It's not unusual nowadays for tennis superstars to rock blinging jewellery on court. This wasn't always the norm. In fact, the name "tennis bracelet" was given to a particular style of diamond bracelet in the eighties when then-number-one tennis star Chris Evert sported it during the US open. As a player, she had become known for her fashionable style, regularly pairing expensive jewellery and diamonds with luxe sportswear.

During one match, Evert's diamond bracelet broke and fell off her wrist, prompting the match to be halted until it was found! Afterwards, she referred to the broken diamond bracelet as her "tennis bracelet".

Thankfully you don't have to go near a tennis racket to enjoy this iconic piece of jewellery. This style of bracelet - flexible yet durable, with the diamonds lined up, hugging each other - first came to prominence in the 1920s, and was then known as a 'diamond line' bracelet.  In its simplest form, the tennis bracelet features a line of diamonds of the same size, cut, colour and clarity, set side by side making a flexible circle.

Contemporary styles include diamonds of different sizes, sometimes mixed with colourful gemstones. Its iconic, timeless style makes it a gorgeous choice for an investment piece of jewellery, plus they look amazing (and seriously eye-catching) when stacked with other bracelets. So line them up - in different widths and sizes, paired with colourful gemstones - but to ensure they last forever, maybe keep them off the court. 

Our top 3 tips for choosing the perfect tennis bracelet: 

1. Make sure it fits correctly 

A tennis bracelet should sit lightly and loosely at the point where your wrist meets your hand. They are not designed to be oversized. A handy tip: if you can slip one finger easily in the space between your wrist and the bracelet, the fit is perfect. However, if the bracelet is coming lower than the wrist, say to the top of the hand when your arm is loose by your side, it's too big and needs adjusting. 

2. Check it fastens securely 

The clasp of the tennis bracelet must be strong as it can easily get caught during day to day activities. For optimum security, we advise choosing a tennis bracelet that has both a secure clasp and a safety latch. If you ever feel the secure clasp has loosened, bring it to an expert Jeweller and they will be able to tighten it. We provide this lifetime service free of charge for all Ryan Thomas tennis bracelets. 

3. Choose high quality diamonds

A tennis bracelet should be full of sparkle, thanks to the fire and brilliance of the multiple diamonds. Therefore, avoid choosing a bracelet with low quality stones as it will appear dull and lifeless. Opt for high quality diamonds (Colour D,E,F,G) with good clarity (VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2 & S1) and your bracelet will forever shine brightly.