Tennis Jewellery: Guide to their origins and finding the perfect piece

When one speaks of the fascinating world of jewellery, certain pieces have left a lasting mark in history, not only because of their beauty but also because of the story they tell. Among these exceptional items, the tennis bracelet stands out.

This jewel, both elegant and symbolic, has transcended its sporting roots to become a timeless accessory. Let’s look back at this iconic piece of jewellery that has successfully combined luxury, history, and sport. 

The Fascinating Story of a Jewel Born from an Accident 

The story of the tennis bracelet begins in quite an unexpected way. The tennis bracelet owes its fame to an event that marked the 1987 edition of the US Open, and to an iconic figure in women's tennis: Chris Evert. 

During this crucial match, Evert wore a diamond bracelet which detached and scattered across the court, sparkling under the lights. She paused the match and insisted on searching for the bracelet before continuing, unintentionally sparking a viral moment covered by the media. Since then, "Tennis" has become the common term for jewellery in this style. 

The Art of Simplicity: The Anatomy of the Tennis Jewel 

What sets the tennis design apart from other jewellery pieces is its refined simplicity, making it the perfect jewel for everyday wear and special occasions.  

The tennis bracelet and tennis necklace (also known as rivière necklace) designs are characterised by an uninterrupted line of diamonds or other precious stones, creating the illusion of a sparkling river. Each gem is carefully selected, offering perfect symmetry and endless brilliance. 

This jewel stands out for its flexibility. Unlike many rigid jewels, the tennis design moulds to the shape of the wrist and neck with ease.  

The clasp, discreet and secure, ensures that the jewel stays in place throughout the day or evening while being almost invisible to the naked eye. A subtle mix of practicality and luxury. 

Unique Customization Options

The tennis jewel, while timeless, offers numerous customisation possibilities that add a unique dimension to its design: 

 

  • A mix of colours: Opt for a multicoloured design by alternating different precious or semi-precious stones to create a unique rainbow effect. 
  • Asymmetrical design: The most popular diamond cut for a tennis necklace is round, though other favoured shapes include emerald and oval. Tennis necklaces can also feature a mix of different diamond cuts, resulting in a truly unique piece. 
  • Choose a different setting: The most popular settings are prong, channel, and bezel. The prong setting holds each diamond with small metal claws, maximising its brilliance, while the channel setting places the diamonds in a smooth, continuous line within a metal channel for a more modern look. Lastly, the bezel setting surrounds each diamond with a metal band, offering both protection and a sophisticated appearance. 

The versatile tennis design can be easily styled on its own or layered with other classic jewels, such as dainty pieces or even other tennis jewels of different lengths and widths. The key to maintaining the elegance of this jewel is to avoid over-stacking it and giving it a saturated look. 

 

Another key element to any piece of jewellery, but especially those that get their charm from their brilliance, is knowing how to take proper care of them. For more detailed tips on maintaining the beauty of your jewellery, check out our article on “How to Take Care of Your Jewellery”.

An Investment in the Timeless 

Beyond its visual splendour, buying a tennis jewel also represents an investment. Diamonds, in particular, have a value that continues to grow over the years. In addition to its intrinsic worth, it also carries an emotional legacy. Many people today choose to pass this jewel down through generations, as its sentimental value blends with its economic value. 

High-end models, in diamonds and platinum, can reach prices in the tens of thousands of dollars.  

Here are the key factors that influence the price of a tennis jewel: 

  • Length: The length of the necklace affects the number of stones and the amount of metal needed, which can make the piece more affordable or more expensive. 

Epilogue: A Symbol of Elegance and Strength 

The tennis bracelet, born from an unexpected moment on the tennis court, has transformed into an eternal symbol of grace, luxury, and strength. Through generations, it will remain a brilliant testimony to the timeless beauty and elegance that emanate even from the most unexpected moments. 

Whether under the spotlight of a grand gala or during an intimate evening, the tennis jewels continue to shine, reminding us all that true elegance lies in the harmony between strength and delicacy.  

Discover our exquisite tennis jewellery collection, where timeless elegance meets modern sophistication, and find the perfect piece that captures the essence of grace and strength. 

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