinguished leader in the global diamond and jewelry industry. As an executive with extensive knowledge of the jewelry and gem lab industries, her entrepreneurial skills and vision have helped GSI achieve rapid and continuous growth worldwide, establishing 13 leading-edge gemological facilities on four continents. She currently serves on the boards of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, Responsible Jewellery Council, and Jewelers for Children, and is a member of the 24 Karat Club of New York. She has been featured in Forbes, Daily Mail, Good Morning America, Bloomberg, Bloomberg Businessweek, Fox Business, Fox5, CBS2, BOLDTV, Varney&Co, The Street, and NASDAQ, among others.
