All About Tennis Bracelets

The diamond tennis bracelet has been a jewelry staple for decades now, ebbing and flowing through its own personal micro-trends throughout it all. The traditional diamond line bracelet features small, round diamonds encircling the wrist, connected to each other by a precious metal like gold or platinum. This enduring accessory, previously referred to as a “diamond line bracelet” or “eternity bracelet,” seemingly has nothing to do with tennis. So, why is it called a tennis bracelet? Let's find out!

Why is it Called a Tennis Bracelet?

The history of the name can be traced back to tennis superstar Chris Evert. At once both effortlessly fashionable and at the height of her career, Evert was wildly beloved by her fans and the public alike. Back in the 1970s, Evert was known for donning a simple diamond bracelet both on and off the court.

This piece of jewelry became somewhat iconic to her look, noticed mainly at first by tennis fans and reporters, but gained notoriety during the 1987 U.S. Open. Evert was in the middle of the match when she noticed her diamond bracelet had fallen off. She asked officials to halt gameplay so she could search the court for her bracelet. Luckily for Evert, the bracelet was found and safely returned to her, and lucky for us, the ensuing rise in popularity of the tennis bracelet beget much sturdier clasps. And thus, a new moniker was born.

Why Wear a Diamond Tennis Bracelet?

There are few pieces as classic and effortless as a diamond tennis bracelet. Its accessible luxury makes it the perfect accessory for anyone from the jewelry novice to someone with an already overflowing jewelry box. Sturdy, flexible, and lightweight, it can be worn with comfort throughout the day, while also being versatile enough to dress up into more formal wear. A tennis bracelet can truly complement and elevate any outfit in your wardrobe and it’s enduring enough that it can be passed down through generations as a family heirloom. This is a staple jewelry piece that will always be in fashion.

How Do I Style a Tennis Bracelet?

The simplest way to wear this accessory is on its own, letting its pure style make the statement for itself. A way to make your bracelet really pop is to don a flashy cocktail ring on the same hand. There’s nothing like a little bling to put an extra spring in your step! If you trend towards extra accessorizing, it can also be worn with multiple other bracelets, like a plain curb link bracelet or a flexible bangle. (Pro tip: items tend to look the most balanced and visually appealing when styled in odd numbers. Try layering three bracelets, or five if you’re feeling flashy.)

Diamond tennis bracelets also work well when worn with your favorite watch. A no-brainer style choice is to pair your bracelet with an elegant watch, perhaps with diamonds in the dial, but to take a page from Chris Evert’s book, a tennis bracelet can even work well when paired with a sport watch to create an interesting juxtaposition between style and function. As mixing metals is no longer taboo, there’s no need to think twice about wearing a yellow gold bracelet with a stainless-steel watch.

What Are Some Ways to Customize a Tennis Bracelet?

Available in a variety of stone shapes, stone setting styles, and metal colors, a tennis bracelet is easily customizable to ensure the wearer can express their personal style. The traditional tennis bracelet features round diamonds that are prong set, which indicates four metal claws rising around each diamond to secure it in place.

If you’re looking for something a bit less traditional, consider a bracelet with bezel set diamonds. This setting style indicates a ring of visible metal around the diamond. Also currently rising in popularity are tennis bracelets with fancy shape diamonds, such as emerald cut, pear-shape, or oval diamonds. A fun way to play with fancy diamonds is to opt for a bracelet that utilizes multiple different diamond shapes.
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How Much Do Tennis Bracelets Cost?

Because tennis bracelets are made in so many unique styles, the prices will vary from piece to piece. However, this also means that there are plenty of options available in each price range, whether you’re on a budget or looking to splurge. Someone could expect to spend around $1,500 for a daintier or more minimalist style, up to $15,000 and beyond for more involved pieces with larger stones. Exact pricing depends on various factors, including total diamond carat weight, diamond shape, and the number of diamonds used in the bracelet. Buyers can be sure that there are luxurious and enviable choices in every budget.


There are few better pieces of jewelry to invest in than the tennis bracelet. It has been a popular style for many years and doesn’t appear to be going anywhere any time soon. The diamond tennis bracelet is a classic jewelry piece that can either make a bold statement or subtly complement the wearer’s understated style. Whichever way you choose to wear it, a tennis bracelet is a lasting piece of jewelry that is here to stay.

About The Author

Anna Brookie is a Jewelry Buyer and resident trendsetter at Reis-Nichols Jewelers. With her knowledge of jewelry trends and expertise in fashion, our team is able to carry the hottest brands in the jewelry industry. Anna enjoys a good book and loves spending time with her cat Cosmo.