How a Match Stopping Moment Changed Jewellery Forever
The elegant diamond line bracelet we now know as the “tennis bracelet” owes its name to one of the most memorable moments in sports history, at least from a jeweller’s perspective!
During the 1987 U.S. Open, then-world-number-one tennis player Chris Evert was in the midst of a hotly contested match when her delicate diamond line bracelet snapped and flew from her wrist.
Evert, known for wearing her beloved George Bedewi-designed piece during play, immediately requested officials pause the match so she could safely recover all the sections of her broken diamond line bracelet. She later referred to the piece as her “tennis bracelet” in interviews and the catchy moniker caught on permanently.
Before this dramatic incident, the style was known more formally as a “line bracelet” or “eternity bracelet,” terms that reflected its defining characteristic: a continuous row of uniformly matched stones set in articulated, flexible platinum or gold links.
Line Bracelets: A Century-Old Tradition
While the “tennis” label is relatively new, the style itself dates back to the 1920s Art Deco period.
Women of that era favoured stacked platinum and old European-cut diamond line bracelets, prized for their geometric precision and understated elegance. Whilst time moved on, the design philosophy of the line bracelet remained unchanged – homogeneous gemstones creating visual continuity that catches light from every angle.
Today’s tennis bracelets typically feature dozens of matching diamonds set in precious metals, maintaining that essential Art Deco legacy of craftsmanship and symmetry.
Throughout the decades, certain women have made the tennis bracelet synonymous with their personal style:
Princess Diana frequently wore a multi-row Cartier diamond tennis bracelet, often paired with her signature pearls and evening gowns. Her comfort with wearing fine jewelry in informal contexts mirrored Evert’s own approach to sportswear elegance.
Elizabeth Taylor, whose legendary collection included some of the most famous jewels in history, regularly wore tennis-style bracelets on red carpets and during film appearances. Her taste for bold, substantial pieces elevated the style’s prestige.
Madonna brought the tennis bracelet to contemporary pop culture, wearing sleek diamond versions onstage and at high-profile events. Her choice of Cartier pieces demonstrated how the style transcends generations.
Tennis Bracelets for the Modern Collector
Exhibiting ultimate wearability and versatility, there really are very few occasions where the sleek and scintillating line of a tennis bracelet would look out of place.
Whether featuring diamonds or precious coloured gemstones (or a combination of both!), this timeless classic adds “wrist appeal” to any outfit from smart casual cottons and linens to the most beautiful bridal gown.
Gifted to a loved one, a gold or platinum diamond tennis bracelet is invariably a most welcome addition to any jewellery collection – ideal to commemorate an anniversary, birthday or other notable event.
As a reward to oneself, a diamond or precious coloured gemstone tennis bracelet is the ultimate accolade. A sleek, stylish, sparkling yet subtle constant and deeply personal visual reminder of life’s ambitions achieved.
The tennis bracelet remains one of fine jewellery’s most versatile investments. Its timeless design makes it appropriate for formal occasions yet sufficiently understated for everyday wear, the same duality that first captivated Chris Evert on the tennis court.
Whether set in platinum, gold, or increasingly, a mixed precious metal bi-colour configuration, the tennis bracelet continues to represent an ideal marriage of craftsmanship, carat value, and enduring style—a worthy addition to the collection of any discerning jewellery aficionado.
To explore the stunning range of ready-to-wear and bespoke Diamond & Coloured Gemstone Tennis Bracelets from Julia Pharo Jewellery, please contact the studio.