The tennis necklace is a timeless piece of jewelry that has graced the necks of countless celebrities, fashion icons, and royalty. Its origins can be traced back to the early 19th century, but it gained widespread popularity during the mid-20th century.
Origins and Inspiration
The origins of the tennis necklace can be found in the traditional pearl necklace. In the early 19th century, pearl necklaces were often worn by wealthy women and consisted of a single strand of pearls. However, these necklaces were delicate and could easily be broken. Around the 1920s, jewelers began to create more durable necklaces by stringing pearls together with fine metal chains. These necklaces, known as “pearl sautoirs,” were more flexible and less likely to break.
The Rise of the Tennis Necklace
In the 1970s, American tennis player Chris Evert was photographed wearing a diamond necklace with a distinctive design. The necklace was made up of multiple rows of diamonds on a thin chain and was designed to withstand the rigors of tennis matches. This design quickly became popular with other tennis players and soon became known as the “tennis necklace.”
Design Elements
The tennis necklace is typically made of a precious metal, such as gold or platinum, and is adorned with diamonds. The diamonds are usually round or square and are set either in a bezel setting or a prong setting. The necklace is most commonly worn with a clasp at the back, but it can also be made with a string of diamonds that is enclosed within a protective casing.
Variations and Evolution
Over the years, the tennis necklace has evolved to include a wide range of variations. Some popular variations include:
– Multi-row: Tennis necklaces can be made with multiple rows of diamonds, ranging from two rows to five rows or more.
– Different stone shapes: In addition to round and square diamonds, tennis necklaces can also be made with other shapes, such as emerald cuts, princess cuts, and marquise cuts.
– Colored diamonds: Tennis necklaces can also be made with colored diamonds, such as pink diamonds, yellow diamonds, and blue diamonds.
Symbolism and Popularity
The tennis necklace has become a symbol of luxury and sophistication. It is often worn by celebrities and fashion icons, and has been featured in countless fashion magazines and on the red carpet. The necklace is also a popular choice for bridal jewelry, as it represents elegance and timelessness.
