The "Tennis" Story
12th May 2020
Composed of a line of round brilliant cut diamonds, the Tennis Bracelet is an essential of a lady jewellery box. But where does the name "Tennis" comes from ?
This term appeared in the 1987, following a US Open tennis match with the professional player Chris Evert who was wearing her bracelet, previously commonly called an Eternity bracelet. During the game, the American prodigue lost her jewel while playing and asked for a break to look for it before pursuing, as it was her lucky charm. Once recovered, the incident generated a fad for this timeless jewel and journalists starting to refer to it as the Tennis Bracelet. George Bedewi, the designer of Evert’s bracelet became instantly famous and jewellery houses all added or increased their offer with this creation.
Following this, many women and other players got their own Tennis bracelet. In 2002 for example, Serena Williams was wearing a $29k USD Tennis from Harry Winston at a game.
Chris Evert & Serena Williams
The following year of the event, De Beers particularly played with the context to promote its Tennis bracelets with humor.
Tennis Bracelets Advertisements, De Beers, 1988.
Today, this classic design creation can almost be found at any jewelers and even accessible brands offer sparkling versions with diamonds’ simulants such as Swarovski’s crystals, zircons and synthetic diamonds. The Tennis design spread to necklaces, earrings and rings.
With time, jewelers created new models with different diamond cuts and sizes, adapting the clasp, the mounting material and color, adding a center stone or a few lines. Tennis bracelets are also declined with any gemstones other than diamonds.
The Tennis is particularly appreciated that it can be worn at any occasions, it is practical, simple yet elegant.
Tennis Bracelets. Legends on pictures.
Cartier offers a wide range of Tennis jewels, associating its iconic Panthère or playing on mulitple lines. The French jeweller has for sure the right jewel for the right lady.
Tennis Jewels, Cartier