Although their name nods to sports, 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 jewelry brand 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.”
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. But a whole new class 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 design, also known as a line bracelet, has the sort of long-term appeal that justifies a higher cost per wear.
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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 (a thin layer over brass, copper, or another metal) or vermeil (a slightly thicker layer over sterling silver) is a more affordable choice, but these coatings may wear off over time.
Similarly, diamonds (including lab-grown ones) are particularly hard stones, so while they’re more expensive, they’re also less prone to cracking in the long term. While they’re slightly less hardy, cheaper stones like moissanite and sapphire mimic the look of diamonds and are durable enough for everyday wear. You’ll also want to make sure that your tennis bracelet is designed with a double-lock clasp to ensure it stays in place—especially if you’re wearing it on the court, as Evert was.
To help you get a handle on the wide range of options currently available, we rounded up a few of our favorites, from under-$100 options from affordable brands to true splurges that actually justify their prices. No matter which you choose, the style’s high-quality design and versatility are what will ultimately make it a must-have in your jewelry collection—or that of a loved one, since 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.)
Best tennis bracelets under $100
You can find some pretty impressive options in the under-$100 range, including many worthwhile bracelets under $50. (Just peep that luxe-looking Pavoi bangle!) Each of these picks employs cubic zirconia, a man-made stone that looks similar to diamonds. While it’s more prone to scratches, cracks, and clouding over the years, it’s still strong enough for everyday wear and makes for a great starter tennis bracelet. Experiment with these to see if you like the look, then consider investing down the line.
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Best tennis bracelets under $250
While most of the options in the $100-to-$250 range still employ cubic zirconia and gold plating, you’ll also find proper sterling silver and harder, more brilliant lab-grown moissanite here. The stones are a little bigger, the quality a little higher, and the craftsmanship a little finer—all of which lead to a bigger visual impact (and more compliments, obviously).
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Best tennis bracelets under $500
Here’s where things start getting nice. Although you’ll still find cubic zirconia in this range (those Swarovski crystals are too big to be anything else), we’ve mostly graduated into lab-grown sapphires and moissanite. These finds, therefore, are worth the higher investment: The stones will last nearly as long as actual diamonds. Plus, metals like sterling silver and gold vermeil hold up better than plating. Take your pick from editor-favorite jewelry brands like Mejuri, Aurate, and Dorsey.
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Best tennis bracelets under $1,000
We’ve arrived in diamond territory. While the $500-to-$1,000 price point is certainly steep, it’s still relatively affordable for genuine diamonds and sapphire. While labels like Dorsey and Aurate keep prices below $750 with sapphires and gold vermeil, you’ll find lab-grown diamonds and solid 14-karat gold at the likes of Mejuri, Quince, and Vrai. Perhaps the best value here is Brilliant Earth’s eternity bracelet, which features an unbroken line of diamonds and a solid-gold chain for $995—a great deal in 2026.
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Best tennis bracelets over $1,000
We’ll always recommend investing in something you’ll wear on the daily, especially if you already know you love the style and will keep rocking it for years to come. Above $1,000, every worthwhile option should come with diamonds (lab-grown or natural, depending on your preference) and solid gold. Pandora and Ring Concierge lean classic with their offerings, while Kinn’s design is much more of a statement.
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Everything to know about tennis bracelets
“Diamonds are extremely durable, and [a] 14-kart-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.”
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.
