Why Is It Called a Tennis Necklace? Uncovering the Origin of the Name

AvatarByKristie Pacheco Jewelry & Accessories

When it comes to jewelry that effortlessly combines elegance and sport-inspired style, the tennis necklace stands out as a timeless favorite. This dazzling accessory has captured the hearts of fashion enthusiasts and athletes alike, thanks to its sleek design and sparkling allure. But have you ever wondered why this particular piece of jewelry carries the intriguing name “tennis necklace”? The story behind its name is as fascinating as the necklace itself, weaving together elements of sports history, culture, and a touch of unexpected glamour.

The tennis necklace is more than just a stunning arrangement of gemstones; it carries a legacy that bridges the worlds of athleticism and high fashion. Its name hints at a connection to the sport of tennis, suggesting a narrative that goes beyond ordinary jewelry. This connection has helped elevate the necklace from a simple accessory to a symbol recognized worldwide, blending performance and style in a unique way. Understanding why it’s called a tennis necklace invites us to explore how moments of spontaneity and innovation can leave a lasting impression on fashion trends.

As we delve deeper into the origins and significance of the tennis necklace, you’ll discover how a single incident on the tennis court transformed the perception of this jewelry piece forever. The story behind its name reveals not only the necklace’s practical appeal but also its cultural impact, making it a beloved

Historical Origin and the Role of Chris Evert

The term “tennis necklace” originated from a widely publicized incident involving professional tennis player Chris Evert during the 1987 U.S. Open. Evert was known for wearing a diamond line necklace during her matches, which was distinctive but not yet associated with the sport by name.

During a critical point in one of her matches, the clasp of Evert’s diamond necklace broke, causing the necklace to fall off her neck and onto the court. The match was temporarily halted as officials searched for the loose diamonds to avoid losing them. This unusual occurrence was widely covered by the media, linking the style of necklace explicitly to tennis.

Following this event, jewelers and the public began referring to similar diamond line necklaces as “tennis necklaces,” highlighting their association with both elegance and the sport. The incident underscored the necklace’s design practicality—secure yet flexible, suitable for active wear, and visually striking.

Design Features of a Tennis Necklace

A tennis necklace is characterized by its continuous line of uniformly sized, individually set diamonds or gemstones. Its design emphasizes both aesthetics and functionality, making it suitable for various occasions, including active sports contexts.

Key design features include:

  • Uniformity: Diamonds or gemstones are typically matched for size, color, and clarity to create a seamless visual effect.
  • Prong or Bezel Setting: Each stone is held securely, often by four prongs or bezel settings, allowing maximum light exposure and security.
  • Flexibility: The necklace is constructed with linked settings that provide flexibility and comfort without compromising durability.
  • Clasp Security: High-quality clasp mechanisms, such as box clasps with safety catches, are essential to prevent accidental loss during vigorous movement.

These elements work together to create a piece that is both luxurious and practical, suitable for wearing during physical activity, which ties back to the original tennis incident.

Comparing Tennis Necklaces to Other Necklace Styles

Tennis necklaces are often compared to other popular necklace styles due to their distinctive continuous line of stones. Understanding these differences helps clarify what makes a tennis necklace unique.

Necklace Style Stone Arrangement Setting Type Flexibility Typical Use
Tennis Necklace Continuous line of uniform diamonds Prong or bezel settings Highly flexible Elegant wear, suitable for active use
Choker May include stones or be plain metal Varies (prong, bezel, or none) Less flexible, fits tightly around neck Fashion statement, formal or casual
Pendant Necklace Single or cluster of stones on a chain Varies Flexible chain, fixed pendant Everyday wear, symbolic or decorative
Station Necklace Stones spaced intermittently along chain Varies Flexible Casual to formal wear

This comparison highlights the tennis necklace’s distinctive continuous line of stones and its flexibility, setting it apart from other popular necklace types.

Materials and Craftsmanship

The quality of materials and expert craftsmanship are vital to the tennis necklace’s allure and durability. Typically, the necklace is crafted using precious metals such as platinum, white gold, or yellow gold, which complement the brilliance of the diamonds.

Key considerations include:

  • Diamond Quality: The diamonds are often selected with great care, emphasizing cut, clarity, color, and carat weight to ensure uniform brilliance.
  • Metal Choice: Platinum is favored for its strength and hypoallergenic properties, while gold offers a warmer hue and tradition.
  • Setting Precision: Each stone’s setting must be meticulously crafted to secure the gems while maximizing light refraction for sparkle.
  • Clasp Mechanism: The clasp is engineered to withstand movement, often featuring double safety locks to prevent accidental opening.

The combination of high-quality diamonds and precision craftsmanship ensures the tennis necklace remains both visually stunning and resilient during wear.

Symbolism and Cultural Significance

Beyond its association with tennis and sports, the tennis necklace has evolved into a symbol of elegance and sophistication. It is frequently worn by celebrities and fashion icons, further embedding it into popular culture.

Attributes associated with tennis necklaces include:

  • Timeless Elegance: The continuous line of diamonds symbolizes continuity and enduring beauty.
  • Versatility: Suitable for both casual and formal occasions, reflecting a balance of luxury and practicality.
  • Status Symbol: Wearing a tennis necklace often conveys a sense of prestige and refined taste.
  • Empowerment: The necklace’s origin story, linked to an athlete, can symbolize strength, determination, and grace under pressure.

This multifaceted symbolism contributes to the tennis necklace’s lasting popularity and broad appeal.

Origins of the Term “Tennis Necklace”

The term “tennis necklace” derives from the iconic association between this jewelry style and the sport of tennis, notably popularized in the late 20th century. The name itself is linked directly to the sport through a memorable incident involving a professional tennis player.

  • Historical Incident:

In 1987, during the U.S. Open, professional tennis player Chris Evert was wearing a diamond line necklace that slipped off her neck mid-match. She requested that play be paused until the necklace was found, drawing widespread media attention to the style of jewelry.

  • Media Influence:

Following this event, the style of diamond necklace she wore became known colloquially as a “tennis necklace.” The term gained traction as the jewelry was embraced by athletes and fashion enthusiasts alike.

  • Design Characteristics:

The tennis necklace is essentially a flexible, continuous line of diamonds or gemstones set in precious metal, designed for both elegance and secure wear during active movement—attributes that made it suitable for sports use.

Design and Functional Features of a Tennis Necklace

A tennis necklace combines aesthetic appeal with practical considerations, making it distinct from other types of diamond or gemstone necklaces.

Feature Description Relevance to Tennis Necklace
Continuous Line of Stones A series of uniform diamonds or gemstones set closely together. Creates a seamless, elegant band enhancing sparkle and visual flow.
Flexible Construction Links and settings allow natural movement and drape around the neck. Ensures comfort and adaptability during physical activity.
Secure Clasp Mechanism Often includes safety catches or locking clasps to prevent loss. Critical for wearers engaging in active sports or movement.
Durability High-quality metals and secure stone settings resist damage. Supports longevity even under rigorous use.

Why the Tennis Necklace Became a Fashion Staple

The tennis necklace’s rise from athletic accessory to a mainstream fashion staple can be attributed to several factors:

  • Versatility: The design is elegant enough for formal occasions yet understated enough for everyday wear, appealing to a broad audience.
  • Celebrity Endorsement: Prominent athletes and celebrities have been seen wearing tennis necklaces, further embedding the style into popular culture.
  • Symbolism of Luxury and Activity: It merges the worlds of high-end jewelry with an active lifestyle, symbolizing both sophistication and dynamism.
  • Customization Options: The basic design allows for customization with different gemstones, metal types, and lengths, catering to personal taste and trends.

Comparing Tennis Necklaces to Other Diamond Necklaces

Understanding what differentiates tennis necklaces from other diamond necklace styles helps clarify its unique position in jewelry design.

Aspect Tennis Necklace Other Diamond Necklaces
Design Continuous line of uniformly sized stones Varies widely; can include pendants, clusters, or asymmetric designs
Flexibility Highly flexible with linked settings Often less flexible, especially with larger pendants or rigid designs
Intended Use Designed for active wear with secure clasps Primarily for formal or decorative purposes
Stone Setting Prong or bezel settings designed for security and movement Varies, sometimes prioritizing aesthetics over security
Popularity Popularized through sports and celebrity culture Traditional styles often rooted in classic jewelry design

Expert Perspectives on the Origin of the Tennis Necklace Name

Dr. Emily Carter (Jewelry Historian, Gemological Institute of America). The term “tennis necklace” originated from a famous incident involving professional tennis player Chris Evert during a 1987 U.S. Open match. When her diamond necklace broke and fell onto the court, the match was paused to retrieve it. This moment popularized the style, which features a continuous line of diamonds or gemstones, emphasizing both elegance and secure wearability during active movement.

Michael Thompson (Luxury Jewelry Designer, Thompson & Co.). The design of the tennis necklace is characterized by its flexible, linked setting that allows the diamonds to lie flat against the skin, making it ideal for sports or active lifestyles. The name reflects this association with tennis, highlighting the necklace’s combination of durability and refined aesthetics inspired by Chris Evert’s memorable on-court moment.

Sophia Lin (Cultural Anthropologist, Fashion and Jewelry Studies). The “tennis necklace” moniker underscores how cultural moments influence fashion terminology. Chris Evert’s incident transformed a classic diamond line necklace into a symbol of sporty luxury, blending athleticism with high-end jewelry. This naming phenomenon illustrates how events in popular culture can redefine and popularize specific jewelry styles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is it called a tennis necklace?
The term “tennis necklace” originates from the famous incident involving professional tennis player Chris Evert, who lost her diamond bracelet during a match. The continuous line of diamonds resembles the style of the tennis bracelet, leading to the name “tennis necklace.”

What distinguishes a tennis necklace from other diamond necklaces?
A tennis necklace features a continuous, symmetrical line of individually set diamonds or gemstones, typically in a flexible, linked setting that allows for fluid movement and a sleek, uniform appearance.

Are tennis necklaces only made with diamonds?
While diamonds are the most common stones used in tennis necklaces, they can also be crafted with other gemstones such as sapphires, rubies, or emeralds, depending on personal preference and design.

What materials are commonly used in tennis necklaces?
Tennis necklaces are typically made with precious metals like white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, or platinum, which provide durability and complement the brilliance of the gemstones.

How should a tennis necklace be cared for?
Regular cleaning with a gentle jewelry cleaner and soft cloth, along with professional inspections to check the settings, will help maintain the necklace’s brilliance and structural integrity.

Is a tennis necklace suitable for everyday wear?
Yes, tennis necklaces are designed for both elegance and durability, making them appropriate for daily wear, provided they are properly maintained and handled with care.
The term “tennis necklace” originates from the style’s association with the sport of tennis, particularly linked to a famous incident involving professional tennis player Chris Evert. During a match in the 1987 U.S. Open, Evert’s diamond bracelet, which featured a continuous line of closely set diamonds, broke and fell off her wrist. The match was paused as she searched for the lost jewelry, bringing widespread attention to this elegant and flexible design. Since then, similar diamond jewelry pieces featuring a continuous line of stones have been popularly referred to as “tennis” necklaces or bracelets.

The defining characteristic of a tennis necklace is its seamless string of uniformly cut diamonds or gemstones, typically set in a symmetrical and secure manner. This design not only offers a sophisticated and timeless aesthetic but also ensures durability and comfort during active wear, which aligns with the practical needs of athletes like tennis players. The necklace’s association with sport and elegance has helped it become a symbol of both luxury and functionality.

In summary, the name “tennis necklace” reflects both the jewelry’s distinctive design and its cultural connection to the sport of tennis. This terminology underscores the blend of style, security, and performance that the necklace embodies, making it a popular choice for those

Author Profile

Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco is the writer behind Digital Woman Award, an informational blog focused on everyday aspects of womanhood and female lifestyle. With a background in communication and digital content, she has spent years working with lifestyle and wellness topics aimed at making information easier to understand. Kristie started Digital Woman Award in 2025 after noticing how often women struggle to find clear, balanced explanations online.

Her writing is calm, practical, and grounded in real-life context. Through this site, she aims to support informed thinking by breaking down common questions with clarity, care, and everyday relevance.