Diamond Tennis Necklaces

Two numbers describe a tennis necklace. The first is total carat weight (ctw), the sum of every diamond. The second is length. Stone size follows from both: a 16 inch necklace at 5 ctw uses smaller stones than a 16 inch necklace at 15 ctw. Because a longer necklace holds more stones, the same design costs more at 18 inches than at 16. There is no reliable universal millimeter-to-carat chart for tennis pieces, so compare ctw and length together, not width alone. The tennis size and carat chart shows common ranges.

The house keeps fully set round lab diamond necklaces, each one of a kind and graded E color, VS1 clarity. Ask about construction and length on any piece before buying.

On these, round stones give the classic tennis sparkle. Shape alternatives like heart and marquise are at lab diamond necklaces.

A tennis necklace is a collarbone piece. On most women, 16 inches sits just above the collarbone and shows the whole line; 17 inches rests at its base; 18 inches lies on it and leaves room for a neckline. Many women choose 16 or 17 for a tennis necklace, shorter than for a pendant, because a line of stones looks best when it circles the neck evenly. Men wear tennis chains longer, usually 20 to 22 inches; see tennis chains and Cuban link vs tennis chain.

• Four-prong: the most common recommendation; the most light reaches each stone.
• Three-prong or "martini": a triangular basket that lets stones sit closer.
• Bezel: a rim of gold around each stone. Smoother against skin and safest, with a little less sparkle.

The clasp matters more than on almost any other necklace, because one open clasp means a necklace on the floor. Look for a box clasp with a side safety latch, and better, a second figure-eight latch. Close both every time.

On a tennis necklace, consistency beats any single grade. Every stone sits next to its neighbors, so one yellowish or cloudy stone stands out. That is why matched color matters most. E color, the second-highest grade on GIA's scale, keeps the line icy. VS1 clarity looks clean to the naked eye; GIA notes VS and VVS stones usually look alike without magnification. Read the tennis buying guide for what to check under a loupe.

A tennis necklace uses many matched stones, so the per-carat gap between lab-grown and natural multiplies. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, and the FTC requires the origin to be disclosed. They let you choose a higher ctw or a whiter grade for the same budget. A natural tennis necklace costs more and is the pick for buyers who want mined stones; it can be quoted through custom.

You will see both names. A tennis necklace keeps every stone the same size around the neck. A riviera necklace graduates, with the largest stones at the front getting smaller toward the clasp. Graduated pieces put the sparkle where people look and can cost less for the same front view. Same-size pieces look even from every angle and can be worn turned either way.

A tennis necklace layers well under a pendant necklace 2 inches longer: 16 and 18 inches is the classic pair. To clean, soak in warm soapy water, brush behind each setting with a soft toothbrush and dry flat. Check the prongs and latches every few months. For a specific length, metal or ctw, the custom process gives you a design and an exact price before anything is made. See how to layer chains, the women's necklace length guide and all necklaces, or visit the showroom at 7900 NW 27th Ave, Unit 506, Miami FL 33147.