All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
Although their name nods to sports, the best tennis bracelets are worn far beyond the court. In fact, they’ve crossed over into classics territory, taking their spot as an essential in the quiet-luxury capsule wardrobe. “The tennis bracelet is the perfect example of a piece that’s effortlessly classic yet modern,” says Xenia Lally, fashion director at jeweler Mejuri. “Its clean design works with everything, from a T-shirt and jeans to special-occasion eveningwear, making it a versatile staple that truly transcends trends.”
While the tennis bracelet has been considered fine jewelry long before it was worn by world champion tennis player Chris Evert at the US Open in 1978—her bracelet of choice was constructed of diamonds and gold—a whole new era of more affordable styles has cropped up over the last few years, thanks in part to the rise of lab-grown gemstones. Styled as part of a bracelet stack or worn solo, this classic design—also known as a line bracelet—has the sort of long-term appeal that justifies a higher cost per wear.
The best tennis bracelets, at a glance
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
When you’re deciding exactly how much you want to invest, consider the craftsmanship along with the durability of the piece you’re looking at. Common metals include white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, and sterling silver. Gold plating or vermeil is a more affordable choice, but these coatings may wear off over time. Similarly, diamonds are a particularly hard stone, so while they’re more expensive, they’re also less prone to cracking in the long term. You’ll also want to make sure that your tennis bracelet is designed with a double-lock clasp to ensure it stays in place (especially if you’re wearing it on the court as Evert did).
To help you get a handle on the wide range of options currently available, we rounded up a few of our favorites, from more-affordable picks to true splurges. No matter which you choose, the style’s high-quality design and versatility is what will ultimately make it a must-have in your jewelry collection—or that of a loved one, since diamond jewelry also makes a great gift for women. And if it fits your personal style, consider finishing off the set with a tennis necklace.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
Everything to know about tennis bracelets
“Diamonds are extremely durable, and [a] 14k gold setting can handle everyday wear. Simply store it separately to avoid scratches and occasionally clean it with a soft cloth and warm soapy water to maintain its sparkle,” Lally says. “For lab-grown-sapphire tennis bracelets, while they’re also quite durable, the vermeil or sterling-silver setting requires a little extra care. Avoid prolonged contact with water, perfumes, and lotions, and store it separately to prevent tarnishing. Wipe gently with a soft cloth after wearing to maintain its luster. For a deeper clean, use mild soapy water and dry immediately.”
As a versatile piece in your jewelry collection, the tennis bracelet is easy to dress up or down depending on the occasion. For fall everyday wear, let it pop out from underneath the sleeve of a button-down shirt or cardigan. It’s subtle enough that you can wear it to the office, especially when layered with a watch or a few gold bangles. You can also style it with coordinated diamond jewelry like a tennis necklace, diamond (or faux) earrings, or even your engagement ring, if that’s part of your daily uniform. For special occasions, keep the rest of your jewelry minimal and let your sparkling wrist speak for itself.