The one accessory that everyone needs is a tennis necklace.
Made from a strand of continuous diamonds, tennis necklaces have taken the jewelry world by storm in recent years. They check all the boxes for the ultimate statement piece.
Elegant and timeless, a tennis necklace works for any occasion.
The good news?
These pieces are easier to add to any wardrobe than ever before. Dressing up for a special occasion or looking to elevate your everyday style… Tennis necklaces make a big impact without trying too hard.
In this post, we will cover:
- The Popularity of Tennis Necklaces in Modern Fashion
- Why Tennis Necklaces Are Forever Pieces
- The Art of Styling Tennis Necklaces
- How to Choose the Perfect Tennis Necklace for You
The Popularity of Tennis Necklaces in Modern Fashion
Have you noticed how often you see people wearing tennis necklaces?
According to Google trends data, search interest grew by 26% between January 2023 and January 2024. That’s an insane increase for a single type of jewelry. The sudden rise in popularity is easy to understand, though.
Call it the “Zendaya Effect.”
Zendaya wore a modern take on a diamond tennis necklace during the filming of The Challengers. The moment that scene from the movie was released to the world, fashion lovers everywhere fell in love with tennis necklaces all over again.
Since then, celebrities and fashion influencers have been stacking them on like there is no tomorrow. Soon enough, everyone else was joining in on the fun. Retailers like Leon Diamond make it easy to explore timeless tennis necklaces that speak to the hottest trend in fashion today. Their collections feature the classic diamond-line design that everyone wants.
The statistics on jewelry market growth tell an interesting tale as well. The global jewelry market was expected to hit around $366 billion in 2024. This includes everything from costume jewelry to engagement rings and fine chains.
Within this multi-billion-dollar market, tennis jewelry has claimed its own significant share of the action. Search interest in diamond tennis jewelry grew by 66% during the holiday season alone. Impressive, right?
Why These Pieces Never Go Out of Style
The reason people always keep coming back to tennis necklaces is simple.
They have a quality that is unique to just a handful of jewelry pieces…
Versatility.
Can you think of a statement piece of jewelry that works for any occasion?
The average bold necklace is likely to only work in specific situations. A statement cocktail ring feels too casual in the office. Oversized hoops might not work for formal wear.
Tennis necklaces, though? They work everywhere and any time.
Check out what’s different about tennis necklaces:
- Clean design: a simple line of diamonds that adds elegance without overpowering an outfit
- Flexible styling: wear alone for minimalism or layered for more drama
- Day to night transition: pair with anything from a business suit to a cocktail dress
- Universal appeal: flatters all necklines and all skin tones
The style itself is the reason that tennis necklaces are forever pieces. The continuous strand of perfectly matched stones creates harmony from one end of the necklace to the other. No bulky pendants or overdone settings to distract from the diamonds themselves.
Speaking of the diamonds…
Sparkle and shine play an important role in these pieces. The diamonds catch the light from every angle. Whether entering a boardroom or stepping out on the dance floor, a tennis necklace always grabs attention in the most sophisticated way.
The Art of Styling Tennis Necklaces
How you choose to style tennis necklaces gives you a chance to get super creative. The hottest trend for tennis necklaces is layering. People used to wear these pieces one at a time. These days, fashion-forward folks are stacking multiple necklaces of different lengths.
Layering multiple tennis necklaces adds depth and texture that one necklace simply cannot match.
Check out this simple guide to nailing the layered tennis necklace look:
- Start with a shorter tennis necklace as your base layer.
- Add a medium-length chain with a small pendant.
- Top off the look with a longer necklace for drama.
- The key to perfect layering is spacing each necklace roughly two inches apart to avoid tangling.
Layering is not the only way, though.
Minimalists are loving single tennis necklaces as their go-to signature accessory. One simple yet beautiful tennis necklace worn day in and day out can become your personal brand. Minimal luxury at its finest. Solo tennis necklaces are the way to go for formal events. Wearing just one statement tennis necklace all by itself gives you maximum impact. Keep your earrings simple, and let the necklace shine.
The mixed metals trend has not escaped tennis necklaces, either. Combining white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold pieces creates a look that breaks with tradition. In the past, wearing multiple metals was a surefire way to look uneducated about jewelry. Not anymore. Mixing metals is now a sign of being a style maven.
How to Choose the Right Tennis Necklace for You
Tennis necklaces come in all shapes and sizes. The important thing is to find the right one for you. Quality is extra important when it comes to these pieces. Since the design is all about the diamonds themselves, you will notice flaws immediately. All the diamonds in a tennis necklace need to match in terms of cut, color, and clarity.
Keep these factors in mind when choosing your next tennis necklace:
- Stone quality: consistency is key, so check that each diamond is similar to the rest
- Setting security: each stone should be firmly held in place by the setting, and little metal should show
- Clasp strength: no one wants a weak clasp on an expensive necklace
- Length options: 16″ to 24″ are the most common length options for tennis necklaces, so you can choose how you want them to drape
Your choice of metal also matters. White gold and platinum highlight the diamonds. Yellow gold adds warmth and a vintage vibe. Rose gold delivers a more modern romantic look.
Cost is another factor. The advent of lab-grown diamonds has made tennis necklaces affordable for more people. These stones are identical to diamonds found in the earth, but at a fraction of the price.
Here’s one more thing people often forget…
The weight of a tennis necklace matters. Heavier chains with bigger stones are bold, but some may find them uncomfortable for everyday wear. Lighter and more delicate chains with smaller stones are a more comfortable and understated option.
The Investment Angle
Tennis necklaces are an investment, but not in the way you might think. Fine jewelry is a known store of value. Once you spend money on a piece, it stays with you and holds its value over time. Unlike trendy jewelry that goes out of style, tennis necklaces will still be sought after in 20 years. If you take good care of your necklace, you can pass it down through generations as an heirloom.
The resale market for high-quality tennis necklaces is also robust. Authentic pieces from trusted jewelers retain value. Your purchase feels less like spending money and more like making an investment. Don’t let the “investment” term fool you, though. Wearing your investment every day makes perfect sense. Art hanging on a wall or stocks represented by numbers cannot be enjoyed. A tennis necklace, on the other hand, gives you daily enjoyment while still holding its value.
Wrapping Things Up
Tennis necklaces are one of the few must-have accessories in fashion. The unique combination of elegance, versatility, and staying power sets them apart from other jewelry pieces. Tennis necklaces work for every occasion and flatter every style and never go out of fashion. This recent influx of new tennis necklace wearers proves what we jewelry lovers have known all along. If you don’t have a tennis necklace in your collection, you are missing out on one of the most sophisticated pieces out there.
Whether you are starting your jewelry collection or looking to add to an existing collection… A tennis necklace is the way to go.
The only remaining question? Which one you want first.
