The Story Behind the Tennis Bracelet
Elegant and endlessly versatile, the tennis bracelet is a staple of modern fine jewellery collections with a sporty origin story. The iconic design — featuring a single delicate strand of evenly sized diamonds — has evolved from exclusive evening wear to an everyday essential.
5 Minutes
Classic line bracelets, originally called 'eternity bracelets,' have been around since the 1920s. But it wasn't until the late 1970s that they regained popularity in an unexpected way. During a match at the 1978 U.S. Open, American tennis player Chris Evert — already a three-time titleholder and emerging fashion icon — suddenly stopped the game mid-match. Her diamond bracelet had slipped from her wrist and fallen somewhere on the court. As Evert searched for it, game spectators and television viewers were left puzzled and on the edge of their seats. When reporters asked about the incident after the match, she simply explained: It was her tennis bracelet. The media and fashion caught onto the name, and a jewellery icon was born.
When Fine Jewellery Meets Sport
Evert later revealed that wearing a diamond bracelet during matches boosted her sense of confidence and served as an expression of her personal style on the court. In doing so, the 18-time Grand Slam champion redefined the boundaries between athletic wear and fine jewellery. Until then, diamond line bracelets rarely ventured beyond formal galas and evening soirees. But Evert’s decision to wear one mid-match introduced a new level of versatility — elegant yet practical enough to suit both sport and daily life. Jewellery houses quickly recognized this shift, and the bracelet became a sought-after piece on and off the court.
Today, the tennis bracelet continues to be embraced by a new generation of wearers. Modern interpretations feature diamonds set in geometric links, often styled effortlessly with both casual and formal looks. For a contemporary look, it’s common to layer the bracelet with others, paired with everyday essentials like a white T-shirt to add a refined touch of sparkle.
The Tennis Bracelet, Reimagined
More than four decades since its debut on the court, the tennis bracelet remains a go-to jewellery piece. Its ability to be easily dressed up or down offers a sense of effortless glamour for both women and men, especially for those who value pieces that can seamlessly transition from day to night. With its sleek, simple design, it also makes a thoughtful gift for a wide range of styles and occasions.
Traditionally set on dainty gold or platinum chains, the original tennis bracelet emphasized clean lines and timeless sparkle. While the classic version will probably never go out of style with its casual elegance, jewellery designers are now reinventing it by offering fresh interpretations featuring coloured gemstones, alternative cuts, different alloys, and bolder settings. And in turn, modern wearers are finding playful ways to mix and match the piece with watches and other accessories.
“The tennis bracelet effortlessly complements any style or occasion, making it perfect for both everyday wear and special events. It’s durable yet delicate and ensures longevity, allowing it to be passed down through generations.” — Bucherer Fine Jewellery Design Team
A Timeless Jewellery Staple
Bucherer Fine Jewellery's Stretchy Collection is a creative and innovative take on the classic design. Carefully crafted with an elastic spring mechanism, each genderless bracelet moulds seamlessly to any wrist and is designed for stacking and everyday wear. The collection features bracelets ranging from 18K yellow gold with brilliant-cut white diamonds to 18K white gold with a combination of emerald-cut stones. Whether worn alone or layered with other pieces, the tennis bracelet continues to stand out as one of the most versatile and enduring pieces in contemporary jewellery, guaranteed to bring some shine to any ensemble. It's the perfect balance of elegance and ease.
Bucherer Fine Jewellery
The Stretchy Collection
Discover flexible, genderless bracelets in all alloys, diamonds and gemstones. Perfect for stacking and everyday wear.