What Is A Tennis Necklace?

What is a Tennis Necklace?

Or a tennis bracelet, for that matter? ‌This iconic fine jewelry designs has roots in, you guessed it, the sport of tennis, but it actually existed before that. From sport to style - we’ve got the info!

What’s the History of Tennis Necklaces? Let’s Rewind:

Let’s go WAY back in time…to the 1970’s or 80’s! During a US Open Match, the famous tennis player, Chris Evert, was wearing an in-line diamond bracelet while playing a serious match. During a rally, her bracelet's clasp broke causing the bracelet to fly off of her hand. Evert then asked the officials to pause the game until she found her beloved jewel. Because of this moment, the term “tennis bracelet” was born (and naturally, “tennis necklace” and “tennis chain” followed suit).

Dana’s Tip: Don't wear jewelry while working out, no matter how cute it looks with your outfit, (especially a diamond tennis necklace)!

The key trait of a diamond tennis necklace (or diamond tennis bracelet) is a design motif called "in-line" (aka, a line of diamonds). Traditionally, a tennis style features diamonds that go all the way around the setting, creating an eternity design similar to diamond eternity rings. Overtime, the style has evolved to include non-eternity styles. DRD loves to honor timeless traditions by adding our own twist to a classic piece!

Did you know we also make custom diamond tennis necklaces with diamonds that go all the way around the neck - please email or DM us to get that process rolling.

Size Matters. Tips For Styling Tennis Necklaces:

Diamond tennis necklaces are the star of the show! Therefore, they should be worn shorter and closer to the neckline — that’s where they’ll look and fit best. We recommend selecting a shorter chain length for your tennis necklace. This will help prevent the chain from flipping and give you an elegant look that works with all necklines. We suggest trying on a 16-inch necklace to see where it hits on your neck/collarbone (or feel free to DM us a photo of yourself wearing a 16-inch necklace and we can give you some advice). We offer two lengths: the 14-inch size means that there is a jump ring, so the necklace can be worn at 14 or 16-inches.

Dana’s Tip: These beauties look outstanding worn alone (but you know how much we love to layer)! Because diamond tennis necklaces are shorter, layering necklaces should be longer. We love paring them with our Sylvie Rose Disc Necklace, Poppy Rae Pebble Station Necklace and truly any of our pendent necklaces.

Classic tennis necklaces thrive in any fashion situation! They elevate a casual t-shirt and jeans and perfectly compliment a cocktail dress or gown. Plus, they’re a great addition to your wedding day jewelry collection! Tennis necklaces have a way of being bold yet graceful - they're such an easy, glamorous and classic “something extra".

Factors To Consider When Choosing The Perfect Tennis Necklace

When buying a tennis necklace, several key factors should be considered to ensure you choose the perfect piece. First, focus on the quality of the diamonds; we recommend opting for natural diamonds with excellent clarity, cut, and color to guarantee a dazzling sparkle. Next, choose the metal color that best complements your personal style—whether it's sleek white gold, classic yellow gold, or romantic rose gold.

Additionally, consider the carat weight and length of the necklace, as these elements will affect its overall look and fit. Our custom jewelry options can add a unique touch, allowing you to design a necklace that perfectly matches your preferences. Finally, think about how often you plan to wear the necklace, ensuring it’s versatile enough for both everyday use and special occasions.

Caring for Your Tennis Necklace

Jewelry Care Tips

Proper care is essential to maintaining the beauty of your tennis necklace. Avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners, which can damage the metal and diamonds. Regular cleaning with mild soap and water, along with gentle brushing, will help keep your necklace looking its best.

Cleaning and Maintenance

For a thorough clean, use a jewelry cleaner designed for diamond jewelry like the DRD Jewelry Cleaner . Soak your tennis necklace in the solution, then use a soft toothbrush to remove any dirt or residue. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth to restore its sparkle.