The Ultimate Guide to Tennis Bracelets in 2024

Out of the many items from vintage fashion, the tennis bracelet has stood out for its fascinating history and timeless design. Read on.

Few bracelets are as iconic, wearable, and widespread as the tennis bracelet. Though the style itself echoes elements from the 1920s and may perhaps be traced back even deeper in history, the casual luxury pièce de résistance entered our fashion language in the 1970s.

What is a tennis bracelet?

Tennis bracelets are a classic style that features a symmetrical row of diamonds or other gemstones in a single line. Each stone is held together with a metal, such as gold, silver, or platinum. These classic bracelets have remained popular for decades due to their stunning design.

How Did a Tennis Bracelet Get Its Name?

It was the era of disco, jerseys, and glamor. Fine jewelry has entered a new age, combining casual attire with delicate, exquisite diamonds. Tennis player Chris Evert made it her style characteristic to replace tri-striped sweatbands with tiny strings of diamonds on her wrist, which caught the light of the sun while she played on the courts. During the 1978 U.S. Open, her bracelet flew off her wrist, causing a delay in the match to find it. This incident coined the term "tennis bracelet."

History of Tennis Bracelets

The tennis bracelet has a long history that predates its present sporting name. Originally called eternity bracelets, these items have been available since the 1920s, created as continuous rings of precious stones to represent eternal love.
Jewelers would precisely set diamonds or other jewels in a single line, resulting in a continuous loop of brilliance around the wrist. Modern tennis bracelets are still distinguished by their symmetrical arrangement of pavé diamonds or other jewels on a flexible, precious metal chain, but they have added more strings to their metaphorical bow.

Tennis Bracelet: Popular Settings

Tennis bracelets can all have a unique appearance and feel depending on the setting, style, and clasp design. Each setting is intended to securely hold the stones in place on the tennis bracelet, but each has a unique appearance.

• Prong: A popular option, up to four prongs per stone are used to secure the stone to the tennis bracelet, allowing as much light as possible to pass through and creating the most amazing sparkle. 
• Channel: The stones are sandwiched between two thin rows of metal on the tennis bracelet, keeping them tight and secure.
• Bezel: Metal surrounds each stone on the tennis bracelet to create a bubble effect.

Types of Tennis Bracelets

Tennis bracelets come in white gold, rose gold, yellow gold, and sterling silver metal options. The most popular ones are the white gold and silver metal designs you can shop at our online store, exclusively available at Rogers & Hollands | Ashcroft & Oak.

• A diamond tennis bracelet is an ideal piece of jewelry for any special occasion. The most popular style for your wedding day and beyond, the sleek and elegant style complements dresses beautifully, whether you're the stunning bride or spoiling your bridesmaids.

Diamond Tennis Bracelet in 14K White Gold

This 4-prong brilliant-cut diamond 10ct. t.w. the tennis bracelet is crafted in 14-karat white gold.

• If you want a sparkling tennis bracelet but don't want to spend too much money, our sterling silver tennis bracelet collection is ideal for all of your special occasions. Our silver tennis bracelets are embellished with a sparkling array of diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, and cubic zirconias, each of which is hand-selected, cut, and set to add a beautiful sparkle to your bracelet.

Round Diamond Tennis Bracelet in Sterling Silver

This elegant tennis bracelet features round white diamonds set in sterling silver. This pretty piece is secured with a box clasp and is 7.5" in length.

Styling Tips for Tennis Bracelets

• Everyday Wear: Casual and Office Looks

The best way to style your tennis bracelet is by pairing it with a watch! Wear the bracelet closest to your hand and the watch slightly higher up your wrist. When selecting a watch to go with your tennis bracelet, we recommend pairing a designer watch from our watches' collection with a fashion or silver tennis bracelet and a luxury watch with a diamond tennis bracelet.

Lab-Grown 5ctw. Diamond 4-Prong Tennis Bracelet in 14k White Gold

This 14-karat white gold tennis bracelet has GH SI lab-grown diamonds totaling 5 carats in total weight. This bracelet is 7 inches long.

Evening Glamor: Dressing Up with Tennis Bracelets

1.50ctw. 4-Prong Square Link Diamond Tennis Bracelet in 14K Rose Gold

This 1 1/2-ct. TDW diamond tennis bracelet features 74 brilliant round-cut diamonds carefully matched in a J-K color and I2-I3 clarity rating. Each diamond that lines the 7-inch bracelet is set in 14k rose gold prongs.

Famous Tennis Bracelets

In addition to Chris Evert, the tennis player who gave the bracelet its name and popularity, several other celebrities and well-known people have worn tennis bracelets over the years.

• Queen Elizabeth II owns a diamond quatrefoil bracelet passed down from her mother. Kate Middleton recently wore a special bracelet to a gala dinner.
• Penelope Cruz attended the "Nine" film premiere in Rome wearing a 24-carat heart-shaped tennis bracelet.
• Other celebrities who have worn tennis bracelets include Lady Antebellum, Kate Winslet, and Jennifer Lopez.

Which one is the right tennis bracelet for you?

• Choose diamonds with your preferred clarity and color grades, and ensure they are cut to enhance brilliance. Prioritize durability and brilliant colors when selecting gemstones, and match them with high-quality metals like gold or platinum to ensure long-lasting beauty.
• Tennis bracelets with lab-grown diamonds or other gemstones offer a similar look at a reduced cost. Consider sterling silver or gold-plated settings for beautiful and economical solutions.
• Customize tennis bracelets with birthstones, initials, or unique motifs. Look for customizable or mix-and-match settings to design a bracelet that fits your own style and preferences.

Caring for Your Tennis Bracelet

• Step 1: Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water. Pour a few drops of mild liquid soap into the cleaning solution and mix until it bubbles. 
• Step 2: Gently drop your bracelet in the bowl and soak it for 5–10 minutes. 
• Step 3: Gently scrub your bracelet with a soft-bristled toothbrush, paying close care to the gemstone edges. 
• Step 4: With the drain shut, rinse your bracelet under running water to remove soap and grime. 
• Step 5: Use a soft, lint-free towel to gently dry your tennis bracelet. Avoid using tissues or paper towels since they might harm valuable metals.

The Final Note

A tennis bracelet is one of the most desired and essential jewelry designs for any collection, expressing timeless beauty and versatility. Whether it is encrusted with timeless natural or lab-grown diamonds, adorned with precious gemstones, or styled in prong, channel, or bezel settings in silver or gold, it seamlessly transitions from casual to formal settings, making it an absolute addition to your stylish jewelry collection. 

The unique designs at Rogers & Hollands | Ashcroft & Oak uphold the company's founding principles of quality and customer satisfaction, guaranteeing that each item embodies great workmanship and long-lasting beauty. Our stellar tennis bracelet collection not only adds extra bling to your wrist but also reflects our commitment to excellence.