What is a Tennis Necklace (And How to Style It for Everyday Wear)

You’ve seen it everywhere lately—that delicate, dazzling line of stones that sits perfectly on the collarbone. It’s on celebrities at red carpet events, and just as often, on stylists running errands in a t-shirt and jeans. It's the tennis necklace, and it has quickly become a modern jewelry essential.

But what exactly *is* a tennis necklace, where did it get its unusual name, and how can you wear this traditionally "luxury" item for everyday life? As a brand focused on making beautiful, durable style accessible, we believe this is a look everyone should be able to enjoy.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the tennis necklace, from its iconic origin story to practical tips on how to style it with confidence every single day.

The Iconic Story Behind the Name

The "tennis necklace" is the direct descendant of the "tennis bracelet." The name was famously coined in 1978. During a fiery match at the US Open, tennis legend Chris Evert's delicate diamond bracelet snapped and fell off her wrist. She famously asked officials to pause the entire game until her precious piece could be found.

This high-profile moment instantly linked this style of continuous diamond-line jewelry with the sport, and the "tennis bracelet" was born. The tennis necklace is simply the neckline version of this iconic, flexible, and elegant design.

The "Problem" with the Traditional Tennis Necklace

For decades, the tennis necklace was the exclusive domain of high jewelry. We're talking thousands, or even tens of thousands, of dollars for a piece made of diamonds and platinum. This put it firmly in the "special occasion" or "safe deposit box" category for most people. It was something to be worried about, not something to be *worn*.

This aligns with a core frustration I've always had with "fast fashion" and "precious" jewelry—they both create anxiety. One creates the anxiety of waste, the other creates the anxiety of cost and fragility.

The Smart Solution: The Everyday Tennis Necklace

This is where modern materials change the game. The "tennis necklace aesthetic" is too beautiful to be locked away. The solution is to craft it from materials that align with a modern, active, and "long-termist" lifestyle.

By swapping diamonds for brilliant, high-grade cubic zirconia (CZ) and setting them in 316L surgical stainless steel, we get the best of all worlds:

• The Look: You get that same stunning, uninterrupted line of sparkle that rivals a diamond necklace.
• The Durability: The 316L steel setting is waterproof, tarnish-proof, and highly scratch-resistant.
• The Safety: The entire piece is hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin.
• The Price: It becomes an "affordable luxury," allowing you to wear a million-dollar look without the anxiety.

Featured: The Everyday Tennis Necklace

Get the timeless look of luxury without the anxiety. Our 316L stainless steel tennis necklace is durable, waterproof, and hypoallergenic.

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How to Style a Tennis Necklace (Without Looking Overdressed)

The key to wearing a tennis necklace in 2025 is *contrast*. It's no longer just for formal gowns. Here are my favorite ways to wear it.

1. The Solo Statement

A tennis necklace has enough presence to be worn completely on its own. Let it be the single point of sparkle against a simple backdrop, like a black turtleneck, a silk camisole, or the neckline of a crisp white shirt. This look is elegant, confident, and timeless.

2. The Modern Layering Piece

This is the most popular way to wear it. Use the tennis necklace as your "base layer" of texture and light, and stack other chains on top.

• The Mia Mix: I love pairing a 16-inch tennis necklace with a longer, 18-inch herringbone chain. The mix of the sparkling stones and the flat, liquid-metal shine of the herringbone is a stunning, high-fashion contrast.
• For a bolder look, try it with a classic curb chain or paperclip chain. This is a key part of building a versatile collection, which we cover in our other style guides.

3. The "Casual Glam"

This is my favorite. Wear your tennis necklace with your most casual outfit—think a basic t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers, or even a hoodie. The contrast between the glamorous, sparkling necklace and the casual outfit is the very definition of modern, effortless style.

And don't forget the matching tennis bracelet. A matching set is no longer seen as "dated." A steel tennis necklace and bracelet, worn together, create a powerful, cohesive, and sophisticated look.

The tennis necklace is a true jewelry icon. By embracing the modern, durable version, you can move this beautiful design from a "once-in-a-while" luxury to a stunning, worry-free part of your everyday style. Explore our collection of high-quality **stainless steel jewelry** and find your new everyday sparkle.