Rhinestone Tennis Necklace Value Guide

This 1950-1960 American-made rhinestone tennis necklace represents the mid-century transition toward accessible elegance. While the 'tennis' moniker was popularized by Chris Evert in 1987, this vintage piece showcases the foundational continuous-strand aesthetic that defined formal costume jewelry decades earlier.

What Is Rhinestone Tennis Necklace Worth?

The typical price range for Rhinestone Tennis Necklace is $50 - $70 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The clarity and brilliance of the rhinestones, as yellowing or 'dead' stones significantly decrease the $50-$70 value.
• The integrity of the metal alloy plating, specifically looking for signs of pitting or wear on the back of the settings.
• The presence of original designer hallmarks or 'Made in USA' stamps which can push the value toward the higher end of the range.
• Overall length and the security of the individual stone settings within the continuous strand.

How to Identify Rhinestone Tennis Necklace?

• Check for individually set rhinestones rather than glued-in stones to ensure higher quality mid-century craftsmanship.
• Look for a metal alloy base with a consistent patina typical of 1950s United States manufacturing.
• Examine the clasp mechanism for era-appropriate styles like a fold-over or spring ring common in the 1950-1960 period.
• Verify the flexibility of the strand, as authentic tennis styles should feature articulated links for a fluid drape.

History of Rhinestone Tennis Necklace

Tennis necklaces, characterized by a continuous strand of individually set stones, gained immense popularity after Chris Evert famously lost her diamond bracelet during the 1987 US Open, requesting the match be paused to find her 'tennis bracelet.' While originally referring to bracelets, the term quickly expanded to include similar necklace styles, becoming a classic in both fine and costume jewelry. This particular piece, featuring rhinestones, showcases the enduring appeal of this elegant design in accessible fashion.