A staple of any serious jewelry wardrobe, tennis bracelets got their name after a match during the 1978 U.S. Open. A rising star at the time, Chris Evert was mid-play when she realized her diamond bracelet, known then as a diamond line bracelet, had fallen off, and play was temporarily halted so she could find this integral part of her “uniform.” The style was soon deemed the “tennis bracelet” and its appeal became ubiquitous in the following decades.

While the tennis great practically established an entire category of jewelry, Chris Evert has never officially inserted her own experience of that pivotal moment into the etymology of jewelry lexicon–until now.

Chris Evert has partnered with Monica Rich Kosann on the creation of a collection of chic tennis bracelets dubbed “The Tennis Bracelet-CE. Born 1978. Finally Authentic.” Long revered as a teller of stories through jewelry, Monica drew on Chris’s personal memories of that fateful day to inform the creative direction of the designs. Chris told Monica, “I remember everything about that day. The green court. The white lines. My diamond bracelet and the dripping sweat of competition.”

Every style in the collection will incorporate elements that pay homage to the authenticity of Chris’ memories–a pear-shaped diamond or sapphire drop representing the bead of sweat, an emerald or green tsavorite for the court, and the white lines interpreted in natural diamonds or white sapphires.

Offered in a variety of price points, with 18k gold ranging from $5,915 to $36,700, and sterling silver versions ranging from $725 to $2,700, there are a total of 13 styles in the collection. Each bracelet will have the CE marking (alongside the MRK markings) and will be accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, while those opting for the collection’s most luxe style will also receive an original letter of authenticity signed by Chris and Monica.

The pairing of Monica and Chris for a collaboration feels like destiny. Monica has long been reinventing iconic jewelry with her lockets and charms, so applying her design perspective to authenticating this classic style seems like a natural expansion for the brand. “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,'” Monica states.

“I had admired Monica’s brand for a long time,” Chris explained. “I love how her jewelry is centered on women empowerment. I wanted an American woman designer to bring this founding story to life. I also found it so special that Monica Rich Kosann is the only luxury, fine jewelry brand that is a Certified B Corporation. I think it’s important to collaborate with a brand that shares all these values.”