With the highs and lows of Wimbledon over for another year, and two new well deserved singles champions, tennis is currently on everyone's lips. So, we thought it would be great to share the story of a piece of jewellery that has become synonymous with the sport: the tennis bracelet.
For decades, the tennis bracelet has been worn by top level players, but the story of how this unique wrist accessory gained its name has become something of a legend in the tennis world.
In today's blog post, we will look at what a tennis bracelet is, explain how it got its name, and share with you some great tips when it comes to choosing your own.
What is a tennis bracelet?
These beautiful bracelets, sometimes also known inline bracelets, are an effortlessly stunning piece of wrist jewellery that have become increasingly popular over the last few decades.
The hallmark of a tennis bracelet is its symmetrical pattern of diamonds, with either a single, double, or triple row, creating a simple yet elegant piece aesthetic that can be worn with almost anything.
With its lightweight and sophisticated form, the tennis bracelet is ideal for women with an active lifestyle who want to look stylish as they train at the gym or take part in sports activities.
It's known for its serpentine-like structure that provides great flexibility, and many tennis bracelets build on the classic style with different patterns and coloured stones — although this makes them more prone to damage than bracelets set with diamonds alone.
There are a wide range of tennis bracelets, with different styles, sizes, and stones to choose, ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands of pounds. Browse the selection of men's and women's tennis bracelets on offer at HandT - Shop Online.
How did the tennis bracelet get its name?
There is much controversy about the origins of the tennis bracelet, but what’s known for sure is it first rose to prominence following an incident at the 1987 US Open.
American tennis player Chris Evert — who won 18 Grand Slam titles between 1972 and 1989 — was a fan of the single diamond band style bracelet, and would often wear it during matches.
In a match at the US Championships in 1987, the clasp on Evert's bracelet broke following a particularly vigorous swing, leading her to request the match be suspended until she was able to find her bracelet.
The umpire accepted her request and play was suspended while the bracelet was found. This incident caused such a storm that the bracelet would become known as the diamond tennis bracelet.
Though they have always been popular outside the sport, tennis bracelets are still seen regularly on the courts on the wrists of stars such as Angelique Kerber and Serena Williams.
Which tennis bracelet is right for me?
When it comes to choosing a tennis bracelet for yourself, it's important to consider a range of factors. If you have an active lifestyle and want to look fabulous but don't want bulky, heavy wrist bangles, then a stunning tennis bracelet is likely the right choice for you.
There are so many different styles to choose from you are bound to find one that perfectly suits your style. The classic tennis bracelet has a simple, single band of diamonds set in yellow gold, and this is the style that was worn by Chris Evert.
These days, there are many more to choose from, with a range of gemstones to choose from, such as rubies, garnets, and amethysts.
When choosing a bracelet, it's important to consider the size of your wrist. Thinner wrists typically suite a more delicate bracelet, and a simple band of small diamonds will create the best look. If you have larger wrists or arms, it's wiser to choose bolder bracelets that have bigger stones.
Treat yourself to some sporty elegance with a tennis bracelet or buy the perfect gift for an active loved one. Browse the fantastic range of jewellery at HandT - Shop Online, with deals on earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings.
Looking to prepare your wardrobe for summer and need some fabulous accessories? Why not check out our summer style inspiration guide.
