Tennis Necklaces: A Complete Guide to Styles and Metals

The tennis necklace has this rare quality; it’s classic without being stiff. Just a steady row of stones, shining in a way that doesn’t look forced. You’ll see people wear it to brunch or with formal gowns, and it works just as well either way. 

Its story makes it even better. In 1987, Chris Evert lost her diamond necklace in the middle of the US Open. That slip turned into legend, and the design was suddenly tied to a mix of strength, elegance, and everyday luxury.

Now, the necklace shows up in endless forms. Classic diamonds, colourful gemstones, and even bold versions of mixing metals. It’s always evolving, but it hasn’t lost its original charm.

Types of Tennis Necklaces: Exploring Different Styles and Settings

A tennis necklace may seem like a simple and elegant piece of accessory, but there is a lot in play here. The design has branched out into all kinds of looks. Classic diamonds, colourful gems, mixed metals, you name it. And yet, it still feels timeless.

Classic Diamond Tennis Necklaces

The tennis necklace is one of those pieces you can count on. A neat line of stones running all the way around, it’s simple, elegant, and never hard to pair. Jeans and a t-shirt? Works. Cocktail dress? Works. You’ll find it in every metal from yellow gold to platinum, but it’s the simplicity that people fall for.

The necklace got its name in 1987 when Chris Evert paused her US Open match after hers snapped and fell apart mid-game. Suddenly, what had been a classic line of diamonds became part of pop culture.

Meghan Markle has been spotted pairing a tennis necklace with formal attire, proof of how elegantly these pieces can transition between settings.

Alternative Gemstone Tennis Necklaces

While diamonds remain the classic choice, many jewellers experiment with coloured stones. These bring a vibrant, playful twist and allow wearers to match jewellery with their wardrobe or personality.

Gemstone tennis necklaces may use turquoise, lapis lazuli, or topaz for striking blues, or multi-coloured gems for a rainbow effect. Combining diamonds with emeralds or rubies adds contrast; brilliance meets boldness. 

For those wanting individuality, gemstone tennis necklaces strike a balance between classic line design and modern expression.

Want to know more about gemstones? Read another one of our articles: How to Choose the Perfect Gemstones for Your Toi et Moi Ring.

Settings in Tennis Necklaces

Diamond settings aren’t just about securing the stone in place; they set the whole mood. Prongs are the fine claws that grip the diamond, allowing more light to hit it. That’s why prong settings give you that brilliant sparkle. The only drawback is that they can snag, so they need a bit of care.

Bezel settings encase the diamond in a slim metal edge. It’s more protected. The look is clean and modern, less flashy, but still elegant. Many people prefer it for everyday wear because it’s secure and still stylish.

Aside from prongs and bezels, here are a few more you’ll often see:

Channel Set: Diamonds are locked into a slim groove of metal, giving a neat, uninterrupted line.

Invisible Set: The stones fit together with no prongs in sight, so the diamonds almost look like they’re floating.

Each style changes how the diamonds catch the light and how secure they feel.

Cuts Shape the Look

Round cuts bring serious sparkle. Princess cuts feel fresh and modern. Emerald cuts add quiet elegance. The choice of cut can turn the same necklace from bold to refined.

Metal Choices for Tennis Necklaces

The diamonds make a tennis necklace sparkle, but the metal sets the vibe. Think of it as the frame for a picture; you notice it even if you don’t at first.

Gold Tennis Necklace

Gold is the obvious choice for many. Yellow gold feels rich and traditional. Rose gold is softer and trendy right now. White gold is cool-toned and makes the diamonds stand out even more.

Diamond Tennis Necklaces in Precious Metals

If you want something sturdy, platinum is the winner. It’s heavy and strong, perfect for wearing your necklace all the time. Gold is still great, lighter, versatile, and doesn’t compromise on style. If you want the platinum look but without spending too much money, white gold and silver come close. 

Mixed Metal Tennis Necklaces

Can’t pick one? Mixed metal necklaces are clever. It combines yellow, rose, and white gold in one piece. That way, you can wear it with just about anything you own.

White Gold vs Yellow Gold Tennis Necklaces

Yellow gold feels warm and timeless, almost vintage. White gold is sleek, modern, and reflective, which makes the diamonds shine brighter. It’s really all down to personal style.

To know more about different shades of gold, go through our guide: Which Gold Colour Matches Your Skin Tone.

The Timeless Appeal of Diamond Tennis Necklaces

Diamond tennis necklaces aren’t a fashion fad. They’ve always been considered heirloom pieces, meant to be worn now and passed along later. Their biggest strength is versatility. You’ll see them with jeans just as often as you’ll see them with gowns.

How “Tennis” Stuck

The story goes back to Chris Evert’s 1987 US Open match. Her bracelet came undone, and she asked for the game to pause until it was found. Reporters loved it, and the “tennis bracelet” name was born.

That moment made more than bracelets famous; it gave necklaces the same casual-meets-luxury feel. Suddenly, diamond line jewellery wasn’t just for black tie; it was for everyday.

What to Look for in a Tennis Necklace: Key Features to Consider

Carat Size and Diamond Quality

Carat weight definitely affects price, but it also changes the boldness of your necklace. Small carats mean a soft shimmer, very wearable. Bigger carats? They turn the necklace into a showpiece. Still, carat isn’t everything. A diamond with good clarity, colour, and cut can sparkle more than twice its size.

To find more about cut, clarity, and carat, make sure you read our article: Understanding the four C's of Coloured Gemstones.

The Best Clasp for a Tennis Necklace

The clasp is what holds it all together. Box clasps with safety catches are the classic choice, mixing security with style. Lobster clasps are also dependable, though they lean more practical than fancy. With jewellery like this, the clasp is not the place to cut corners.

Tennis Necklace Length

Most are between 16 and 20 inches long. Shorter ones sit nicely at the collarbone, while longer ones add dramatic flair. The right choice depends on how you want it to frame your neckline.

Day to day, shorter usually works best. It feels easy and blends in. For special events, a longer necklace makes more of a statement.

Tennis Necklaces: Versatility from Day to Night

Tennis necklaces are kind of the ultimate chameleons.

Day to Night Styling

At work, they sit neatly against a silk blouse or tailored jacket, quiet, polished, not too loud. Once you’re out at night, though, they catch the light and feel totally different: bolder, dressier.

Casual vs Formal Looks

They’re surprisingly easy to wear casually. Rihanna’s worn hers with streetwear, which pretty much broke that “only with gowns” stereotype. But when you do dress up, they remain unmatched, perfect against an evening dress or wedding gown.

What to Wear with a Tennis Necklace

Every day picks? White shirts, soft knits, or blazers. For formal events, dresses and layered jewellery let the necklace shine even more.

Durability and Maintenance: How to Care for Your Tennis Necklace

Tennis necklaces are pretty tough since they’re made with precious metals, but they’re not totally “set it and forget it.” The tiny prongs that hold each stone require regular checks so that nothing comes loose. Use warm water, a mild soap, and a soft brush to keep the shine. For extra care, a jeweller’s cleaning every year or so is worthwhile.

Do they break? If crafted well, no. But because they’re flexible, the clasp and links are the first places you’ll want to watch out for wear.

Shower-safe? It’s better to take it off. Water and products like shampoo will cloud the stones and wear down the clasp faster than you’d expect.

Check out other maintenance guides, such as How Do I Care for Ruby Jewellery and A Guide to Lapis Lazuli Jewellery - Care, Quality Best Forms

Customising Your Tennis Necklace: Adding a Personal Touch

Customisation with tennis necklaces isn’t super common since their design is all about that sleek, continuous line. Still, some jewellers do experiment with adding charms or pendants. What’s caught on more widely is layering.

Wearing a tennis necklace with a chunkier gold chain or alongside a smaller pendant piece gives a really balanced, modern look. Influencers tend to mix textures and metals, so the final style feels put together but not overly perfect.

Summing Up: Why Tennis Necklaces Will Always Be In Style

It’s fascinating how tennis necklaces found their way from the 1987 US Open to today’s red carpet. How many jewellery pieces look fashionable in both a sports attire and a gala dress? Not many, but surely a tennis necklace does.

It doesn’t matter which metal you use or which stones you go for; in the end, it’s a versatile classic. If you want a tennis necklace that is handcrafted and can last a lifetime, make sure to check out Argent Asher’s collection of tennis necklaces.