Tennis Chains: Everything You Need To Know

Iced out tennis chains have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially within the hip-hop and rap music scene. These chains, also known as diamond tennis chains, are named after Chris Evert, the famous tennis player who lost her diamond bracelet during a match, and had it repaired to continue playing, thereby popularizing the style.

WHAT IS A TENNIS CHAIN NECKLACE?

Tennis chains are typically made from precious metals such as gold or silver and are adorned with a series of diamonds or other precious stones. The stones are carefully set into the metal links, giving the chain a continuous flow of sparkle and brilliance. These chains can be found in a variety of styles and designs, ranging from simple and elegant to bold and elaborate.

One of the most notable characteristics of iced out tennis chains is their ability to complement any outfit or style. They can be worn to add a touch of glamour and luxury to a formal occasion, or to add some sparkle and shine to a more casual look. This versatility is what makes them a popular choice among celebrities and fashion enthusiasts alike.

We recommend a tennis chain necklace length of 18-20 inches as this allows you to layer with other chains or pendants.

WHY ARE THEY CALLED TENNIS CHAINS? 

The story behind the name stems from an event that happened during the US Open. Chris Evert a tennis player had to stop the match and ask an official for time out because her diamond bracelet fell off her wrist. She refused to continue the match until the bracelet was found and it took her some time to eventually find it. In the post-match interview she referred to her diamond bracelet as her “tennis bracelet” and from that point on the style of the bracelet was named the tennis bracelet. Shortly after tennis chains were produced and made to look like tennis bracelets, which is why it shares the same name.

HOW TO WEAR A TENNIS CHAIN?

The tennis necklace chain is great for simple outfits, as it allows the chain to be the main attraction. Some outfits that would suit this chain are a simple plain dress, a blazer, a sweater, and a simple t-shirt and jeans combo. 

In general, when wearing a tennis chain you’ll want to match the color of the chain with the color of the other pieces that you are layering with. For example, coordinating all jewelry to be silver or gold. 

In addition to this how you wear a tennis chain necklace will depend on the thickness of the chain. A thinner tennis chain is best for layering with other chains or pendants, whilst a thicker tennis chain is best suited as a statement piece. 

The first way of styling a tennis chain necklace is as a statement piece. This works best for thicker tennis chains and is great for a super casual look. 

The second way of styling a tennis chain necklace is to layer the chain with a simple pendant. Ideally, you’ll want a shorter tennis chain for this look, anything ranging from 18 to 20-inch chain length chains with a pendant necklace length of 20+ inches. At JulriBox, we have a range of tennis chains to choose from.

The third way of styling a tennis chain necklace with your outfits is to layer the chain with other simpler chains. For the best results, we recommend using an 18-inch tennis chain as a base layer and layering it with a 20inch+ chain. 

The fourth way of styling a tennis chain necklace is to pair it with a matching tennis bracelet. This is great for people who really want to stand out and catch their eyes, whilst still looking coordinated. Check out our high-quality bracelets if you are looking to elevate your style with the  tennis chain!

HOW TO STOP TENNIS CHAINS FROM FLIPPING? 

One of the most frustrating aspects of a tennis chain is that some tennis chain necklaces will keep flipping as you wear them. 

One of the reasons for a tennis chain flipping is the design. Likely if your chain is constantly flipping then there’s not much you can do about it and you may need to purchase a new one. 

The main reason a tennis chain necklace flips is because of the weight of the chain. A lighter tennis chain is more likely to flip than a heavier one. You want to ensure that when you purchase your chain that it is heavy and made from high-quality materials. This will ensure that when you are carrying out your daily activities the chain doesn't constantly flip. 

In relation to the weight of the tennis chain, there are various ways to ensure that your chain is heavy enough to prevent flipping. One way is to go up a carat size as heavier gemstones and diamonds will weigh the chain down and keep it stable on your neck. Another way is to just get a thicker tennis chain, as these tend to be heavier in general. The final method is to add on a heavy pendant which will weigh down the tennis chain. 

You’ll also want to pick your tennis chain necklace length carefully. A shorter tennis chain will generally be less likely to flip than a longer one as there is less tension on the chain as a whole. You will usually be able to get your tennis chain shortened by the jeweler you bought it from. 

Picking the right style of tennis chain is also important. A graduated tennis chain is characterized by the center of the chain having larger diamonds or gemstones and gradually reducing in size and weight until the end of the chain near the closure. This means more weight is at the center and ensures that the chain remains to close the skin and doesn't flip over. 

Also, pay attention to your tennis chain setting. A lower setting reduces the center of gravity of the chain and reduces the chances of flipping. To simplify this, if the diamond or gemstones are lower down then they have a reduced risk of flipping. 

The final method of preventing a tennis chain necklace from flipping is to get a jeweler to solder it for you. This increases the weight of the necklace by adding metal. If you get your chain from a jeweler they will most likely ask you before you leave the store if you want to solder it to prevent it from flipping and to add weight. This is often preferred over buying a higher carat and is also more effective and cost-effective. 

HOW TO CLEAN A TENNIS CHAIN? 

1. Fill the bowl with warm water and add some fragrance-free washing-up liquid. Stir the mixture up until bubbles start to foam. 
2. Submerge the bracelet in the water and move it around using your finger. This should help remove hard-to-reach and remove dirt and wear. 
3. Leave the bracelet in the mixture to soak for 10-15 minutes. 
4. Then take the bracelet out and with a soft toothbrush, gently brush the whole chain to avoid dislodging diamonds. 
5. Once done pat dry with paper towels or a clean microfibre cloth gently to avoid getting stuck on its prongs. 
6. Once finished, tip the soapy solution through a meshy colander. This is so that if any gemstones do come off you can catch them and get them re-set by a professional.

In conclusion, iced out tennis chains are a popular and stylish accessory that can be worn to add some sparkle and glamour to any outfit. When choosing a tennis chain, it's important to consider the type of metal, the quality of the diamonds, and the length and weight of the chain. A high-quality tennis chain can be a long-lasting and valuable addition to any jewelry collection, making it a great investment for those who appreciate luxury and style.