The Ultimate Guide to the Tennis Necklace: How to Wear, Style, and Shop the Look

The diamond tennis necklace has remained a symbol of elegance and versatility since the 14th century. Discover its rich history, why it’s more relevant than ever, and expert tips on how to choose, wear, and layer this timeless strand of brilliance.

By Grant Mobley | August 15, 2025

Suzanne Kalan | Jewels by Grace | David Yurman

There is perhaps no other piece of jewelry as versatile, timeless, and effortlessly chic as the diamond tennis necklace. Whether worn solo for an understated sparkle or layered into a bolder statement, this sleek strand of perfectly paired diamonds has become “the little black dress” of the jewelry world.

As someone who has spent years immersed in the diamond world, I’ve seen how the tennis necklace has evolved from a luxury indulgence to a go-to signature for style icons, athletes, and fashion lovers alike. Let’s break down why this piece has captured the spotlight, how to wear it, and what to look for when shopping for one.

Meet the Expert

Grant Mobley is the Jewelry & Watch Editor of Only Natural Diamonds.
He is a GIA Diamonds Graduate.
He has over 17 years of jewelry industry experience, starting with growing up in his family’s retail jewelry stores.

A Brief History of the Tennis Necklace

Chris Evert wears her infamous tennis bracelet at the US Open 1987 (Getty Images)

The tennis necklace style, though it didn’t carry that name at the time, originated in the 14th century, when advancements in early cutting techniques finally enabled jewelers to set these rare stones into wearable, relatively uniform designs. The first diamond necklaces—often reserved for royalty and the elite—were heavy gold and silver settings, often with larger diamonds than we would see today.

Over the centuries, cutting technology evolved, allowing diamonds to sparkle more brilliantly and cut more uniformly. Design tastes also shifted toward lighter, more flexible, and wearable settings. This progression eventually gave rise to the modern “diamond line necklace,” a sleek strand of individually set diamonds that became known as the tennis necklace in the late 20th century.

The term “tennis” necklace draws inspiration from its wrist-worn counterpart. The tennis bracelet famously got its name after a 1987 U.S. Open match where champion Chris Evert stopped play to retrieve her diamond bracelet. The clean line of perfectly set diamonds became synonymous with understated elegance, and it was only a matter of time before designers adopted the term for the neck.

Why the Tennis Necklace Will Never Go Out of Style

Timothée Chalamet attends the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)

The diamond tennis necklace is far from a fleeting trend—it’s a style with centuries of history that has continually evolved while never losing its appeal. In fact, men were the earliest and most prominent wearers of diamond necklaces, with lavish, gem-laden collars and chains serving as powerful symbols of status for kings, aristocrats, and other high-ranking figures from the 14th century onward. It wasn’t until the 20th century that men began wearing fewer diamonds, as shifting fashion norms placed more emphasis on women’s fine jewelry. Now, that balance is swinging back.

Today, both men and women embrace the style, with its clean, linear silhouette offering a timeless versatility that transcends gender. While the style has always been a jewelry staple, what’s surging again is its visibility on men, thanks to a new generation of style leaders like Pharrell, LeBron James, and Timothée Chalamet, bringing the diamond tennis necklace back to its original roots as a universally worn emblem of elegance and style.

How to Wear and Style a Diamond Tennis Necklace

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*)

For Women:

Solo Statement: Wear a single necklace over a simple neckline—think black dress, white blouse, or cashmere sweater—for maximum impact.
Layering: Combine your tennis necklace with different chains and pendants. A gold curb chain below it creates a chic mixed-metal effect, while pairing it with a longer pendant draws the eye down and elongates the look.
Neckline Considerations: A 16- to 18-inch length sits perfectly along the collarbone, ideal for scoop necks or V-necks.

For Men:

Casual Cool: Layer over a crewneck T-shirt or under a slightly unbuttoned Oxford for an effortless high-low style.
Stacking: Add a slightly longer gold or platinum chain with or without a pendant for a subtle but powerful layering move.

Choosing the Right Tennis Necklace Carat Weight and Setting

When shopping for a tennis necklace, one of the key decisions involves choosing the carat weight. Unlike engagement rings, where a single diamond takes center stage, tennis necklaces display a continuous line of stones, so the total carat weight spans many individual diamonds.

Under 10 Carats: Perfect for everyday wear. Comfortable, understated, and easy to layer.
10–20 Carats: Offers more presence without feeling over the top. Works well as a standalone piece.
20+ Carats: A true statement necklace—often seen on red carpets and formal events. If you have the means, it’s hard to get more wow for your money.

zoe kravitz tennis necklace diamond jewelry style — Zoe Kravitz arrives at the 69th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards at Microsoft Theater on September 17, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage)

Setting Styles:

Prong: Classic and secure, maximizing light exposure for each diamond.
Bezel: Encircles each diamond in metal, offering a modern look and added durability.
Channel: Creates a seamless line of sparkle with minimal visible metal.

When it comes to metals, white gold and platinum amplify the diamonds’ brilliance, while yellow or rose gold adds warmth and contrast.

Layering Tennis Necklaces: The Art of the Stack

Layering tennis necklaces can feel intimidating, but the key is varying lengths and textures. Pair a 16-inch length with an 18- or 20-inch chain for a balanced look. Or, if you’re going for maximum sparkle, layer two different carat sizes—a slimmer piece up top and a heavier one below to create depth without competing for attention.

For a fashion-forward edge, mix your tennis necklace with colored gemstone strands or pearls. This not only softens the sparkle but also adds personality to your look.

Gigi Hadid attends the 2024 Met Gala celebrating “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City — Gigi Hadid attends the 2024 Met Gala, celebrating “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. (Getty Images)

Investment and Care

A natural diamond tennis necklace isn’t just a fashion statement—it’s a piece of fine jewelry that can last a lifetime. High-quality examples retain their value and become heirlooms for your future generations.

To keep your necklace looking its best, store it flat or hanging to avoid kinks, clean it with a soft brush and mild soap, and have it professionally checked annually to ensure the settings remain secure.

Final Thoughts

The diamond tennis necklace has earned its place as one of the most versatile and impactful pieces in fine jewelry. Whether you wear it every day with a T-shirt and jeans or reserve it for special occasions, it’s a piece that tells the world you value craftsmanship, beauty, and timeless style.

In my years of working with diamonds, I’ve yet to see another piece that can so effortlessly cross style boundaries, flatter any outfit, and remain eternally relevant. If you’ve been considering adding one to your collection, now is the perfect time to invest, as once you put it on, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Shop Tennis Necklaces

And if you need inspiration, I’ve curated 15 of my favorite diamond tennis necklaces—from classic designs to modern interpretations—so you can find the one that fits your style perfectly.