Why Tennis Bracelets Make Such a Great Gift

A select few types of jewelry have achieved iconic status for their classic beauty and style. Alongside solitaire engagement rings and diamond stud earrings, diamond tennis bracelets have more than earned their place in this glittering group of legacy accessories. Beloved (and coveted) for their simplicity, elegance, versatility, and timelessness, tennis bracelets are also an excellent gift for a variety of occasions. 

Wondering whether a tennis bracelet is the right gift for a special someone in your life? Here’s a closer look at this inimitable piece of jewelry. 

Why is it called a tennis bracelet? 

Tennis bracelets date back more than a century. They first came into vogue in the 1920s, when fashion-forward women would wear them for fancy parties, galas, and other elaborate special occasions. At that time, they were known as “eternity bracelets.”

It wasn’t until approximately 50 years later that these beautiful baubles earned their modern-day moniker. In 1978, tennis legend Chris Evert was known for her chic style as she made her way up the circuit. When she appeared on the court wearing a diamond tennis bracelet, it not only sparked a resurgence in their popularity, but also disrupted the entire jewelry industry by changing attitudes toward the wearing of fine jewelry. 

At a time when people were just beginning to embrace diamonds for every day, the tennis bracelet quickly became a symbol of low-key luxury—equally at home on the tennis court as it was in the ballroom.

And while no one knows who started calling it a “tennis bracelet,” the name took off. 

What is the difference between a tennis bracelet and a regular bracelet?

All tennis bracelets are bracelets, but all bracelets are not tennis bracelets. Which begs the question: What makes a bracelet a tennis bracelet? It all comes down to their distinctive design. 

The bracelet version of an eternity band, tennis bracelets feature a continuous line of equally-sized diamonds in a simple setting. Often designed with very little space between each stone, the end result is a sleek and graceful glint encircling the wrist. 

While diamond tennis bracelets come in many styles, round brilliant cut diamonds and emerald cut diamonds are very common in tennis bracelets. White gold is also a popular pick, although yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum are also excellent options for tennis bracelets.

What is so special about a tennis bracelet?

Several factors make tennis bracelets a standout among jewelry pieces, including their beauty and easy elegance. 

At the top of the list, however? Their versatility. 

Suitable for casual and formal wear alike, a gold tennis bracelet or other type of tennis bracelet is an ideal accessory for everything from sweats and denim to a cocktail dress or wedding gown.

Speaking of wedding gowns, the dazzling discretion of a diamond tennis bracelet is a popular jewelry choice among contemporary brides. It’s also a go-to gift—from grooms to their brides as well as for bridal party members. 

When did tennis bracelets become popular?

As mentioned earlier, tennis bracelets are far from a new phenomenon. In fact, they’re true heirloom pieces that can not only be passed down from generation to generation, but continue to look just as fresh today as they did 100 years ago. 

Over the years, they’ve remained the accessory of choice for contemporary tennis players including everyone from Serena Williams to Karolina Pliskova. Hollywood also loves the tennis bracelet, which counts Nicole Kidman, Hailey Bieber, Billie Eilish, and TikTok influencer Tinx among its celebrity admirers. 

Nor is the diamond tennis bracelet exclusively for women. The likes of Justin Bieber and Drake have also been spotted in diamond tennis bracelets and necklaces.

As for the gift-giving potential of tennis bracelets, they're in a class of their own. Take Jay-Z, for example, who favors them as gifts for the women in his life, including his mom. 

This isn’t to say everyone is wearing tennis bracelets the same way. For example, yellow gold bezel settings have had a major moment in recent years.  In addition to the emergence of new styles and designs, today’s wearers are mixing things up by stacking and layering multiple tennis bracelets either in monochrome or multi-metal tones.

For a bold and individualistic look, tennis bracelets can also incorporate different gemstones, such as vibrant emerald green and stunning sapphire. 

Find the perfect tennis bracelet gift at Ritani

Whether you’re shopping for a birthday, wedding, anniversary, or “just because" gift for yourself or someone else, we can’t think of a chicer or more enduring option than a tennis bracelet. (No racket required.) 

Here at Ritani, we’re delighted to offer a consummate collection of tennis bracelets in a breadth and depth of styles. To find the perfect heirloom tennis bracelet for your loved one, explore our consummate collection of tennis bracelets today.