In the world of jewelry, the tennis chain has become an popular accessory that expresses luxury and elegance. But what exactly is a tennis chain? And what is a tennis necklace, since the two terms get used interchangeably?
A tennis chain is a necklace made of a continuous line of small, identically cut diamonds or moissanite stones, set close together in a thin precious-metal chain. Also called a tennis necklace, it is named after Chris Evert’s 1987 incident at the U.S. Open and worn by both men and women.
In this article, we will dive into the origins of the tennis chain, its popularity, different styles, and even talk about diamond alternative tennis chains.
What is a Tennis Chain?
A tennis chain is a type of necklace that features a continuous line of small, closely-set gemstones on top of the base metal, usually diamonds or moissanites, which are connected by links. Each gemstone is standing on a metal setting lifted apart creating several light corridors in order to make the diamond shine more.
Tennis chains are usually made with precious metals such as Yellow, White, Rose Gold or Silver, and the quality and size of the gemstones can vary. The tennis necklace meaning is the same; "tennis necklace" and "tennis chain" refer to the same product, with "necklace" more commonly used by women buyers and "chain" more commonly used in hip-hop and streetwear contexts. So when someone asks "what is a tennis necklace," they are asking about this exact piece.
Where did "Tennis" Necklace name came from?
The tennis chain (or tennis necklace) is called that because of an incident at the 1987 U.S. Open, when professional tennis player Chris Evert’s diamond bracelet snapped during a match.
She requested the match to be paused until she found her bracelet, and from that moment on, the term "tennis bracelet" was derived. Over time, the design of the tennis bracelet was adapted into a necklace style, and thus the term "tennis necklace" came into existence. It has become a popular choice for both men and women thanks to It's timeless and Shiny look.
Can you wear a tennis chain every day?
Absolutely! When it comes to wearing a tennis chain, the choice depends on the particular occasion. For formal events, a diamond tennis chain is an excellent choice. The brilliance and elegance of diamonds add a touch of luxury and sophistication to any formal attire.
For everyday wear or a more casual and relaxed style, a moissanite or cubic zirconia tennis chain can be a more practical and affordable option. These gemstone alternatives offer a similar sparkle and brilliance to diamonds at a fraction of the cost. Though Cubic Zirconia and Moissanite prices are very different - 1 Carat of moissanite costs hundreds of dollars while Cubic Zirconia's 1 Carat costs only a few dollars.
Factors to Look Out for When Choosing a Tennis Necklace
Stone Choice: Decide whether you prefer diamonds, moissanite, cubic zirconia, or other gemstone alternatives.
Stone Quality: Pay attention to the quality of the stones used in the necklace. Look for clarity, cut, and color. It's always wise to use the help of a diamond expert.
Base Metal: Consider the type of metal used for the necklace, such as gold or silver. Choose a material that suits your style and matches your other jewelry pieces.
Shine Factor Under Sunlight: Check how the necklace shines under different lighting conditions, especially in natural sunlight. You can also try to see the shine effect with simply using your phone's flash light.
Clasp Mechanism: Examine the clasp mechanism of the necklace. Ensure it is durable. Usually tennis chains have a open box clasp (a combination of the basic box clasp and a lobster clasp).
Choose a Trusted Merchant: Purchase your tennis necklace from a reputable and trusted merchant. Read reviews, check certifications, and ask around from forums.
Price: A tennis chain in one store with exactly same specifications can cost many times more in another store. make sure that you search around in different stores to get the best deal.
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How to Wear and Layer Tennis Necklaces?
When it comes to wearing and layering tennis necklaces, there are a few tips to keep in mind:
Start with a Single Tennis Necklace: Begin by wearing a single tennis necklace as a standalone piece. This allows the necklace to shine on its own and draw attention to your neckline.
Add a Longer Chain: Experiment with different necklace lengths to create a layered look. Make sure that the longer chain leaves space for a pendant that sits on the shorter chain.
Mix Metals and Styles: Don't be afraid to mix yellow, rose gold and silver chains. You can also mix traditional tennis necklaces with cuban or rope chains.
Balance the Neckline: The neckline of your outfit when layering tennis necklaces is important. For low or plunging necklines, go for longer necklaces to fill the space. High necklines or collared shirts can be completed with shorter tennis necklaces for a more delicate touch.
Play with Pendant Necklaces: Add a pendant necklace to your layered look to by creating a cool combination. Choose a pendant that falls right on the edge of the longer chain.
How Much Does a Diamond Tennis Necklace Cost?
Diamond tennis necklace costs can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the quality, size, and overall carat weight of the diamonds used. Prices are starting in the four-figure range and can go up to six figures or more for custom pieces. It's important to know that diamond prices are also influenced by factors such as cut, color, clarity, and the overall craftsmanship of the necklace. The reputation of the jeweler can also affect the pricing.
For a typical 18-22 inch tennis necklace, here are realistic price ranges by metal and stone type:
- Sterling silver with cubic zirconia: $80 to $250
- Sterling silver with moissanite: $300 to $800
- 14K gold with moissanite: $1,000 to $3,500
- 14K or 18K gold with lab-grown diamonds: $3,000 to $10,000
- 14K or 18K gold with natural diamonds (10-15 carat total): $8,000 to $40,000
- High-jewelry diamond tennis necklaces (20+ carat, VVS clarity): $50,000 to $500,000+
How to Avoid Your Diamond Tennis Chain From Flipping on Your Neck?
The key tip to keep your moissanite tennis chain always on the right side with the diamonds facing away from the body is to wear it with the clasp in the front. By positioning the clasp at the front of your neck, you can easily monitor and adjust the chain to ensure that the diamonds are always visible and facing forward. This simple technique allows you to maintain the desired appearance and keep your tennis chain in place throughout the day.
Moissanite Tennis Chain - An Affordable Diamond Alternative
Moissanite tennis chains surpass diamonds with light reflecative index, which means that moissanite shines more than a natural diamond. Unlike diamonds, moissanite reflects rainbow colors under the light. Moreover, moissanite is highly budget-friendly, priced approximately 10 times lower per carat. While diamonds remain a classic choice, moissanite has gained popularity in the last decade.
When did Tennis Chains Become Widely Popular?
Tennis chains became widely popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Since then, tennis chains have conquered the world. Today tennis chains are worn by celebrities, politicians, music artists and TOP athletes.
Different Styles of Tennis Chains
There are five main types of tennis chains to choose from:
Classic Diamond Tennis Chain: It is the traditional and most recognized style of tennis chain.
Colored Gemstone Tennis Chain: Instead of diamonds, this style incorporates colored gemstones such as sapphires, emeralds, or rubies, creating a rainbow look.
Mixed Metal Tennis Chain: This style combines different metals, such as yellow gold and white gold.
Double Row Tennis Chain: As the name suggests, this style features two parallel rows of diamonds.
Floating Diamond Tennis Chain: In this style, the diamonds are set in a way that creates the illusion of floating.
Tennis Chain Size Chart
Knowing the right size for a tennis chain is crucial, especially when buying online. To provide you with accurate and detailed information, we have prepared a comprehensive tennis chain size chart. Please refer to the image below for a visual representation and detailed measurements to help you choose the perfect size.
Here is a complete tennis chain length chart with the most popular sizes for both men and women, plus where each size sits on the body:
When picking your tennis necklace size, two extra factors matter: neck circumference and the outfit you usually wear it with.
If your neck measures over 16 inches, add 2 inches to the standard recommendation. For low or plunging necklines, go longer (20-22 inches) so the chain has space to drape; for high or collared shirts, go shorter (16-18 inches) so it sits cleanly.
The 16 vs 18 inch tennis necklace question comes down to this: 16 inch sits right on the collarbone like a choker, 18 inch falls just below — 18 is the safer first-time pick for most women.
Tennis Chain vs. Other Chain Types
When choosing a tennis chain, buyers often compare it to other popular chain styles. Here is how the tennis chain stacks up against the two most common alternatives:
Tennis Chain vs. Cuban Link Chain
A tennis chain is built around a continuous line of stones (diamonds or moissanite) on a thin metal frame, while a Cuban link chain is built from interlocking flat-twisted metal links, with stones added on top in pavé settings (if any). Visually, the tennis chain reads as elegant and uniform; the Cuban link reads as bold and substantial. Tennis chains work for both formal and everyday wear; Cuban links are more associated with hip-hop and streetwear. Both are popular, just for different aesthetics.
Tennis Chain vs. Rope Chain
A rope chain is a textured all-metal chain with twisted woven links and no stones. It catches light through the metal twist itself, while a tennis chain catches light through the diamonds or moissanite stones it carries. Rope chains are typically cheaper because they have no stone-setting cost, more durable for daily wear, and easier to maintain. Tennis chains deliver more visual sparkle but require more careful handling. If you want sparkle, go tennis. If you want a solid masculine chain you can wear hard, go rope.
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Are Tennis Chains for Men or Women?
Tennis chains are unisex. Both men and women wear them, just in different sizes and stone weights. The classic style is identical for both. The only differences come down to:
- Length: Women typically wear 16-18 inch lengths sitting on the collarbone. Men typically wear 20-24 inch lengths sitting on the chest.
- Stone size: Women lean toward delicate 2-4mm stones for an everyday-elegant look. Men go bigger — 4-6mm or larger — for a bolder, statement look.
- Setting style: Some men prefer prong settings for the angular hip-hop look. Some women prefer bezel settings for a cleaner, more polished feel. Both are widely available.
Hip-hop has driven much of the men’s tennis chain trend, with rappers and athletes wearing 18-24 inch chains in 14K white or yellow gold. The same product is also a milestone gift for women, anniversaries, graduations, and birthdays, typically in the 16-18 inch range.
Are There any other names for Tennis Chains?
Tennis chains are also known by various other names in the jewelry industry, however 90% of the time they are still called tennis chains. The alternative names include eternity necklaces, line necklaces, infinity necklaces and tennis chokers.
To Wrap This Up
Tennis chains are a timeless and and have only gained popularity since It's start in the 1980-1990s. Whether you choose a diamond, moissanite, or cubic zirconia tennis chain, it's important to consider factors such as stone choice, quality, base metal, clasp mechanism and price when making your selection. Tennis chains can be worn for both formal occasions and everyday wear. With various styles, sizes, and lengths available, you can find the perfect tennis chain that suits you. Remember to choose a trusted merchant when purchasing your tennis chain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there cheaper Tennis Necklaces than those with diamonds or moissanites?
Yes, cubic zirconia. It's a more affordable alternative to diamonds and moissanites, however cubic zirconia doesn't reflect the same level of light and is not as durable as diamond or moissanite, staying at 8 out of 10.
What Length Tennis Chain Should I Get?
The most popular length for tennis chains is 22 inches, which falls at the collarbone. Or a 20 inch chain which falls to the collarbone (most common length for average men). To learn more about the lenghts, read our in-depth chain sizing guide!
What Clasp Does a Tennis Chain Have?
A tennis chain usually has an Open Box Clasp. This type of clasp is secure, easy to open and close with one hand, and provides a beautiful look when closed.
What is the best length for a tennis necklace?
The best length for a tennis necklace depends on gender and outfit. For women, 16-18 inches is the most popular range ; 16 inch sits on the collarbone, 18 inch falls just below it. For men, 20-22 inches is the most common, sitting at the top of the chest.
Do men wear tennis chains?
Yes, tennis chains are popular among men and have been a major hip-hop staple since the 1990s. Men typically choose 20-24 inch lengths with larger 4-6mm stones for a bolder, statement look. Rappers, athletes, and celebrities have driven much of the men’s tennis chain trend, often layering them with Cuban link or rope chains.
What is a tennis hand chain?
A tennis hand chain is a different product from a tennis necklace, it is a piece of body jewelry that sits on the back of the hand, connecting a ring to a bracelet via a continuous diamond or moissanite tennis-style line. They are popular for weddings, formal events, and editorial photo shoots.
What is the difference between a tennis chain and a tennis bracelet?
They are the same design at different sizes. A tennis bracelet is the original 7-inch wrist version (named after Chris Evert in 1987). A tennis chain or tennis necklace is the longer 16-30 inch version worn around the neck. Both feature the same continuous line of identically cut stones in a thin precious-metal frame.
