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All About Tennis Jewelry
Long before Kim Kardashian lost her diamond earring in the Bora Bora sea, former world No. 1 tennis champion Chris Evert lost a precious piece of tennis jewelry, her diamond bracelet, mid-match on the U.S. Open Court. She then refused to resume play until it was found (a completely justified response, if you ask us).
Knowing the history behind a key wardrobe piece, for style or for sentiment, is an important fashion lesson. For years, diamond tennis jewelry, like tennis bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and rings, were regarded as aspirational jewelry pieces that were largely unattainable to the everyday shopper — more country club accouterments than outright fashion-forward accessories. Though we can admit, we understand why the ladies who lunch were so attracted to traditional tennis-style jewelry. Besides the obvious appeal of dripping in diamonds, the simplicity of these designs makes the thin, singular strands of sparkles extremely wearable. Sure, tennis jewelry looks great when styled with a swoon-worthy black tie ensemble, but its versatility allows these pieces to pair just as effortlessly with dressed-down, everyday looks.
Lately, some of our favorite style icons have been sporting the tennis jewelry trend in a more casual way— and acing it. In the past few months alone, we’ve seen cool-mom Gigi Hadid, new-age-trendsetter Sofia Richie Grainge, and the quick-witted Morgan Stewart McGraw pair their tennis bracelets and diamond necklaces with everything from bikinis to blue jeans. Other celebrities have pushed the trend one step further, accessorizing with non-traditional tennis-style rings, earrings, and even belly chains.
Tennis jewelry, more so now than ever, is a category that’s easy to obsess over and one packed full of must-have, never-take-off pieces—those well-worth an ocean floor scour and a game-suspending search. Take it from Rihanna, Jennifer Lawrence, Hailey Bieber, Taylor Swift, and Amal Clooney, and pretty much every other well-known A-lister and up-and-coming it-girl, tennis jewelry is one trend you’ll want to lean into and never let go of.
And in true 2023 fashion, the trend has become even more accessible. It’s not just classic diamonds that are contributing to tennis jewelry’s recent revival. Today’s modern marketplace is full of lab-grown, crystal, and gemstone options that look luxe enough to fool grandma but with a price tag that won’t have you Chris-Evert-level-panicking (or Kim-K-level-crying) if they happen to slip off mid-serve (or swim). Below, Vogue's guide to the best 26 pieces of tennis jewelry. Though, regardless of how spendy your purchase is, we’d still highly recommend double-checking those clasps before heading out—and those earring backs too, for that matter.
Timeless Classics
A simple string of diamonds is the most foolproof way to add a hint of sparkle to your everyday outfit without looking too over the top. The added bonus? Take it from Rosie Huntington-Whiteley; these pieces look just as chic layered as they do on their own, so really, you can’t go wrong.
A Pop of Color
Need a vibrant burst of color for your tennis whites—or tennis-watching whites if that’s more your thing? Consider reaching for a more colorful rendition of this latest jewelry trend.
A Modern Twist
There’s something to be said about having a piece of jewelry that’s truly unique—something that not everyone else has. It exudes it-girl energy and commands attention for when you want to stand out amongst the rest. These modern pieces are anything but old-fashioned.