Why is it called a tennis bracelet?
The history of diamond tennis bracelets dates back to the summer of 1978, to be exact, when one of the greatest tennis players of all time, Chris Evert unintentionally made jewellery history during an early round of the US Open.
It happened when the tennis champion’s delicate diamond and gold bracelet broke and fell to the ground; play was briefly suspended so she could find it. At the time someone—and no one remembers exactly who—immediately and cheekily dubbed the jewel a “tennis bracelet.” Needless to say, the name stuck. Though many of today’s tennis stars—we’re looking at you Serena Williams—wear more dazzling diamond jewellery on the court than certain actresses on the red carpet, at the time, this was big news. Evert is widely believed to be the first woman to wear diamonds on the tennis court. But even if she wasn’t factually the very first, her mishap definitely brought to the spotlight the particular diamond bracelet style.
Chris Evert’s tennis bracelet, with all of its gems set in a row, used to be called a line bracelet. Today, some designers still use the classic terminology for the look that can be traced back to at least the 1920s.
During the art deco era, line bracelets generally consisted of square-cut diamond stones fit closely together in a row. They were nicknamed “service stripes” in reference to the decorations worn by the military denoting a certain amount of time spent in the service; they were given on wedding anniversaries and represented successful “tours of duty.” Applied to jewels, the term served as a light-hearted joke. Well-heeled women and glamorous Hollywood stars piled them on and often layered them with wide art deco diamond bracelets creating a seriously extravagant arm party.
During the 1970s, line bracelets sent a very different message. Generally speaking, the style was about low-key luxury. Fashions were becoming increasingly casual with wrap dresses, pantsuits and denim. Delicate diamond jewels were a chic way to elevate a look. Of course, Chris Evert took the concept one step further when she paired her diamond bracelet with a tennis dress, “I never take mine off!”.
Over forty years later, diamond tennis bracelets have become an essential piece to wear daily. The biggest change from the past to now: the seemingly infinite number of diamond tennis bracelets available.
Understated yet instantly recognisable to jewellery aficionados, a linked band of pavé diamonds laced around the wrist signifies a certain status – on or off the court. The tennis bracelet is a staple in any fine jewellery collection, as is its slightly less famous sister, the tennis necklace. Classic pieces, they make marvellously tasteful gifts, and are almost always prefixed with the word “timeless”. Tennis bracelets are often worn stacked in multiples, a trend that started in the ’20s when the design first became popular – although back then it was known as an eternity bracelet.
We have some stunning tennis bracelets & necklaces in our current auction, ending Thursday 13th June.
The history of diamond tennis bracelets dates back to the summer of 1978, to be exact, when one of the greatest tennis players of all time, Chris Evert unintentionally made jewellery history during an early round of the US Open.
It happened when the tennis champion’s delicate diamond and gold bracelet broke and fell to the ground; play was briefly suspended so she could find it. At the time someone—and no one remembers exactly who—immediately and cheekily dubbed the jewel a “tennis bracelet.” Needless to say, the name stuck. Though many of today’s tennis stars—we’re looking at you Serena Williams—wear more dazzling diamond jewellery on the court than certain actresses on the red carpet, at the time, this was big news. Evert is widely believed to be the first woman to wear diamonds on the tennis court. But even if she wasn’t factually the very first, her mishap definitely brought to the spotlight the particular diamond bracelet style.
Chris Evert’s tennis bracelet, with all of its gems set in a row, used to be called a line bracelet. Today, some designers still use the classic terminology for the look that can be traced back to at least the 1920s.
During the art deco era, line bracelets generally consisted of square-cut diamond stones fit closely together in a row. They were nicknamed “service stripes” in reference to the decorations worn by the military denoting a certain amount of time spent in the service; they were given on wedding anniversaries and represented successful “tours of duty.” Applied to jewels, the term served as a light-hearted joke. Well-heeled women and glamorous Hollywood stars piled them on and often layered them with wide art deco diamond bracelets creating a seriously extravagant arm party.
During the 1970s, line bracelets sent a very different message. Generally speaking, the style was about low-key luxury. Fashions were becoming increasingly casual with wrap dresses, pantsuits and denim. Delicate diamond jewels were a chic way to elevate a look. Of course, Chris Evert took the concept one step further when she paired her diamond bracelet with a tennis dress, “I never take mine off!”.
Over forty years later, diamond tennis bracelets have become an essential piece to wear daily. The biggest change from the past to now: the seemingly infinite number of diamond tennis bracelets available.
Understated yet instantly recognisable to jewellery aficionados, a linked band of pavé diamonds laced around the wrist signifies a certain status – on or off the court. The tennis bracelet is a staple in any fine jewellery collection, as is its slightly less famous sister, the tennis necklace. Classic pieces, they make marvellously tasteful gifts, and are almost always prefixed with the word “timeless”. Tennis bracelets are often worn stacked in multiples, a trend that started in the ’20s when the design first became popular – although back then it was known as an eternity bracelet.
We have some stunning tennis bracelets & necklaces in our current auction, ending Thursday 13th June.
LOT 134
'18CT WHITE GOLD DIAMOND TENNIS NECKLACE'
Estimate: £16,000 - £18,000
Starting Bid: £15,000 (0 bids)
LOT 329
'14CT WHITE GOLD DIAMOND TENNIS BRACELET'
Estimate: £10,500 - £12,500
Starting Bid: £9,800 (0 bids)
LOT 327
'18CT WHITE GOLD DIAMOND TENNIS BRACELET'
Estimate: £3,500 - £4,500
Starting Bid: £2,700 (0 bids)
LOT 324
'14CT WHITE GOLD DIAMOND TENNIS BRACELET'
Estimate: £4,000 - £5,000
Starting Bid: £3,100 (0 bids)
LOT 441
'18CT WHITE GOLD DIAMOND TENNIS BRACELET'
Estimate: £6,500 - £7,500
Starting Bid: £5,800 (0 bids)
LOT 432
'WHITE GOLD DIAMOND TENNIS BRACELET'
Estimate: £10,000 - £12,000
Starting Bid: £8,000 (0 bids)
'18CT WHITE GOLD DIAMOND TENNIS NECKLACE'
Estimate: £16,000 - £18,000
Starting Bid: £15,000 (0 bids)
LOT 329
'14CT WHITE GOLD DIAMOND TENNIS BRACELET'
Estimate: £10,500 - £12,500
Starting Bid: £9,800 (0 bids)
LOT 327
'18CT WHITE GOLD DIAMOND TENNIS BRACELET'
Estimate: £3,500 - £4,500
Starting Bid: £2,700 (0 bids)
LOT 324
'14CT WHITE GOLD DIAMOND TENNIS BRACELET'
Estimate: £4,000 - £5,000
Starting Bid: £3,100 (0 bids)
LOT 441
'18CT WHITE GOLD DIAMOND TENNIS BRACELET'
Estimate: £6,500 - £7,500
Starting Bid: £5,800 (0 bids)
LOT 432
'WHITE GOLD DIAMOND TENNIS BRACELET'
Estimate: £10,000 - £12,000
Starting Bid: £8,000 (0 bids)
