How to Style a Gold Tennis Necklace with a Cold Weather Fit

The weather is turning down, and with that, our fits get more complex. We trade in tanks, tees, and shorts for jackets and jeans, and the time spent outside gets less and less as the days get shorter. 

That doesn’t mean that you have to turn down your sense of style, though. In fact, with cold weather fits, having the right pieces of jewelry in your collection can enhance your look and keep you shining like you did in the middle of summer. 

If you’re looking for a perfect accessory to rock with cold weather outfits, we got you. The tennis necklace is your go-to if you want to still keep drawing attention to yourself while dressing up more in the wintertime. 

Why Choose a Gold Tennis Necklace for Winter? 

Tennis necklaces bring plenty of shine without needing to take up too much real estate around your neck. When you’re rocking a hoodie, crewneck, or collared shirt, a big chain might feel too heavy or difficult to wear.

A gold tennis necklace is perfect for when you’re wearing layers. It’s lightweight, slender in its profile, and it features stones on every link that capture light at all angles. Without having to do much, you can still keep the shine present and prominent on your person.

With a tennis necklace, though, there are two kinds you should keep in mind: diamond tennis necklaces and micro clusters. 

A diamond tennis necklace is the classic tennis necklace that most jewelry collectors associate with the style. It features a single stone fixed to every link to give the chain a cohesive look. The stones can be cut into various shapes, like cushions or ovals, and they can come in a mix of colors. The most common ones you’ll see, though, are clear stones because they’ll look good with any color scheme you’re pairing them with. 

Micro cluster tennis necklaces feature distinct, individual links like a diamond tennis necklace. However, the main difference is that each link is flooded with multiple smaller stones. As a result, more light is reflected from more angles, giving it more of a glistening effect rather than the deeper shine of a classic tennis necklace. 

Once you’ve decided on the necklace style that you like, you can also pair it up with tennis bracelets. They are constructed in the same way that your favorite necklace is, only they are sized to be worn around your wrist instead of your collar. 

How to Style a Tennis Necklace with Cold Weather Fits

Size Up by One 

Winter clothes are heavier and bulkier than the ones you rock in the summertime. Often, this puts more fabric near your shoulders, collar, and neck. 

Consider choosing a length one size above what you normally wear to give yourself a little more room to show off your chain. For example, if you wear a 20” length for most chains, get one that’s a 22” length to wear in the cold months. 

Learn More: How to Find the Perfect Chain Size to Fit Your Style

Add a Pendant 

One of the reasons many people love tennis necklaces is because they can pair up nicely with a pendant of your choosing. From an NBA pendant to a traditional cross pendant, you can find one that best reflects your personality, values, or tastes. 

With a pendant, though, make sure that the bail is large enough to fit the chain through. Go for a slimmer-profile chain, such as a micro tennis necklace, to avoid any guessing games if you plan on regularly rocking a pendant. 

Stack with Other Chains 

Tennis necklaces are the perfect complementary piece to a chain stack. Unlike plain gold finishes, the stones on the tennis necklace create a luminous shine that will contrast with the metal’s sleekness. 

Are you new to stacking chains? We got you. Check out our guide: How to Stack Different Types of Gold Chains.

Create Contrast with Your Fit 

When you’re putting your look together for the day, choose colors that will create contrast with the brightness of the stones in your tennis necklace. For example, wearing a black or dark gray sweatshirt will make the necklace stand out more. 

On the other hand, if you want to keep the shine looking more subtle, pair your chain up with lighter-colored materials like white, light blue, or yellow. These will help the shininess from the stones to blend in and look more understated. 

Remember, it’s all about personal preference. Choose the style setup that makes you feel the most comfortable and confident to take on your day. 

Complete the Look with a Bracelet

As we mentioned earlier, tennis bracelets are constructed in the same way as tennis necklaces. However, they’re a shorter length to fit more effectively around your wrist. 

Choose a tennis bracelet that has a stone shape, size, and metal finish as your necklace. You’ll have a cohesive look that will always look fresh, and you can rock it with nearly any outfit. 

How to Shop for Quality Tennis Necklaces

Stone Setting

The setting is the part of the necklace that holds the stones in place. A high-quality tennis necklace will have a secure setting to ensure that the stones don't fall out over time. 

The prong setting style is the most common setting for tennis necklaces. It involves using metal prongs to hold the stone in place. Ensure that the prongs are evenly spaced, symmetrical, and firmly grip the stone.

When examining the setting, look for consistency and evenness. Uneven settings can be a sign of poor craftsmanship.

Quality of the Metal

The metal used in a tennis necklace plays a significant role in its durability and appearance. When evaluating the metal quality, consider the following:

• Type of Metal: Common metals for tennis necklaces include gold, white gold, rose gold, and stainless steel. Each metal has its own advantages. For example, white gold is highly durable with a look similar to silver, while gold offers a classic look.

• Gold-Plated Chains: If you're considering a gold-plated chain, it's essential to check the base metal. A quality gold-plated necklace should have a base metal of something durable and hypoallergenic, like 316L surgical grade stainless steel. This ensures longevity and reduces the risk of allergic reactions.

• Hallmarks: Authentic precious metals will have hallmarks indicating their purity. For instance, "925" denotes sterling silver, while "18K" signifies 18-karat gold.

Clasp Quality 

The clasp is an essential element of any necklace, and its quality shouldn't be overlooked. A substandard clasp is prone to breaking, which can result in the loss of the necklace. When searching for a necklace with a quality clasp, consider its type. 

The two most common clasp types are lobster clasps and spring ring clasps. While both types offer security, many regard lobster clasps as the more robust option. Be sure to always check the clasp's functionality by ensuring it operates smoothly and locks securely.

Additionally, it's crucial that the clasp's material is consistent with the necklace's metal; for instance, a gold necklace should ideally have a gold clasp to maintain both aesthetic uniformity and strength. 

Learn More: How to Spot a Quality Chain Clasp

Customer Reviews

What do other customers who’ve purchased the tennis necklace have to say? Look for consistent comments on factors like clasp quality, finish, and shine to make sure you’re getting what you’re paying for. 

You can also look for reviews with photos or look up the brand’s reviews on YouTube. Do as much research to be as confident as possible in your purchase. 

Manufacturer Guarantee 

Lastly, does the brand stand behind their work? Do they offer a guarantee for any defects or breakage to ensure that you ultimately receive the piece at the quality you desire? 

Check the guarantee and return policy for your necklaces. Make sure they make sense, are clear and easy to understand, and that they seem fair. That way, you’ll never be stuck with a purchase you’re unhappy with. 

Get the Finest Tennis Necklaces for Any Season 

At GLD, we’re all about giving you the accessories you need to level up your style and feel your best, no matter the season. If you’re looking to upgrade your fit with the perfect drip for the winter, shop the full collection or hit us up anytime to learn more.