The tennis bracelet gets its name from an incident that played out at a US Open tennis match in 1987. Chris Evert was setting the court ablaze with her trademark double-handed backhands. After a particularly vigorous shot, the clasp of the George Bedewi diamond bracelet she was wearing snapped, sending the precious piece of jewellery flying across the court. Evert was so dismayed, she requested for a pause in play to search for it. Since then, any bracelet with an inline string of individually-set diamonds has been referred to as a tennis bracelet. “A classic tennis bracelet is usually a delicate, flexible wristlet or bracelet encrusted with clear, symmetrical diamonds,” explains Gautam Ghanasingh, CEO and Creative Director, Ghanasingh Be True.
Always a Classic
A tennis bracelet's classic design ensures that it never goes out of style, allowing it to be paired with practically any look. Whether it's a black tie event or an early evening high tea, the delicate design adds a dash of femininity without trying too hard. “The quintessential tennis bracelet is a must-have for today’s modern woman. This versatile wristlet can be worn daily, just like your watch,” suggests Gautam.
The Cost of Elegance
Dress to dazzle with an elegant, yet contemporary Eternity Line Bracelet by De Beers or Cartier's Classic Diamonds Bracelet, which is a must-have for those who want to own a traditionally designed tennis bracelet. Set in rose gold, the Tiffany T Diamond Line Bracelet by Tiffany & Co. has brilliant princess-cut diamonds. Alternatively, twist it up a little with the Diamond Garland Tennis Bracelet by Blue Nile—a unique take on the classic design with intricate detailing along the setting. But if it's crystal that makes you go weak in the knees, Swarovski has some dazzling delights to offer.
The cost differs depending on the quality and carat of the diamonds and the metal they are set in. While an elegant diamond piece costs upwards of US $6,000, the really fabulous pieces cost over US $20,000.
Bracelets with a Twist
Even as the traditional look for the tennis bracelet lives on, contemporary designs are becoming popular. The simple, symmetrical princess-cut diamonds are making way for more intricate jewels. Inspired by the half eternity-band ring design, bracelets with only half a line of diamonds are also gaining popularity. “Many new designs feature coloured stones such as aquamarines, emeralds, blue tanzanites and rubies. A typical tennis bracelet is studded with stones of the same shape and size; but today, that is not always the case. That said, although tennis bracelets have evolved, the original classic design is still the most popular,” shares Raashi Zaveri, Director at TBZ—The Original.
“There is an array of designs to choose from, depending on the wearers’ aesthetic sense and preferences. An upcoming design option is a bangle tennis band, encrusted with a numerous gemstones of various, non-symmetrical shapes and sizes,” adds Gautam.
So be it dazzling diamonds or shimmering coloured stones, tennis bracelets are sure to add sparkle to your wrist.
