La Marqueuse: the jewellery guide

The heritage of the tennis bracelet

How has the tennis bracelet evolved over the past decades? How was the famous name born? This timeless piece of jewellery takes us on a journey through fashion, sport, and a deep sphere of cultural resonance.

First traces

In a preserved 1930 portrait of British tennis player Joan Cowell O’Meara, we notice a simple diamond-set bracelet, at the time known as an “eternity bracelet.” The 1920s marked the first rise to fame of bracelets that would later be crowned with an iconic name, caused by a memorable incident.

A future, defined by a match

The distinctive name came into being decades later, thanks to the legendary American tennis champion Chris Evert, winner of 18 Grand Slam titles. In 1987, during an intense match, she unexpectedly requested a pause. Reason? The clasp of her diamond bracelet had failed, causing the piece to fall from her hand. In a post-match interview, Chris referred to her jewel as “a tennis bracelet.” In that moment, the famous name was born, writing a new chapter in the history of jewellery.

From Courts to Salons

The world’s leading gemological institute, GIA, notes that the episode involving Chris Evert caused a significant growth in sales of the tennis bracelet. Nearly four decades later, the tennis bracelet remains one of the most classic and popular jewellery choices.

The Anatomy of Timelessness

The classic tennis bracelet design consists of a single row of brilliant-cut diamonds set in gold, forming a continuous strand of light encircling the wrist. Contemporary fashion has introduced a new trend: setting tennis bracelets with fancy-colored diamonds and colored gemstones such as rubies, sapphires, and emeralds.

The profound symbolism of tennis bracelets

Diamonds or other precious stones, placed in an unbroken line, form a circle that represents eternity and the enduring nature of the most treasured qualities - loyalty and the permanence of significant relationships.

Contemporary motifs

The cultural context of the tennis bracelet, along with the finesse of its masterful craftsmanship, positioned it as a very popular choice for anniversaries, weddings, and birthday gifts. Its timeless silhouette makes it effortless to transition it from casual to evening style. Its minimalistic design allows it to be worn alone or layered into signature compositions. The tennis bracelet serves as both a timeless classic and a metaphor of what matters most in life.