A Brief History of the Tennis Bracelet

Words by Sophia Miller

Seen on everyone from 1920s flappers to 1970s tennis champions – and now the It-crowd of the latest decade – the tennis bracelet is one of jewellery’s most timeless trends. Simple, stackable and just the right amount of sparkly, it’s the ultimate symbol of everyday elegance. After all, what other piece can you wear to the office, a black-tie gala and a quick rally on the court? Let’s dive into the story behind the iconic style, from when and where it got its sporting connotations to how to incorporate one into your wrist stack – plus, the best tennis bracelets to shop at Harrods.

Though originally referred to as an eternity bracelet or a line bracelet, the tennis bracelet has long been linked to the court. It first became widely worn in the 1920s, an era when society women were picking up tennis in increasing numbers, beginning to wear shorter, sleeveless outfits in line with the less restrictive silhouettes of the era. As jewellers J. Wakefield advised their customers in 1923: ‘when fashion dictates the short sleeve, it is a good opportunity to display a dainty bracelet’.

It wasn’t until 1978, though, that the design earned its modern moniker. Tennis player Chris Evert – known for accessorising her on-court looks with diamonds – made headlines when she halted a U.S. Open match to retrieve a piece of jewellery that had flown off her wrist mid-swing. Her reason? She had to find her ‘tennis bracelet’.

Fast-forward to today, and tennis stars continue to display a penchant for sparkle on the courts – be it Emma Raducanu in Tiffany & Co. or Serena Williams in Harry Winston. Then, when Zendaya appeared in 2024’s tennis drama Challengers, retailers saw searches for tennis-inspired jewellery rise by 133%.

As well as Zendaya, quiet-luxury poster girls Sofia Richie Grainge and Hailey Bieber are among the stylish names who favour tennis bracelets. So, how do you wear one? While the simple, symmetrical elegance of a single bracelet worn alone can’t be underestimated, the tennis bracelet’s superpower lies in its stackability. Don’t be afraid to mix silver and gold, and try layering yours with your favourite watch, chain bracelets and even chunkier bangles. Whatever the occasion, let the tennis bracelet be the sentimental token that never leaves your wrist.