Who First Wore a Tennis Bracelet?
The tennis bracelet is a classic and timeless piece of jewelry that’s been around for decades. But who was the first person to wear this iconic bracelet? Let’s take a look at the history of the tennis bracelet and who first wore one.
What is a Tennis Bracelet?
A tennis bracelet is a type of bracelet made of diamonds or other precious stones in a line. It usually features a clasp and is designed to be worn on the wrist. The bracelet is usually made of sterling silver, gold, or other precious metals.
The term “tennis bracelet” was coined in the late 1980s after tennis champion Chris Evert lost her diamond bracelet during a match. Evert asked the referee to stop the match so she could find it, and the press dubbed it a “tennis bracelet”.
History of the Tennis Bracelet
The tennis bracelet has a long history, and it has its roots in the 19th century. In 1887, the Tiffany & Co. jewelry company released its first catalog and featured a “diamond line bracelet”. This type of bracelet was made of multiple diamonds set in a line and was designed to be worn on the wrist.
Tiffany & Co. began advertising the diamond line bracelet in 1914, calling it the “Tiffany Diamond Line Bracelet”. It was an instant success and quickly became a classic piece of jewelry.
The Rise of the Tennis Bracelet
The term “tennis bracelet” wasn’t used until the late 1980s. In 1987, tennis champion Chris Evert was playing a match at the U.S. Open when her diamond bracelet fell off her wrist. She asked the referee to stop the match so she could find it and the press dubbed it a “tennis bracelet”.
The term quickly caught on and the bracelet’s popularity skyrocketed. Manufacturers began selling bracelets specifically designed to be called “tennis bracelets”.
The Original Tennis Bracelet
The original tennis bracelet was the Tiffany Diamond Line Bracelet. This type of bracelet was made of multiple diamonds set in a line and was designed to be worn on the wrist.
Tiffany & Co. began advertising the diamond line bracelet in 1914, and it quickly became a classic piece of jewelry. It was the first type of bracelet to be called a “tennis bracelet” and is still highly sought after today.
Celebrity Tennis Bracelets
Since the late 1980s, many celebrities have been seen wearing tennis bracelets. Some notable examples include actresses Reese Witherspoon and Gwyneth Paltrow, who both wore Tiffany & Co. diamond line bracelets.
Other celebrities who have been seen wearing tennis bracelets include Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson, and Jennifer Lopez.
Tennis Bracelet Styles
Tennis bracelets are available in a variety of styles, from classic diamond line bracelets to modern and edgy designs. Some of the most popular styles include:
- Solitaire – A single diamond set in a gold or silver setting, usually with a simple clasp.
- Three-Stone – Three diamonds set in a gold or silver setting, often with an art deco design.
- Multi-Stone – Multiple diamonds set in a gold or silver setting, usually with a clasp.
- Halo – A single diamond surrounded by smaller diamonds set in a gold or silver setting, often with a clasp.
- Crossover – Two diamonds set in a gold or silver setting, often with a clasp.
Tennis Bracelet Trends
Tennis bracelets are always in style, but some of the latest trends include:
- Colored Stones – Adding color to a tennis bracelet with colored stones such as sapphires, rubies, and emeralds.
- Mixed Metals – Combining different metals such as gold, silver, and rose gold.
- Layered Look – Wearing multiple bracelets stacked together to create a layered look.
- Statement Pieces – Making a statement with bold, oversized pieces.
The Cost of a Tennis Bracelet
The cost of a tennis bracelet can vary greatly depending on the type of metal, stones, and design. A basic sterling silver bracelet may cost around $50, while a diamond line bracelet in gold may cost upwards of $2,000.
Where to Buy a Tennis Bracelet
Tennis bracelets are available at many jewelry stores, department stores, and online retailers. Some popular stores include Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and Kay Jewelers.
You can also find a wide selection of tennis bracelets on online marketplaces such as Etsy and eBay.
Conclusion
The tennis bracelet is a classic and timeless piece of jewelry that has been around for decades. The original tennis bracelet was the Tiffany Diamond Line Bracelet, which was released in 1887 and advertised in 1914.
Since the late 1980s, many celebrities have been seen wearing tennis bracelets, and the term “tennis bracelet” was coined after tennis champion Chris Evert lost her diamond bracelet during a match.
Today, tennis bracelets are available in a variety of styles and trends, and can range in price from $50 to $2,000 or more.