In the world of jewelry, few pieces carry as much charm and a backstory as captivating as the tennis bracelet. Its origin is intertwined with the elegance of diamonds and an unforgettable moment on the tennis court. The story of the tennis bracelet began in the summer of 1978. The U.S. Open women’s tennis championship matches were being played in Forest Hills, in the borough of Queens in New York City. World champion Chris Evert, a dominant force in the tennis world with 18 Grand Slam women’s singles titles to her name, was playing a match on center court. Evert was known for her precision on the court and her unique sense of style, often accessorizing her tennis kit with fine jewelry. During this particular match, Evert lost what was then known as a diamond line bracelet. The bracelet, a simple yet elegant piece consisting of a row of diamonds set closely together, had slipped off her wrist during the intense play. Without hesitation, Evert requested that the play be halted until she found the bracelet. This was an unprecedented event in the world of sports. The match was paused, and all eyes were on Evert as she searched for her precious accessory. After the match, the incident became a talking point. The idea of the women’s tennis bracelet was coined, and those types of diamond line bracelets would forever be referred to by their new name: the tennis bracelet. This moment not only added a new term to the fine jewelry lexicon but also created a trend that would span decades. Before this incident, the style of bracelet that we now know as the tennis bracelet was already in existence. In the 1920s, it was known as the “Eternity Bracelet” and was a symbol of eternal love. Jewelers would meticulously set diamonds or other gemstones in a single line, creating a seamless loop of sparkle to be worn around the wrist. However, it was Chris Evert’s on – court moment that brought this style of bracelet into the mainstream and associated it with the world of tennis. The ’70s were a time of change in fashion. It was the disco era, and people were starting to dress more casually, yet still desired a touch of luxury. The tennis bracelet, with its understated elegance and diamond – studded allure, fit perfectly into this new aesthetic. It was a piece that could be worn with a glamorous evening gown or paired with a more casual outfit, adding a touch of sophistication. Celebrities soon took notice of the tennis bracelet. Farah Fawcett was seen wearing them at various glamorous events, further popularizing the accessory. In the world of sports, it became a lucky charm for tennis players. Serena Williams, another tennis great, was often spotted wearing a tennis bracelet on center court, continuing the tradition started by Chris Evert. Over the years, the tennis bracelet has evolved. While the classic design remains a row of diamonds set in a precious metal band, modern versions now come in a variety of gemstones and metals. Sterling silver tennis bracelets with white sapphires offer the same sparkle as diamonds but at a more accessible price point. Some designs even incorporate additional accent stones, such as green tourmalines to represent the tennis court or pear – shaped stones to symbolize the sweat of competition. In 2022, fittingly in conjunction with the U.S. Open schedule, a collection called the Tennis Bracelet – CE was launched in collaboration with Chris Evert. This was the first time in four decades that Chris was associated with the creation of a tennis bracelet collection. Each piece in the collection came with a certificate of authenticity and was marked “CE” on each individual bracelet. The collection aimed to celebrate that founding moment at the U.S. Open in 1978 and bring an authentic touch to the tennis bracelet legacy. Today, the tennis bracelet is not just a piece of jewelry; it’s a symbol of style, elegance, and a bit of tennis history. Whether worn on the tennis court for good luck or at a glamorous event to make a fashion statement, the tennis bracelet continues to shine brightly in the world of fine jewelry.
