Tennis Bracelets: A Buying Guide
A tennis bracelet is a continuous line of uniformly sized stones in a flexible setting. It should sit loose enough to rotate freely but not slide over the hand — roughly one finger of gap. The clasp and setting matter far more than the stones.
Where the name comes from
It was called an eternity or line bracelet until a professional tennis player stopped a match at the 1987 US Open after hers came loose. The nickname stuck. The story is worth knowing because it points to the real weakness of the design: the clasp.
What to check
- Clasp with a safety catch. A single box clasp with no secondary catch is the classic failure point.
- Setting quality. Each stone should be individually held. Glued stones fail early and cannot be repaired well.
- Uniform stone size. Consistency is what gives the design its line.
- Flexibility. It should drape and follow the wrist, not sit rigid.
- Base metal. A bracelet sits against a high-sweat area and knocks against desks constantly. Corrosion resistance matters more here than in earrings.
Fit
| Wrist measurement | Bracelet length | Resulting fit |
|---|---|---|
| 14–15 cm | 16 cm | Close |
| 15–16 cm | 17 cm | Standard |
| 16–17 cm | 18 cm | Standard |
| 17–18 cm | 19 cm | Relaxed drape |
Measure with a strip of paper around the wrist bone and add roughly 1.5 cm. See the tennis bracelet range — all on anti-tarnish steel, which is the right choice for something worn against skin all day.
Frequently asked questions
How should a tennis bracelet fit?
Loose enough to rotate and slide slightly, tight enough not to pass over your hand. About one finger of gap.
Why is it called a tennis bracelet?
After a 1987 US Open match was paused when a player's line bracelet came loose. The name replaced 'line bracelet' in common use.
Can I wear one every day?
Yes, if it is built on a corrosion-resistant base with a secure clasp. Remove it for weights and contact sport.