Although their name nods to sport, 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 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 glanceBest Investment
Blue Nile Four-Prong Lab-Grown Diamond Tennis Bracelet
Jump to reviewBest Under $1,000
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Brilliant Earth 6.5 in. Petite Lab Diamond Tennis Bracelet
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 (even if you’re wearing it on the court like Evert).
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, considering 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, too.
J.Crew Teardrop Cubic Zirconia Bezel-Set Tennis Bracelet
Gold-plated brass
Cubic zirconia
Nordstrom Cubic Zirconia Tennis Bracelet
14k Gold layer
Cubic zirconia
Pandora Sparkling Tennis Bracelet
14k plated
Cubic Zirconia
Dorsey James Bezel Riviere Bracelet in Lab White Sapphire
14k gold vermeil
4-5.2 carat lab-grown sapphires
Annie Zuckerman Luxe Edition 15 Carat Tennis Bracelet
Sterling silver
0.5 carat weight diamond crystalline
Ring Concierge Mini Diamond Tennis Bracelet
14k gold
0.5 total carat weight natural diamonds
Brilliant Earth 6.5 in. Petite Lab Diamond Tennis Bracelet
14k gold
1.5 carat weight lab-grown diamond
Monica Vinader Lab Grown Diamond Bracelet
Sterling silver
0.25 carat weight lab-grown diamonds
Quince Lab Grown Tennis Bracelet
14k gold
1.8-2.35 carat weight lab grown diamonds
Mejuri Bezel Lab Grown Diamond Tennis Bracelet
14k gold
0.84 carat – 1.02 carat lab grown diamonds
Kinn Studio Sunset Tennis Club Bracelet
14k solid gold
1.86-2.16 carat weight lab grown diamonds
Blue Nile Four-Prong Lab-Grown Diamond Tennis Bracelet
14k white gold
3 carat weight lab-grown diamonds
natural diamonds also available
Bony Levy Tennis Bracelet
18k gold
1.3 carat weight natural diamonds
Suzanne Kalan 18-Karat Gold Diamond Tennis Bracelet
18k gold
2.3 carat weight diamonds
Princess cut diamonds
Everything to know about tennis bracelets
How to care for your tennis bracelet
“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.”
How to style your tennis bracelet
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.