Tennis Necklace: A Dazzling Icon of Everyday Luxury
Few pieces of jewelry exude effortless elegance quite like the tennis necklace. With its sleek line of perfectly matched gemstones—often diamonds—encircling the neck, the tennis necklace is a modern heirloom that balances glamour with everyday versatility.
At Vermont Gem Lab, we specialize in creating custom tennis necklaces that are as unique as the wearer. Whether you’re inspired by minimalist sparkle or red-carpet brilliance, our tennis necklaces are hand-crafted to be worn with pride, treasured for generations, and admired at every turn.
In this guide, we’ll explore:
- What a tennis necklace is and its origin
- Popular styles and design variations
- Diamond quality and alternative gemstones
- Customization options
- How to style and wear a tennis necklace
- Why Vermont Gem Lab is the destination for fine custom necklaces
What Is a Tennis Necklace?
A tennis necklace features a continuous line of diamonds or gemstones, each set closely together in a symmetrical pattern. Much like the tennis bracelet, its hallmark is uniformity, fluidity, and understated luxury.
The style is traditionally associated with diamonds set in white gold or platinum, but modern takes incorporate:
- Mixed metals
- Colored gemstones
- Varying stone sizes or shapes
- Unique clasps or motifs
The name “tennis” necklace, like the tennis bracelet, is rooted in tennis history. The style gained fame after tennis star Chris Evert famously paused a match to retrieve her diamond bracelet that had come unclasped—spotlighting its timeless design and emotional importance.
Today, tennis necklaces are worn by celebrities, fashion lovers, and fine jewelry connoisseurs alike, thanks to their balance of refinement and wearability.
Styles of Tennis Necklaces
At Vermont Gem Lab, we design tennis necklaces to reflect both tradition and personality. Some of the most popular styles include:
✦ Classic Diamond Tennis Necklace
Round brilliant diamonds in a prong or bezel setting. Symmetrical, graceful, and breathtaking in motion.
✦ Graduated Tennis Necklace
Stones vary in size—largest at the center and tapering toward the clasp—for an elegant contour that highlights the collarbone.
✦ Colored Gemstone Tennis Necklace
Use sapphires, emeralds, rubies, or birthstones for a bold twist on tradition.
✦ Mixed Cut Necklace
Combine different stone shapes—such as round and oval or princess and emerald cut—for a contemporary, designer aesthetic.
✦ Minimalist Fine Chain with Diamonds
Subtle sparkle meets everyday luxury—perfect for layering or solo statement wear.
Visit our gallery to explore examples of custom-designed necklaces created in our Vermont studio, each tailored to the wearer’s unique style and story.
Choosing the Right Stones: Diamonds & Beyond
While diamonds remain the most iconic choice for tennis necklaces, there’s a world of gemstone possibilities available for a custom piece.
Diamonds
- Color: D to J (D being the most colorless)
- Clarity: From Flawless (FL) to SI (slightly included), we’ll help you balance clarity with brilliance
- Cut: Round brilliant is the standard, but emerald, oval, and cushion cuts are stunning alternatives
- Carat Total Weight: We’ll help you determine the ideal total weight based on your budget, neck size, and style
Alternative Gemstones
Looking for a splash of color or something more personalized?
- Sapphires (blue, pink, yellow, and white)
- Emeralds
- Rubies
- Spinel or Tourmaline
- Birthstones for a custom family necklace
We ethically source each stone and match them with precision to ensure a consistent, dazzling look throughout the necklace.
Custom Tennis Necklaces at Vermont Gem Lab
At Vermont Gem Lab, we believe your necklace should reflect your personal story, aesthetic, and values. Our bespoke tennis necklaces are designed collaboratively—turning your ideas into a handcrafted masterpiece.
Custom Design Options:
- Length: 14", 16", 18", or a dramatic collarbone-hugging choker
- Stone size and spacing
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Metal choice:
- 14k or 18k white, yellow, or rose gold
- Platinum
- Two-tone for added contrast
- Setting style: Prong, bezel, or channel
- Clasp customization: Box clasps with hidden safety locks, gemstone-accented closures, or personalized engravings
- Accent details: Incorporate hidden birthstones, pave details, or personalized motifs between diamonds
Want to understand how we transform your vision into a radiant reality? Our design process walks you through each step—from consultation and stone selection to CAD modeling and final polish.
When to Gift or Wear a Tennis Necklace
Tennis necklaces make exceptional gifts—and unforgettable self-purchases. Some of the most meaningful occasions include:
- Anniversaries (especially 10th, 25th, and 50th)
- Weddings or bridal gifts
- Milestone birthdays
- Graduations or retirement
- Celebrating new motherhood
- Self-purchase as a reward or personal achievement
Whether worn alone with a silk blouse or layered with pendants over a black dress, a diamond tennis necklace turns ordinary moments into occasions.
How to Style a Tennis Necklace
Tennis necklaces are remarkably versatile despite their reputation for high glamour. Here’s how to make the most of yours:
✦ Everyday Elegance
Pair a fine tennis necklace with jeans, a white tee, and a blazer for relaxed sophistication.
✦ Layered Luxe
Stack it with shorter chains or longer pendants for a high-fashion look that mixes metals and textures.
✦ Evening Glam
Wear it solo with a low neckline or strapless dress for red-carpet-worthy radiance.
✦ Bridal Perfection
Perfect for brides, bridesmaids, or mothers of the bride—timeless, sparkling, and photogenic.
Why Choose Vermont Gem Lab for Your Tennis Necklace
When it comes to fine jewelry, there’s no substitute for true craftsmanship and personal care. At Vermont Gem Lab, we are proud to offer:
✅ Custom, not cookie-cutter: Your necklace is made just for you
✅ Ethically sourced diamonds and gemstones
✅ Locally crafted in Vermont by expert jewelers
✅ In-house gemologists to guide you in selecting the perfect stones
✅ Lifetime support, from cleanings to clasps to resizing
✅ Transparent pricing and clear communication throughout the process
Whether you're dreaming of your first fine jewelry piece or adding to a meaningful collection, Vermont Gem Lab ensures your tennis necklace is extraordinary in every detail.
Final Thoughts: The Sparkle That Never Fades
A tennis necklace is the ultimate expression of timeless luxury—one that wraps your neck in brilliance while telling your story with every stone. Whether you prefer understated refinement or radiant glam, it’s a piece that speaks of confidence, craftsmanship, and enduring beauty.
At Vermont Gem Lab, we craft jewelry that lives as long as your memories—and sparkles just as bright.
👉 Ready to design your dream tennis necklace? Visit Vermont Gem Lab to book your custom consultation today and begin the journey to your next forever piece.