What Are Tennis Necklaces?

“Similar to the well-known tennis bracelet, a tennis necklace refers to an uninterrupted diamond strand,” Money explains. “It looks like a tennis bracelet, but it’s longer and can encircle the neck,” she adds, noting how the style is “timeless” and considered a “statement piece.”

What's the Difference between Lab-Grown vs. Natural Diamonds?

Lab diamonds are “grown in highly controlled laboratory environments” and “display the same characteristics as natural diamonds,” says Money. The only real difference is their origin, as one is created in a lab and the other is made by Mother Earth. Lab diamonds “exhibit the same spark and scintillation as natural diamonds” and “are a great alternative to natural diamonds as they provide good value and a responsible choice, given they do not require any diamond mining,” Money adds.

Can You Wear Tennis Necklaces with a Wedding Dress?

As far as wearing a tennis necklace with a wedding dress goes, Money says you “absolutely” can. “The versatility of the smaller diamonds found within tennis necklaces provides wearers with various styling options,” she adds, noting how a wedding necklace is all about something that is lasting with personal meaning, making it “the perfect wedding day accessory” with its “timeless style that can even be worn often and effortlessly beyond the wedding day.”

The 10 Best Lab Grown Diamond Tennis Necklaces of 2022

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Wedding day jewelry is about so much more than accessorizing—it’s about finding a unique piece with the potential to become a family heirloom. There is perhaps no wedding necklace style more fitting for the title of an heirloom than the tennis necklace. Dubbed after the iconic bracelet style with the same moniker, the tennis bracelet makes a statement and is the perfect piece to accompany the most important aspect of a wedding wardrobe: The dress.

Tennis necklaces have long been a staple in wedding day accessories and a favorite amongst celebrity nuptials (Paris Hilton recently wore a stunning tennis necklace with one of her bridal looks), making them a timeless wedding trend. “The Tennis necklace is a classic staple and signature piece,” says expert Kathryn Money. “Whether it’s a family heirloom or a gift to self, tennis necklaces are a jewelry wardrobe staple, perfect for everyday wear and occasions [such as your big day],” she adds.

Meet the Expert

Kathryn Money is the SVP of Merchandising and Retail at Brilliant Earth.

The only downside to tennis necklaces is, because of the number of diamonds required for the design, they can be expensive. But, there are ways around the skyrocketing price tags with lab-grown diamonds. Because these diamonds are sourced from a lab and touchless hands through their creation, lab-grown diamonds tend to be more affordable compared to Earth-mined diamonds. Additionally, without the mining aspect, they’re more eco-friendly, too.

Considering a tennis necklace for your big day? Find our favorite lab-grown diamond tennis necklaces, ahead.

Brilliant Earth Diamond Tennis Necklace

Tennis necklaces come in all shapes and sizes, with many of them on the thicker side of the spectrum. We love this option from Brilliant Earth because it boasts a more dainty design (albeit still an eye-catching statement piece), making it the perfect match for the minimalist bride — or the bride looking for a piece that will become an everyday staple in their wardrobe.

Metal Type: White gold | Carat Weight: 5.5, 10 | Necklace Size: 17 inches | Clarity: SI

VRAI Celestial Double Strand Tennis Necklace

Tennis necklaces make a statement on their own — but a double tennis necklace gives even more wow factor. We can’t take our eyes off of this dazzling design from VRAI, which is made up of one strand of round-cut diamonds and one strand of emerald-cut diamonds, giving it a luxurious yet unique feel.

Metal Type: White gold | Carat Weight: 42.36 | Necklace Size: 15-17.8 inches | Clarity: VS2+

Clean Origin Tennis Necklace in 14K White Gold

For a more chunky tennis necklace, we swoon over this 19-carat dazzler set in 14K white gold from Clean Origin. The necklace features 18.5 inches of F/G clarity diamonds and is the perfect piece to mark a night you’ll never forget.

Metal Type: White gold | Carat Weight: 19 | Necklace Size: 18.5 inches | Clarity: F/G

Blue Nile Graduated Diamond Eternity Necklace

While there isn’t a ton of wiggle room with tennis necklace design, one way to add more uniqueness to its design is to go for a graduated diamond style. This one from Blue Nile features over 15 carats of sparkling round brilliant diamonds that gradually grow in size toward the center of the strand.

Metal Type: White gold | Carat Weight: 15.27 | Necklace Size: 18 inches | Clarity: VS2

12Fifteen Tennis Necklace

With a choice between white, yellow, and rose gold, this lab-cut diamond tennis necklace can be matched beautifully to other metals for added style. Whether you’re looking to layer necklaces or tie the metal of your ring and other jewelry pieces together, this necklace gives you the flexibility to do so.

Metal Type: White gold, yellow gold, rose gold | Carat Weight: 6.75 | Necklace Size: 16 inches | Clarity: SI2

Brilliant Earth Data Lab Created Diamond Necklace

For a graduated diamond tennis necklace that boasts extra glitz, this Brilliant Earth design is where it’s at. And, for those drawn to the magic and meaning of numbers, the necklace is made up of 111 round cut diamonds, adding an extra lucky vibe for your big day.

Metal Type: White gold | Carat Weight: 17, 22 | Necklace Size: 17 inches | Clarity: SI

Clean Origin Tennis Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold

Go for the gold with this warm and bright yellow gold tennis necklace. Also available in white gold, the 18-inch chain features 121 round-cut lab-grown diamonds that sparkle along the neckline.

Metal Type: Yellow gold, white gold | Carat Weight: 17 | Necklace Size: 18 inches | Clarity: VS-SI

James Allen Straight Lab Created Diamond Tennis Necklace

If you’re looking for more customization, this lab-grown diamond tennis necklace from James Allen is an excellent choice, as it’s available in both 14K white and yellow gold with five-carat weight options to choose from.

Metal Type: White gold, yellow gold | Carat Weight: 5, 7, 10, 12, 15 | Necklace Size: 16 inches | Clarity: VS2-SI1

Gage Diamonds 14K Yellow Gold Lab Grown Diamond Tennis Necklace

Yellow gold makes for a unique spin on the timeless tennis necklace design, adding warmth to the neckline. That combined with the sleek row of round diamonds gives this wedding day necklace a vintage or heirloom feel, perfect for the big day.

Metal Type: Yellow gold | Carat Weight: 10.5 | Clarity: VS/SI

SETRAny Certified Lab Diamond Tennis Necklace

If you’re in the market for a more affordable diamond tennis necklace, this is a great option. Designed with 17 inches of dazzling lab-grown diamonds, the chain of continuous diamonds also has the most ability for personalization, with the option to choose from white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold. The Etsy listing also states that platinum is available upon request as well.

Metal Type: White gold, yellow gold, rose gold, platinum | Carat Weight: 3.50 | Necklace Size: 17 inches | Clarity: VS1

What to Look for When Shopping for a Lab-Grown Diamond Tennis Necklace

Color Grade and Cut

“Although the clarity of the diamonds in a tennis necklace is important, the color grade and cut quality are more important to get a dazzling necklace,” says Money. “As each diamond is small in size and carat weight, it will not be easy to tell the difference between an internally flawless diamond without expert training and equipment,” she adds. Money recommends getting a necklace that is considered “eye clean” which means “any blemishes or imperfections affecting the clarity will not be noticeable to the naked eye.” Doing so “can help when working with a budget and without affecting the visible beauty of the necklace.”

Metal

“The color of the metal is the most important regarding design,” says Money. “Yellow gold options are unique and non-traditional diamond necklaces,” she adds, noting how yellow gold compliments warm skin tones while “rose gold goes well with any skin tone.” As far as a necklace for everyday wear, “platinum is ideal,” says Money. “Platinum offers more strength and is perfect for someone who wants to wear their necklace every day without worrying about it breaking,” she adds, noting how the trade-off is that platinum “is much more expensive than gold.” For the best of both worlds, Money recommends white gold as it offers a “mix of metal durability and price.” White gold is “more durable than yellow gold but not as expensive as platinum.”

FAQ

What Are Tennis Necklaces?

“Similar to the well-known tennis bracelet, a tennis necklace refers to an uninterrupted diamond strand,” Money explains. “It looks like a tennis bracelet, but it’s longer and can encircle the neck,” she adds, noting how the style is “timeless” and considered a “statement piece.”
What's the Difference between Lab-Grown vs. Natural Diamonds?

Lab diamonds are “grown in highly controlled laboratory environments” and “display the same characteristics as natural diamonds,” says Money. The only real difference is their origin, as one is created in a lab and the other is made by Mother Earth. Lab diamonds “exhibit the same spark and scintillation as natural diamonds” and “are a great alternative to natural diamonds as they provide good value and a responsible choice, given they do not require any diamond mining,” Money adds.
Can You Wear Tennis Necklaces with a Wedding Dress?

As far as wearing a tennis necklace with a wedding dress goes, Money says you “absolutely” can. “The versatility of the smaller diamonds found within tennis necklaces provides wearers with various styling options,” she adds, noting how a wedding necklace is all about something that is lasting with personal meaning, making it “the perfect wedding day accessory” with its “timeless style that can even be worn often and effortlessly beyond the wedding day.”

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Jessie Quinn is a bridal-obsessed lifestyle journalist with a bachelor’s degree in fashion journalism. At Brides, she puts a style spin on fine jewelry and covers anything from the best diamond engagement rings to heirloom-worthy necklaces for the big day. She is also a collector of fine jewelry herself and has a personal affinity for anything gold and embellished with precious gemstones. When it comes to classic styles such as a diamond tennis necklace, Jessie is all about the details—metal type and diamond shape—to find a piece that is unique and most representative of personality and personal style.

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