Just like a Hermès Birkin bag, or a pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes, the diamond tennis bracelet is forever timeless and always in style. Dating back to the 1920s (when it was called an ‘eternity bracelet’), women would pile them up their wrists as part of their highly embellished ‘flapper’ style of evening dress. Also known as a diamond line bracelet, it became a jewellery wardrobe staple throughout the 20th century, especially during the disco era when people were beginning to dress down and wear denim with diamonds. However, it was in the late 1970s that the tennis bracelet, as we now know it, was reborn.
Fast forward four decades and the sculptural simplicity of the diamond tennis bracelet holds true, making it one of the hardest-working pieces in any jewellery collection. It’s smart enough for the office, and glamorous enough for black-tie dinners; adding the perfect amount of sparkle to any outfit. It’s also truly versatile – stack it with the right timepiece, or a multitude of bangles and chain bracelets to really up your eclectic wrist game. Or wear it on its own with a little black dress for the embodiment of the iconic phrase ‘less is more’.
When looking for the right bracelet for you, “choose one that flows with the contours and curves of your wrist,” says Zena K’dor, Creative Director of House of K’dor. “You want it to become an everyday piece that you never take off. Just have fun; a tennis bracelet is so comfortable that you forget you have it on.”
Also, “House of K’dor tennis bracelets are unique because of our meticulous handcraft setting, and we work with brilliant-cut diamonds, along with all other diamond-cut shapes, including emerald-cut, oval, radiant and hearts,” explains Zena. “A tennis bracelet is the epitome of sophistication, therefore only the finest quality diamonds are selected to create a work of art that is stamped and sealed with the hexagon K – the K’dor signature.”
As for gifting a tennis bracelet to someone else (and what a gift it is!), the same advice rings true. The most popular are those with timeless elements, like a subtle setting, a quality stone and a size that makes sense and works for the person you’re buying it for. Again, you want them to feel like their tennis bracelet is part of them, and that’s what makes this piece of jewellery so unique.
Finally, when buying a tennis bracelet, Zena would recommend choosing one you feel a special connection to. “All of our jewellery is made with an incredible amount of love that resonates with all our guests. Ensure the diamonds are ethically sourced and are triple excellent: excellent cut, excellent polish and excellent symmetry, as that will determine the radiance of your creation.”
Ready to purchase this most iconic piece of jewellery? Here are some of our favourites:
Yellow Gold Tennis Bracelet
Perhaps the most classic of tennis bracelets, those that are set in yellow gold are the ultimate investment that can be handed down from generation to generation. We particularly love the Ash Diamond Tennis Bracelet (named in honour of the Australian tennis legend, Ash Barty) that’s been meticulously handcrafted, features 57 brilliant diamonds E/F in colour, VS1 in clarity and is ethically sourced within a barely-there four-claw setting. This sleek diamond bracelet is 17.5cm in length, showcases 4.56ct in total diamond weight and feels effortless yet luxurious on the wrist.
For something a little more unusual, the beautiful Baguette-Cut Tennis Tassel Bracelet features 1.54ct of F/VS diamonds handcrafted into a sleek geometric setting. A modern pull-chain mechanism completes the look.
Rose Gold Tennis Bracelets
Despite rose gold being a popular jewellery choice today, it didn’t actually come into existence until the 19th century in Imperial Russia when Carl Fabergé decided to mix copper and yellow gold together. Rose gold looks stunning on any skin tone, especially when it’s used in the bespoke Martina Diamond Tennis Bracelet. It features 43 brilliant diamonds, E/F in colour, VS1 in clarity, ethically sourced, and artfully set within a bezel milgrain setting. This sleek diamond bracelet is 18cm in length and showcases 5.36ct in total diamond weight.
There’s also the Exceptional Diamond Tennis Tassel Bracelet, which would look stunning on any wrist. This pull-chain tennis bracelet features 14 brilliant-cut F/VS diamonds weighing 1.32ct in total.
White Gold Tennis Bracelets
Trends, of course, may come and go, but there’s just something so chic about white gold and white diamonds combined, especially when it comes to a tennis bracelet. Which is why we’re currently (and forever will be) obsessed with the Venus Diamond Tennis Bracelet. Take 42 brilliant diamonds in E/F colour, VS1 clarity and ethically sourced within a timeless four-claw setting, and you get this incredibly elegant tennis bracelet that is 18.5cm in length and showcases 8.2ct in total diamond weight. Tennis bracelets, quite simply, don’t come much better.
Gemstone Tennis Bracelets
Who said tennis bracelets have to be made of diamonds? For something truly unique, you can add luxurious colour to your wrist stack with some gorgeous gems, from red ruby to pink or yellow sapphires or glittering green emeralds, like this one shown. Immaculately handcrafted and set in 18k gold – although we really can’t decide if we prefer yellow or white – this tennis bracelet showcases 69 brilliant emeralds weighing 1.59ct in total. Ideal for wearing on its own or layering with other jewellery. We’re obsessed.