Straight Down The Line: Natural Diamond Tennis Jewelry Aces Every Look

Tenniscore, anyone? From sparkling bracelets to sleek chokers, diamond tennis jewelry is having its most stylish season yet.

Updated: August 28, 2025
Written by: Anna McFillin

Someone asked me recently if I was a fan of tennis, and I replied, “Yes—in the form of diamond jewelry.” And with the U.S. Open in full swing, there’s no better time to celebrate the style that shares its name. After all, what’s not to love about the classic diamond tennis bracelet or necklace?

Tennis jewelry is the definition of timeless design: versatile enough to be worn every day, yet special enough to be passed down for generations. It never goes out of style. I can personally attest to that—my grandmother’s channel-set diamond tennis bracelet from the 1970s is just as striking today, maybe even cooler.

Meet the Expert

Straight Down the Line: Natural Diamond Tennis Jewelry Aces Every Look

Anne Rusself, Vice President of Hamilton Jewelers, draws on decades of experience in the fine jewelry industry and deep knowledge of the brand’s century-long legacy.
She holds an Accredited Jewelry Professional (AJP) credential in diamonds and diamond grading from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
She is known for her discerning eye in curating diamond and fine jewelry collections, blending timeless craftsmanship with contemporary style.

The History of Tennis Jewelry

Tennis Jewelry: Chris Evert tennis bracelet — Chris Evert on court in the 1970s, wearing the diamond bracelet that would famously inspire the term “tennis bracelet.” (Getty Images)

Dating back to the 1920s, what we now call the tennis bracelet was originally known as the “eternity bracelet.” Its continuous line of diamonds symbolized eternal love. But it was Chris Evert who cemented its modern identity. During the 1978 U.S. Open, the tennis champion’s diamond bracelet famously snapped and fell off mid-match. She stopped play until it was found, and from that moment on, the design became forever known as the “tennis bracelet.”

What Is Tennis Jewelry?

By definition, tennis jewelry is a continuous line of diamonds. The category extends beyond the iconic bracelet to include necklaces, earrings, and eternity bands. These clean, classic pieces represent the ultimate in everyday luxury, whether worn solo for understated sparkle or layered for maximum impact.

Types of Tennis Jewelry

Tennis Bracelets: Of all the pieces in the tennis jewelry family, the bracelet remains the most iconic. It’s an everyday luxury that effortlessly pairs with a watch or a bracelet stack. From classic round designs in a prong setting to more modern interpretations, there’s a style to suit every taste.

Tennis Necklaces: The tennis necklace has become a cornerstone of the modern jewelry wardrobe. It can be worn solo for a clean line of brilliance or layered with additional tennis necklaces and chains to create a striking, dimensional stack.

Tennis Earrings: The newest members of the tennis jewelry family include diamond huggie hoops and line earrings. These versatile pieces transition easily from day to night, making them thoughtful gifts and stylish self-purchases alike.

From the Court to the Red Carpet

Since Evert’s iconic moment, tennis jewelry has transitioned from sporty chic to red-carpet glamour. Farrah Fawcett was one of the first to embrace its off-court appeal, wearing tennis bracelets and necklaces with her casual tennis whites. Today, these classic pieces are beloved by a new generation of celebrities, including Taylor Swift, Timothée Chalamet, Emily Ratajkowski, and Zendaya—who, while promoting the film Challengers, embodied the viral “tenniscore” aesthetic—continue to showcase its staying power.

A Modern Take on a Classic

Designer Monica Rich Kosann recently collaborated with Chris Evert on a reimagined tennis bracelet featuring an emerald and pear-shaped diamond. The design nods to Evert’s legendary moment: a pear-shaped diamond mirrors the glint of a bead of sweat in the heat of competition, an emerald recalls the green of the tennis court, and a row of natural diamonds represents the chalked tennis lines.

A Tennis Jewelry Lover’s Style Philosophy

Anne Russell, Executive VP of Hamilton Jewelers, is a tennis jewelry devotee. She shares with Only Natural Diamonds:

“I have loved tennis from an early age, always watching the grand slams and playing with my family. I don’t leave the house without earrings on tennis days—it’s usually a double pair of diamond studs and layered necklaces that include a diamond line necklace.”

Her style philosophy? “Classic diamond tennis essentials are always a win.”

Why Tennis Jewelry Is Always in Style

Shailene Woodley tennis necklace — **EARRINGS** ZAHN Z • **TENNIS** **NECKLACE** CARTIER • **BRACELET AND RING** BULGARI • **TOP** VINTAGE • **TROUSERS** DIOR (Shailene Woodley for Photographed by Tina Tyrell for *Only Natural Diamonds*)

Chris Briney tennis necklace — **NECKLACES (TOP TO BOTTOM)** SHAY, SUZANNE KALAN, DE BEERS, POLACHECK’S, NORMAN SILVERMAN (Christopher Briney Photographed by Luke Gilford for *Only Natural Diamonds*)

From its origins on the court to its modern-day red-carpet status, natural diamond tennis jewelry has become a true heirloom—timeless, versatile, and deeply personal. Whether worn as a standalone piece or layered in stacks, these jewels embody effortless luxury and lasting style.

After all, the best natural diamond jewelry isn’t just about sparkle—it’s about creating pieces that feel personal, wearable, and enduring. And when it comes to tennis jewelry, that’s always a winning match.

Shop Fresh Takes on Tennis Jewelry

Looking to add a classic or contemporary tennis piece to your collection? I’ve curated 20 gorgeous designs to choose from—and I promise there is a style for every jewelry lover. Whether a multi-cut diamond tennis bracelet, a graduated tennis necklace, or a chic pair of diamond line earrings, these pieces redefine the idea of everyday essentials.