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  1. Home
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  3. History of the Tennis Bracelet

History of the Tennis Bracelet

By Julianna MusserJuly 27, 2024


American actress Peggy Hopkins Joyce wearing several line bracelets in 1925. (Getty Images)
Before the Tennis bracelet got its name, it was actually known as an eternity bracelet. This is because the diamonds went all the way around the bracelet. They were a popular gift in the 1920s to show your eternal love to the other.  


Chris Evert wearing a tennis bracelet while she faces serve from Martina Navratilova at Wimbledon in 1978. (Getty Images)

It wasn’t until the 1970s where Chris Evert began wearing her diamond bracelet to her tennis matches. Seeing her on the tennis court with a loose-fitting sparkling rope on her wrist was hard to ignore, especially after she lost it. That’s right, during the 1978 US Open, her delicate diamond and gold bracelet broke and flew off her wrist, leading to a brief pause while she searched for it. In that moment, someone—who remains unknown—playfully referred to the bracelet as a “tennis bracelet” solidifying the term in popular culture. 

This is why we encourage to come and get your jewelry cleaned and checked to avoid your precious pieces from falling off. But this jewelry malfunction made history. Jewelry stores began referring to eternity bracelets as tennis bracelets and sales went through the roof! It was the disco era and many were looking for an excuse to wear their finest jewelry with their coziest day to day outfits.  


classic diamond tennis bracelet featuring 0.80 carats total (Sylvie)


In summary, the tennis bracelet's evolution from an eternity bracelet into a fashionable must-have began with a single moment during the 1978 US Open. This incident not only solidified its catchy name but also sparked a trend that allowed individuals to express their style effortlessly. Today, the tennis bracelet continues to be a favorite accessory, blending elegance with modern flair. Just remember to care for your treasured pieces to keep them secure and timeless! 
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