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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 1978 U.S. Open court. She then refused to resume play until it was found (an appropriate and completely justified response, if you ask me). It was then that the now-iconic jewelry staple was affectionately dubbed a “tennis bracelet.”
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Knowing the history behind a key wardrobe piece, for style or for sentiment, is an important fashion lesson. For years, what we now refer to as tennis-style jewelry was regarded as aspirational. Continuous strands of diamonds were largely unattainable to the everyday shopper. These pieces, like traditional tennis bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and rings, were viewed more as country club accouterments and status symbols than fashion-forward accessories. It’s easy to 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 ensembles, be it bikinis or blue jeans.
In true 21st-century fashion, tennis-style jewelry has become even more accessible. If natural diamonds just aren’t in the budget, today’s modern marketplace is full of lab-grown, crystal, and gemstone options that look luxe enough to fool the masses. (Sometimes, what the people don’t know won’t hurt them!). And better yet? These pieces come 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. Though, regardless of how spendy your purchase is, I’d still highly recommend double-checking your clasp and earring backs before heading out the door.
Just in time for the U.S. Open, Vogue rounds up some of the best pieces of tennis jewelry on the market today. No matter your price point or your stone preference, there’s sure to be a piece that will complement your sporty-chic, tennis-watching, Honey-Deuce-drinking, Coqodaq-caviar-chicken-nugget-tasting, U.S. Open look!
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? These pieces look just as chic layered as they do on their own, so whether you wear them solo or stacked, 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 these timeless styles.
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 when you want to stand out amongst the rest. These modern pieces with mixed cuts, less traditional settings, and unexpected design elements are fresh takes on classic pieces and are anything but old-fashioned.
