The Emerging Popularity of Lab Diamond Tennis Jewelry

With 2023 being dubbed “the year of the lab-grown diamond,” it is no surprise that the rising popularity of sustainable and affordable lab diamonds has now begun to merge with the growing interest in diamond tennis jewelry. Recently, prominent style icons have embraced the tennis jewelry trend more informally, including model Gigi Hadid and trendsetter Sofia Richie Grainge, who have seamlessly incorporated tennis bracelets and diamond tennis necklaces into their outfits, ranging from bikinis to denim. Other celebrities are transcending conventional style by wearing non-traditional tennis-style earrings and even belly chains. The allure of tennis jewelry is now more apparent than ever, with Rihanna, Jennifer Lawrence, Hailey Bieber, Taylor Swift, Amal Clooney, and countless other A-listers and emerging trendsetters showing that tennis jewelry made with lab-grown diamonds is a timeless style worth embracing and holding onto. 

What is Tennis Jewelry?    

Also known as eternity bracelets and necklaces, tennis bracelets and tennis necklaces, like eternity rings, typically consist of a single line of diamonds, uniformly shaped and set in yellow, white, or rose gold. While the traditional design features diamonds of the same shape, variations abound. These variations can include uniquely shaped diamonds, diamonds of different colors, or a combination of various shapes and colors within the bracelet or necklace. Tennis bracelets and necklaces are timeless and can be worn every day, paired with a range of formal and casual outfits and other jewelry and accessories, offering terrific versatility. For a considerable time, diamond tennis jewelry, including bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and rings, held an elite status, and was seen primarily as aspirational jewelry pieces, and was often considered beyond the financial reach of the everyday person. They were more associated with country club aesthetics than being recognized as fashion-forward accessories. With such esteemed jewelry styles now available with more affordable lab diamonds, the market for tennis jewelry has expanded, enabling more individuals to enjoy these luxurious jewelry pieces. 

What is the History of Tennis Jewelry?    

The origin of the name tennis bracelet has a few variations depending on the source. The iconic tennis bracelet, as we recognize it today, dates back to the 1920s, gaining significant popularity in the 1970s. This era, marked by disco culture and a growing emphasis on feminism, witnessed a surge in fashion and style. The 1970s brought about a heightened focus on jewelry, integrating it into everyday attire, including pairing diamonds with denim. The name sparks curiosity, causing many to ask, "Why is it called a tennis bracelet?" Legend has it that the tennis bracelet acquired its name from the renowned tennis star Chris Evert. Evert, who dominated as the number one singles tennis player globally from 1974 to 1981, holds the record for reaching 34 Grand Slam finals and securing at least one Grand Slam title for 13 consecutive years. Recognized for her athletic prowess and also as a fashion icon, Chris Evert sported a diamond bracelet during most of her matches. In a memorable incident, her diamond bracelet became unclasped and fell off during one match. Overheard telling officials that she dropped her "tennis bracelet," she requested a pause in the match until it could be found. Since that incident, these dazzling diamond bracelets have been commonly called tennis bracelets and have become a staple in jewelry collections worldwide.  

Why are Many Now Choosing Tennis Jewelry Made with Lab Diamonds Over Natural Diamonds?         

Lab diamonds are an eco-sustainable and more cost-effective option than their mined counterparts, effectively revolutionizing the diamond jewelry market. In addition to being far more environmentally friendly, they present a more affordable choice, making lab diamond tennis jewelry an attainable luxury for a wider range of incomes. Due to their enhanced affordability, they provide increased options for those who want to buy diamond tennis jewelry, among other luxurious diamond pieces, while staying within their budget. Lab diamonds are created by exposing pure carbon to extreme heat and pressure in a meticulously monitored laboratory setting, precisely mimicking how natural earth diamonds form. Lab diamonds have identical chemical, structural, and optical properties to natural diamonds, making them indistinguishable—so, yes, lab diamonds are real diamonds—and the only difference is their origin. Furthermore, both lab and natural diamonds register at 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, making them equally durable.

Since there are numerous elements involved in selecting the perfect diamond or the ideal piece of jewelry, it can get a bit confusing. That's why our customer concierge team is here to answer all your questions. Contact us today! 

*Top image features Taylor Swift wearing a lab diamond tennis necklace and lab diamond tennis bracelet.