Collections

Playing Doubles: Monica Rich Kosann, Chris Evert Team Up on Tennis Bracelets

CollectionsAug 17, 2022

Playing Doubles: Monica Rich Kosann, Chris Evert Team Up on Tennis Bracelets

It is the first tennis bracelet collab for the legend, whose lost-and-found moment put the term “tennis bracelet” in the jewelry lexicon.

20220817_MRK Chris Evert tennis bracelet group.jpg
Three of the 13 styles in Monica Rich Kosann’s new tennis bracelet collection, “The Tennis Bracelet-CE.” From top, a bezel-set diamond tennis bracelet in yellow gold with 0.03-carat emerald (starting at $11,350), a bezel-set style in white gold with a 0.56-carat emerald (starting at $12,485), and the collection’s pinnacle piece, a tennis bracelet featuring fancy-cut diamonds and a 0.28-carat emerald (staring at $31,750). (Photo courtesy of Monica Rich Kosann)
New York—The tennis bracelet is enjoying a massive revival, and Monica Rich Kosann is joining in with what is perhaps the best collaboration possible for the category.
 
The New York based-brand announced it has teamed with Chris Evert, the sports legend whose lost-and-found moment on the court birthed the “tennis bracelet,” on a collection called “The Tennis Bracelet-CE. Born 1978. Finally Authentic.”
 
Launched Wednesday, the collection ranges in price from $725 to $36,700 retail and will be sold online as well as in Monica Rich Kosann’s two stores in New York City, at Columbus Circle and Hudson Yards. 

As The Adventurine noted in one of its articles on jewelry history, there has been some confusion regarding the genesis of the tennis bracelet over the years. 
 
The real story dates back to an early round of the 1978 U.S. Open in which Evert, then 23, was wearing a diamond line bracelet she had bought for herself. 
 
“When I competed, I wanted to wear something that gave me confidence and empowered me, both as a woman and an athlete. As you can see in photos from that period, I wore it often,” Evert told National Jeweler via email. 

“My tennis bracelet added a personal element to my style on the court and served as a daily reminder that I can do and be anything.” 
 
The line bracelet the tennis legend self-purchased flew off during play and the match was halted until she located it. In that moment, the tennis bracelet was born. 
 
Evert has endorsed tennis bracelets before, backing a brand for about a year in the early 1980s, but the relationship wasn’t a collaboration in any sense.

For the Monica Rich Kosann collection, the brand said Evert’s team approached them. 
 
Evert knew and liked Kosann’s jewelry and was looking for an American designer to help her realize her longtime dream of collaborating on a line of tennis bracelets.   
 
Evert “worked with us every step of the way throughout the design and branding process. She shared with us the things she remembered about that day: the green court, the white lines, and the dripping beads of sweat,” the company said. (At that time, the USTA National Tennis Center’s courts were green, unlike today’s signature blue courts.) 
 
Kosann, who is known for her subtle, elegant, and updated takes on classics like the locket, incorporated nods to those elements into the design of 13 tennis bracelets. 
 
See 5 of the Styles in the “The Tennis Bracelet-CE” Collection
 
Emerald and tsavorite represent the green court, while pear-shaped diamond and sapphire drops represent the beads of sweat.
 
And the design of the bracelet itself—a line of white, natural diamonds or sapphires—mimics the fresh lines on the tennis court on that day in 1978. 
 
Kosann’s daughter, Danielle Kosann, the company’s artistic director, conceptualized and shot the marketing campaign for the collection, which centers on ‘70s and ‘80s tennis fashions—think a lot of white—and even includes rackets and sneakers Evert wore during her career. 
 
“As a brand known for reinventing iconic jewelry ideas such as lockets, charms, and poesy rings, we are excited to partner with Chrissie to share our design perspective on the tennis bracelet,” Kosann said. 
 
“While there have been many fine jewelry tennis bracelets offered for decades, we are proud to be a part of the Tennis Bracelet – CE, that is ‘Finally Authentic.’”

20220817_MRK Chris Evert tennis bracelet campaign.jpg
An image for the 1970s and ‘80s-inspired campaign Danielle Kosann shot for Monica Rich Kosann’s tennis bracelet collaboration with Chris Evert (Photo courtesy of Monica Rich Kosann)

The Tennis Bracelet-CE collection has two tiers. 
 
 There are five sterling silver bracelets with white sapphires or rock crystals ranging in price from $725 to $2,715, and eight 18-karat yellow or white gold bracelets set with diamonds. The gold and diamond versions range in price from $5,915 to $36,700. 
 
Each bracelet has a “CE” marking along with the “MRK” stamp and a certificate of authenticity. The most luxe style in the collection—a bracelet set with more than 4 carats of round-, baguette-, trillion-, oval-, princess- and pear-cut diamonds—comes with a letter about the collection personally signed by Evert and Kosann. 
 
 Related stories will be right here … 

The Latest

Harwell Godfrey Met Gala brooch with Mediterranean Blue diamond
AuctionsMay 06, 2025
Harwell Godfrey Reimagines 10-Carat Blue Diamond for Met Gala-Ready Brooch

Designer Lauren Harwell Godfrey made the piece as an homage to the 2025 gala’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”

Jewelers of America 20 Under 40 for 2025
Events & AwardsMay 06, 2025
Here’s Who Made Jewelers of America’s New ‘20 Under 40’ List

Expanded this year to include suppliers, JA’s 2025 list honors 40 up-and-coming professionals in the jewelry industry.

Sissys Log Cabin Fort Smith Arkansas
IndependentsMay 06, 2025
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens New Store

Located in Fort Smith, it’s the Mid-South jeweler’s first store in Northwest Arkansas.

antique_Vegas_2024_by_headshot_stories_9454.jpg
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the Globe

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Gunderson’s Jewelers
IndependentsMay 06, 2025
Gunderson’s Jewelers to Be Featured on ‘World’s Greatest’ TV Series

The episode about the family-owned jeweler will premiere May 17.

Weekly QuizMay 01, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Zadok Jewelers Austin store
IndependentsMay 05, 2025
Zadok Jewelers Opens Store in Austin

The Houston-based jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot showroom will include a Rolex boutique.

Nancy Astor Cartier turquoise and diamond tiara
AuctionsMay 05, 2025
Nancy Astor’s Cartier Tiara Heads to Auction

The turquoise and diamond tiara hasn’t been on the market since it was purchased by Lord Astor in 1930.

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest Addition

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

David DeCook Crater of Diamonds State Park 3.81-carat brown Duke Diamond
SourcingMay 05, 2025
Crater of Diamonds Yields 4-Carat Brown Diamond

“The Duke Diamond” is the largest diamond registered at the Arkansas park so far this year.

Kraft Mac & Cheese x Ring Concierge Forever Macaroni Necklace
TrendsMay 02, 2025
Ring Concierge, Kraft Partner on Mother’s Day Macaroni Necklace

The childhood craft of making dried pasta necklaces for Mother’s Day is all grown up as the 14-karat gold “Forever Macaroni” necklace.

Stuller 2025-2026 bridal catalog
MajorsMay 02, 2025
Stuller’s New Bridal Catalog Is Here

“Bridal 2025–2026” includes popular styles and a dedicated section for quick pricing references of lab-grown diamond bridal jewelry.

Americut Gems
SourcingMay 01, 2025
Tariffs & Colored Gemstones: Relying on Stock, Considering the Ripple Effect

Though currently paused, high tariffs threaten many countries where gemstones are mined. Dealers are taking measures now to prepare.

Exterior of new David Yurman store in the Miami Design District
MajorsMay 01, 2025
Peek Inside David Yurman’s New Miami Flagship Store

Located in Miami’s Design District, the 4,000-square-foot store is an homage to David and Sybil Yurman’s artistic roots.

Oscar Heyman emerald and diamond necklace
TrendsMay 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: 20 Pieces of Emerald Jewelry for May

May babies are lucky indeed, born in a month awash with fresh colors and celebrated with one of the most coveted colored gemstones.

Jewelers of America logo
MajorsMay 01, 2025
Jewelers of America Opens Applications for 2025 Scholarships

The deadline to apply for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship is June 12.

Stock image of an empty clothing store
SurveysApr 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits Pandemic-Level Low Amid Tariff Concerns

What’s really worrying U.S. consumers isn’t the present situation; it’s what the economy is going to look like six months from now.

2025 Instore Jewelry Show Graphic
Events & AwardsApr 30, 2025
Instore Show Debuts New Name, Look, and Focus

Now called The Instore Jewelry Show, it will include holiday-focused education, interactive workshops, and a window display contest.

GemWorld GemGuide logo
SourcingApr 30, 2025
GemGuide Has a New Pricing Chart for Colombian Emeralds

It includes pricing for unenhanced Colombian emeralds in the fine to extra fine range.

Golconda Blue
AuctionsApr 29, 2025
‘Golconda Blue’ Diamond Pulled From Auction

The 23-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, set to headline Christie’s May jewelry auction, was expected to sell for as much as $50 million.

G.B. Heron Jewelers sign
IndependentsApr 29, 2025
Maryland Jeweler to Close After 36 Years

G.B. Heron Jewelers in Salisbury, Maryland, is set to close as its owner, Jeff Cassels, retires.

National Jeweler Columnist Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsApr 29, 2025
Google Ads vs. Social Media Ads: Which Are More Effective?

Emmanuel Raheb outlines the differences between the two platforms and posits that the most successful jewelers use both.

Gemfields rough rubies
SourcingApr 29, 2025
Gemfields Mini Ruby Auction Achieves $7M

The miner said its April sale featured a mix of commercial-quality primary rubies and secondary rubies of varying quality.

Counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra jewelry
CrimeApr 28, 2025
Customs Seizes Nearly 2,000 Pieces of Counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry

U.S. customs agents in El Paso, Texas, intercepted the package, which would have been worth $9 million if the jewelry was genuine.

Suzanne Kalan Tech Ring Jacket Collection
TrendsApr 28, 2025
Suzanne Kalan Launches Tech Ring Jacket Collection

Health monitors become statement pieces when paired with the brand’s new collection of stackable diamond-studded bands.

JCK Industry Fund
Events & AwardsApr 28, 2025
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2025 Grant Recipients

Ten organizations were selected this year.

Kim Carpenter and Sam Gevisenheit
IndependentsApr 28, 2025
John Atencio Appoints 2 to Wholesale Team

Kim Carpenter and Sam Gevisenheit have joined the brand.

Sylvie Jewelry Auranova Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection

“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy