Last Updated on January 19, 2026 by Eve Dawes
Why diamond or sterling silver CZ tennis necklace looks so expensive : The timeless jewelry trend you’ll wear forever
Welcome to my latest obsession, tennis necklaces. A tennis necklace is one of those rare pieces that instantly makes any outfit look more polished without feeling overdressed. Delicate, timeless, and surprisingly versatile, it works just as beautifully with everyday basics as it does with evening looks. Don’t have the budget for diamonds? Sterling silver cubic zirconia tennis necklaces like the one I have from Electric Picks work just as well, shhh! If you’re looking for outfit ideas and styling tips, keep scrolling. In this guide, I’m sharing how to style a diamond or CZ tennis necklace for casual outfits, workwear, and special occasions. Along with simple layering tips to help you get the most out of this classic accessory whether that’s a diamond or sterling silver CZ tennis necklace, and and my favorite tennis necklaces to buy online.
If you’ve been scrolling through fashion and style feeds, having red carpet outfit envy, or watch reality TV you know these necklaces are not just a classic but trending.
This article contains gifted items and affiliate links which allow me to make a commission but do not affect the price.
My new favorite accessory for every outfit
Tennis necklaces have always looked sophisticated and chic to me but it took me several attempts to find the perfect one. I’ve tried a few, admittedly all cubic zirconia tennis necklaces but they either didn’t sit right, went dull, or the clasp broke. The Tennis Necklace I finally found that worked and is blindingly dazzling is a sterling silver cubic zirconia tennis necklace from Electric Picks.
I can’t iterate enough how good this necklace is. It’s the only one that’s sat correctly so the diamonds sit on top facing forward and that doesn’t flip when you’re wearing it. It’s also the most sparkly necklace I’ve ever owned.
What makes cubic zirconia (CZ) look like real diamonds
High-quality cubic zirconia is designed to mimic the way real diamonds reflect and refract light. The reason a CZ tennis necklace can look so convincingly diamond-like comes down to three key factors: cut, clarity, and optical brilliance.
Unlike many imitation stones, cubic zirconia is cut using the same faceting patterns as natural diamonds. This allows light to enter the stone and reflect back through its facets in a similar way, creating that familiar crisp sparkle. Well-cut CZ stones also have extremely high clarity, meaning there are very few internal flaws, which gives them a clean, glass-like finish that closely resembles diamond clarity grades.
Cubic zirconia also has a higher refractive index than glass or crystal, allowing it to return more light to the eye. This is what creates its bright, diamond-style brilliance, especially in small, uniform stones like those used in tennis necklaces. When paired with sterling silver and secure prong settings, CZ stones maintain their shape, shine, and symmetry, helping the necklace look refined rather than costume-like.
For everyday wear, this combination makes a sterling silver CZ tennis necklace one of the closest visual alternatives to real diamonds without the high price tag or worry of wearing fine jewelry daily. Is a CZ tennis necklace worth it? Yes, in my opinion, and I feel much safer wearing and traveling with it. It’s also a good way to see if you’ll actually wear it if you’re considering buying diamonds.
What makes a CZ Silver Tennis Necklace look so expensive
Not all CZ necklaces are created equal but the one I have from Electric Picks is crafted in sterling silver and finished with four times the standard silver plating. This helps it to look luminous for longer. It also has an additional protective anti-tarnish coating which helps prevent wear, dullness and discoloration, making it ideal for everyday styling while maintaining that crisp, diamond-like brilliance.
These details make a big difference in how your necklace looks and how long it lasts. Some things to look for when buying a Sterling Silver CZ Tennis Necklace:
- Sterling silver base for strength and color consistency.
- 4× thicker silver plating to prevent wear and dullness.
- Protective anti-tarnish coating to maintain shine.
- Secure prong settings to hold stones evenly.
- Flexible chain construction so the necklace lays flat.
- 18-inch length for a flattering, versatile fit.
Choosing features like these helps to ensure your necklace keeps its polished, diamond-like look with everyday wear.
If you’re torn on what length to get. I really like this 18-inch length, as it sits perfectly at the collarbone, creating a flattering line that works effortlessly with both open necklines and layered looks. It’s perfect if you’re building a small collection of pieces you can wear on repeat.
How to style a tennis necklace : Casual tennis necklace outfit ideas
One of the many reasons I love tennis necklaces is not just because they’re so pretty and glam but because they’re so versatile. Long gone are the days when diamond necklaces were just for the evening and cocktail attire. The most on trend way to wear them right now is with your everyday basics, even your jeans and loungewear.
A diamond or sterling silver CZ tennis necklace is one of the easiest ways to elevate casual looks without making them feel too dressed up. It blends beautifully with everyday fabrics and relaxed silhouettes, not just luxe materials.
Some outfit ideas and some of the most wearable ways to wear a tennis necklace with your everyday wardrobe. Try wearing your tennis necklace with:
- A solid color, neutral t-shirt and jeans.
- A ribbed tank and linen trousers.
- An oversized knit or cardigan.
- Button-down shirts left slightly open at the collar and jeans.
- With a loungewear set.
- With a knit skirt set.
- Over a fitted, slimline polo/turtleneck sweater and jeans.
I find the 18-inch length sits right on my collarbone, which creates a clean, flattering line and makes even the simplest outfit look intentional. For daytime styling, keep the rest of your jewelry minimal: small hoops or stud earrings, and a slim watch are enough to let the necklace do the work. I tend to not even wear a belt when I wear mine in the day.
How to style a Tennis Necklace for workwear
A tennis necklace is one of the easiest ways to look polished at work without feeling overdressed. Its clean line and soft sparkle make it appropriate for offices while still adding a refined finishing touch. It can look a little matronly if not done right though, so to keep it look fashion forward pair your necklace with:
- Tailored blazers and looser fit pants.
- Crisp white shirts
- Midi dresses
- Fine-knit sweaters
- Silky button down shirts but keep this look a little sexier vs too buttoned up.
The 18-inch length sits neatly at the collarbone, making it ideal for open collars and V-necklines. Keep other jewelry like simple stud earrings, a slim bracelet, or a classic watch to maintain a professional, balanced look.
How to style a CZ Tennis Necklace for evening looks
Evening outfits are probably the easiest and most popular way to style your tennis necklace. The reflective quality of diamonds and cubic zirconia’s catches low light beautifully, making it perfect for dinners, events, and special occasions.
Style it with:
- Slip dresses
- Off-the-shoulder tops
- Satin blouses
- Black or monochrome outfits
- Simple cocktail dresses
- A little LBD
- Off the shoulder gowns
Styling tips: Keep everything else simple so the necklace be the focal point. Let the necklace sit against bare skin or clean necklines so the stones can reflect light naturally. This creates a refined, elegant look without needing heavy statement jewelry.
Styling tips : The best way to layer a Tennis Necklace
Layering a sterling silver CZ tennis necklace adds depth to your look while keeping things effortless. Start with your tennis necklace as your base layer, then add:
- A fine silver chain slightly shorter
- A delicate pendant necklace slightly longer
- A small pearl necklace 1-2″ shorter or longer
Keep all chains within the same tone for a cohesive finish. Layered over simple tops or knitwear, this creates an elevated everyday look that feels modern and wearable.
More styling tips for a Tennis Necklace
Small styling choices can make a big difference in how your tennis necklace looks and how often you reach for it. Because a tennis necklace already adds sparkle, the key is to let it enhance your outfit rather than compete with it.
- Keep necklines clean: V-neck, scoop-neck, square, and off-the-shoulder tops allow the necklace to sit naturally at the collarbone and reflect light beautifully.
- Balance your earrings: If your necklace is your main statement, choose simple studs or small hoops in the same color to keep your look refined and uncluttered.
- Use it to elevate basics: A tennis necklace instantly upgrades plain T-shirts, knits, and button-downs, making everyday outfits look more intentional.
- Stick to one metal tone: Pairing your silver tennis necklace with other silver-tone jewelry creates a cohesive, polished finish. The same goes for gold.
- Keep the rest of your outfit simple: Let it be the focal point, especially during the day so the look stays effortless but elevated and it doesn’t look too over the top. Its clean line and soft sparkle are designed to stand on their own.
- Layer with purpose: When layering, choose chains in similar lengths so your tennis necklace remains the centerpiece rather than getting lost in the stack. Try layering with different kinds of necklaces from simple gold or silver chains to chunkier styles or pearls to see which aesthetic you like the best.
- Look for one that hits just above or below your clavicle: 14-18″ normally works best and are the easiest to layer with.
- Stones that are all the same size: this looks more modern than gradient size stones and works better for everyday wear.
These small styling tweaks help your tennis necklace look effortless, modern, and easy to wear no matter the occasion.
FAQ’s
A few of the most asked questions about tennis necklaces:
Why is it called a tennis necklace>
What length works best?
The length can be quite personal depending on how long your neck and torso is, what necklines you normally wear and how you want it to sit. However, most people find ones that hit just above or below your clavicle the most flattering and easiest to layer with. That’s normally 14-18″.
Diamond vs CZ: Which should you buy?
Again, this is personal and will mainly come down to budget and cost-per-wear. If you’re not sure whether to get a diamond necklace because of how much you’ll wear it, maybe start with a CZ tennis necklace to see how much you’ll wear it. Sometimes even having both works best. One for places you feel safe wearing diamonds and another to travel with.
Final thoughts: The one necklace you’ll wear with everything and the best to add to your jewelry collection!
A tennis necklace is one of those rare pieces that quietly earns a permanent place in your jewelry collection and doesn’t date. It works with everyday outfits, office looks, and evening styles, making it easy to reach for again and again without overthinking your accessories.
If you’re looking for a tennis necklace that offers a refined, diamond-like look with durable sterling silver construction, thicker-than-standard plating, and an anti-tarnish finish, the style I have is a beautiful option to consider and it won’t break the bank. It’s designed to hold its shine, sit comfortably at the collarbone, and blend seamlessly into a modern, wearable wardrobe. It also comes in 14kt gold if you prefer that to silver.
I’ve shared other options incase something else speaks to you more or you’re looking for a different price point. Here’s the best I’ve found that are available to shop online from diamonds to cubic zirconia, silver to platinum and gold. If you shop from Electric Picks be sure to use discount code TAKE20.
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