Pandora: tennis season is back and so is tennis jewellery

Racquet sports are back on the agenda for many and as tennis season returns, so has interest in tennis-style jewellery.

Worldwide Google searches for ‘tennis necklace’ have surged by 285% in the last three months, with over 1.2M monthly searches while ‘Tennis bracelet’ has also grown in popularity by 118% in the same period.

Emma Fox, jewellery expert at Pandora UK has commented on the resurgence of the style in recent months: “While tennis style jewellery is relatively timeless and classic, it’s also synonymous with the late 90s and early 00s fashion trends that we’re seeing across all fashion categories, so it makes sense that we’re seeing interest in tennis jewellery rise. While the style is typically minimal, we’re seeing people starting to be more playful with coloured gems and chunkier styles.

“The introduction of lab-grown diamonds into the market has also made tennis necklaces and bracelets more affordable and accessible, meaning more people are able to get the ‘old money’ style for less.”

How to style a tennis necklace

While tennis necklaces are often associated with formal occasions and eveningwear, the style has become increasingly versatile and is now being worn with everything from activewear to everyday casual outfits.

Emma has shared her tips for styling a tennis necklace:

“Tennis necklaces are one of the easiest jewellery styles to incorporate into your wardrobe because they work with almost everything. For a classic look, wear a tennis necklace on its own with a simple neckline such as a crew neck, boat neck or strapless top. The clean line of stones adds interest to the look without overwhelming an outfit.

“For those wanting a more trend-led look, tennis necklaces work really well as part of a layered jewellery stack. A great way to do this is by pairing one with a shorter chain or a pendant necklace to add depth and personality. If you’re experimenting with colour, coloured gemstones can offer a fresh take on the traditional diamond-inspired style while still maintaining that elegant aesthetic.

“Despite their luxury reputation, tennis necklaces don’t have to be reserved for special occasions. Pairing one with a crisp white shirt, oversized blazer or even a sports-inspired outfit can create a polished, effortless look that feels both modern and timeless.”

For a coordinated finish, match your tennis necklace with a tennis bracelet or simple stud earrings. Keeping the rest of your jewellery minimal allows the signature sparkle of the necklace to remain the focal point.”

Should you wear jewellery to play sports?

Tennis is synonymous with fashion and many female tennis players have chosen to wear jewellery for their matches – it’s where the term ‘tennis bracelet’ originated from. Serena Williams has often been pictured wearing chain or pendant necklaces, while Maria Sharapova’s pendant cross and drop earrings were a signature style for her Grand Slam matches.

As the new faces of fashion on the court, the likes of Coco Gauff and Emma Raducanu have also accessorised their match-winning outfits with necklaces, earrings and bracelets – showcasing the versatility of their pieces.

Emma advises: “There’s a real trend forming in people styling their outfits for exercise, whether that’s playing tennis, running or going to a pilates class. People are no longer just wearing an old t-shirt and shorts to work out, but curating whole outfits for their sporting activities.

“When it comes to wearing jewellery for sports there are a few things you should be mindful of, such as – how securely it is fastened (so you don’t lose it!), the materials or metal it is made from and how tightly or loosely it fits your body.

“It’s important to think about safety and practicality while playing sports. Pieces like long necklaces or chunky pendants can get caught or move around as you run, so I’d suggest sticking to smaller, more secure styles that sit snugly against the body – think dainty chains and smaller, lighter pendants.

“Layering necklaces is a huge trend for this year, but when running can easily get tangled together. Instead, stick to one necklace, perhaps one with sentimental value like an engraved pendant.”

”It’s not just the style that is worth considering when it comes to accessories for sports, the material is equally as important.

Certain metals will react differently and could cause skin irritation mid-game. Solid gold or platinum are great options for exercising as they are corrosion and tarnish-resistant – meaning they don’t react to air, moisture or sweat and won’t leave marks on the skin. Platinum pieces are also highly durable, making them a great option for training in – whatever the sport.

“Sweat and oils can react with some metals so if you do like to exercise in your jewellery, make sure to take care of it afterwards to reduce the possibility of tarnishing. You can do this by cleaning it in diluted soapy water with a soft toothbrush, although I’d recommend only soaking it for a maximum of two minutes. Dry your pieces thoroughly and then buff them with a polishing cloth to remove any trapped dirt or grit.”

Shop tennis necklaces and tennis bracelets below

Rainbow Tennis Necklace £119

Joy, worn daily. Crafted in sterling silver, this tennis necklace sparkles with prong-set stones in all the colours of the rainbow. Bright, playful, endlessly wearable.