With Wimbledon in full swing, the timeless allure of tennis bracelets is more relevant than ever. Never mind that they have been having quite a “moment” on their own, appealing to the millennial set, and stylish women in general, for their classic 1950s nature.
It was actually the late ’80s when this style of bracelet got its famous moniker. At the 1987 U.S. Open tennis great Chris Evert stopped in the middle of a heated match to pick up the diamond bracelet she was wearing that had fallen off on the court. Since then, the eternity bracelet of diamonds encircling the wrist has been referred to as the “Tennis Bracelet”.
The appeal of the style is obvious: simple, relatively understated and versatile. It can be worn by a bride on her wedding day as seamlessly as it can with a pair of beat up Levi’s and a white t-shirt during the lazy, hazy summer. It has a Grace Kelly kind of appeal thanks to the demure 1950s vibe it exudes. The demand for the bracelet has been on an uptick as of late, close, but perhaps not as sizzling as during the ’80s and early ’90s.
Regardless, the timeless nature of the bracelet and the varying styles and price points available make it a must-have accessory that can be worn alone or layered with an equally classic watch. Tennis bracelets, be they estate jewelry or new, are particularly chic during the summer months as they dangle from a tanned wrist and in beautiful contrast to a breezy white ensemble.
