What is a Tennis Necklace?

You start searching online for a tennis necklace and are blinded by the shimmer of a single string of diamonds. There’s so much to choose from that not getting overwhelmed by it all is nearly impossible. And we get that. As someone who loves to wear her tennis chain years after buying it, buying a classic piece like a tennis necklace is a big deal. Be it a classic design or a graduating size design, there are some things a buyer must know before investing in it.

There are some things, including the carat, type of gold, and so much more that you should know before jumping onto the designs. This will allow you to pick the piece that suits you best and help you make an intelligent investment.

What is a Tennis Necklace?

Tennis necklaces feature a single strand of diamonds, which are linked together in a symmetrical pattern. The design is similar to a diamond tennis bracelet, where the stones are set in a continuous line without any additional embellishments. Suitable for both casual and formal occasions, these dazzling pieces showcase gemstones that are usually all the same size and shape. They are also typically round or princess cut, but other variations do exist.

From the Oscars to Fashion Week, tennis necklaces grace famous figures with extravagant elegance. Sofia Vergara and Kim Kardashian choose statement diamond chokers to amplify their glamor. Jessica Alba and Hailey Bieber are known to opt for daintier 14-inch necklaces for understated daytime shimmer. Meghan Markle favors a minimalist diamond solitaire to complement her refined style.

Why Do They Call it a Tennis Necklace?

Diamond tennis necklaces aren't new. Some trace the roots of this jewelry style to Napoleonic France in the early nineteenth century. However, the association of this type of necklace with the term "tennis" is far more recent.

The term "tennis" was actually first applied to a bracelet made in this style. In a US Open match, the American tennis player Chris Evert wore a delicate and flexible single-strand diamond bracelet. During play, it came off her wrist. She famously stopped the competition and refused to restart play until the bracelet was located and found. After this widely publicized event, the term "tennis" was used to describe this jewelry style

Tennis Necklaces Vs. Graduating Tennis Necklaces

While tennis necklaces typically feature diamonds that are all the same size, Graduating tennis necklaces feature graduated diamonds that radiate outward from one larger, central stone.

Polki Tennis Necklaces

A polki tennis necklace is a type of tennis necklace that features natural polki diamonds instead of the natural cut diamonds. Since polki diamonds are uncut or minimally cut, their sparkle may be different from a fully cut diamond. They may have a more muted brilliance but with a play of light and shadow that some find appealing.

What To Look For In A Diamond Tennis Necklace

Length

Determining ideal tennis necklace length requires thought about necklines, layering and personal style. A 16-inch necklace works nicely with crew and scoop necks, while a dainty 14-inch choker length is at home above turtlenecks. For versatility, a 17 or 20-inch necklace complements various necklines while permitting effortless layering possibilities. Necklace extenders are a great way to explore different lengths.

Stone Size

Larger diamonds convey lavish opulence, while daintier stones whisper understated luxury. For a good look, select a necklace with at least 2 carats total diamond weight for natural diamonds, or 10 carat total diamond weight for Polki diamonds. Diamond cut quality also impacts the fire and brilliance, so focus on balancing these two areas instead of the size alone.

Flipping

Tennis necklaces can flip over due to the necklace's design and the wearer's collar bone shape. You’d want to ensure that the tennis necklace is made with high quality materials and designed properly to prevent flipping.

Invest in Brilliance: Find Your Perfect Tennis Necklace Today

With its timeless design and endless versatility, a tennis necklace is a valuable addition to any jewelry collection. By considering the factors outlined in this guide, you can confidently select a piece that reflects your personal style and shines brightly for years to come.