Tennis necklace: how to choose one, length and lab-grown vs natural
How to choose a tennis necklace: carat weight, stone quality, settings and clasp, lab-grown vs natural diamonds, the right length and how to wear one.
The short answer
A tennis necklace is a single line of matching stones in flexible individual links. Check stone consistency, settings, flexible links and a box clasp with a double safety latch. Lab-grown diamonds are identical to mined ones at a lower price; sellers must disclose them. 16 inches is the most versatile length.
- Check the clasp and prongs regularly and remove it for sleep and sport.
A tennis necklace is a single line of matching stones, usually diamonds, set in a flexible chain of individual links. Its value depends on three things you can check: the total carat weight, the quality of the stones, and how well each one is set and the clasp secures. Below is how to choose a tennis necklace, lab-grown versus natural diamonds, the right length, and how to wear one.
What to check when buying
| Feature | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Total carat weight | Common ranges are 3 to 15 carats; the stone size per link matters more to the look than the total |
| Stone quality | Even color and clarity across all stones; no visibly cloudy or yellow ones |
| Setting | Four-prong for most sparkle; bezel or channel for durability |
| Links | Flexible, lying flat with no gaps or stiff spots |
| Clasp | Box clasp with a double safety latch |
| Metal | 14k or 18k gold, or platinum; check hallmarks |
| Certification | A grading report for natural or lab-grown diamonds at higher prices |
Lay it flat and run it through your fingers: every link should move freely and every stone should sit at the same height.
Lab-grown or natural diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are chemically and physically the same as mined diamonds, at a fraction of the price, which makes a tennis necklace with many stones far more affordable. Natural diamonds hold more resale value. Moissanite and cubic zirconia are cheaper simulants that look different up close. Our lab-grown vs natural diamonds guide explains the difference; under the FTC Jewelry Guides, sellers must disclose lab-grown and simulated stones.
Which length?
| Length | Sits | Wear with |
|---|---|---|
| 14 to 15 inches | Choker, at the base of the neck | Open necklines, strapless |
| 16 inches | On the collarbone | Most necklines; the classic |
| 18 inches | Just below the collarbone | Crew necks, layering |
A 16-inch tennis necklace is the most versatile first choice.
How do you wear a tennis necklace?
- Alone with a strapless, off-the-shoulder or V-neck top for evening.
- With a white tee and blazer for an everyday contrast.
- Layered with a fine gold chain or a pearl strand; see layered necklaces.
- With a matching tennis bracelet for formal events.
Care
Check the clasp and prongs every few months, take it off for sleeping, the gym and swimming, and clean it with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Have a jeweler inspect it yearly. See how to clean gold jewelry.
Sources: GIA: the 4Cs of diamond quality
Read next: Women's Wedding Bands: Styles, Metals, Matching · 14k vs 18k Gold — Which Is Right for Daily Wear · How to Tell If Gold Is Real: 5 One-Minute Checks
Questions people ask about this
What is a tennis necklace?
A necklace of a single continuous line of matching stones, usually diamonds, each set in its own flexible link.
What length tennis necklace should I get?
16 inches sits on the collarbone and suits most necklines. 14 to 15 inches works as a choker; 18 inches suits crew necks and layering.
Are lab-grown diamond tennis necklaces worth it?
For the look, yes: lab-grown diamonds are physically identical to mined ones at a much lower price. Natural diamonds hold more resale value.
How do I know if a tennis necklace is good quality?
Stones should match in color and size, sit at the same height, and every link should move freely. Look for a box clasp with a double safety latch and a karat hallmark.
