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The tennis necklace is everywhere lately. #Tenniscore is having its moment. This fashion trend is heavily imposing the classic aesthetic of tennis apparel to jewellery. From chic diamond tennis necklaces to dazzling chokers - the ‘tennis’ style – that continuous line of diamonds – is now captivating millions across socials.
And while diamond tennis necklaces are centuries old – shopping for them now, in this era of lab grown diamonds, is quite complicated. The iconic necklace is now accessible to way more people, a lot of whom are considering buying lab grown diamonds, especially for the Black Friday diamond sales and Christmas shopping season.
We’ve made this comprehensive guide on this new era of lab grown diamond tennis necklaces for such enthusiasts. We’ll discuss:
- The captivating history of the tennis necklace
- Why tennis necklaces are always in fashion
- The exciting new world of lab grown diamond necklaces
- Everything you need to know to shop smartly for both natural AND lab grown diamond tennis necklaces
A Note from Our Team at Divour Diamonds
A diamond tennis necklace is the very definition of timeless design, smart enough for everyday and dazzling enough for those milestones you want to remember forever.
Something to cherish. Something to pass down. It simply never dates.
Here at Divour Diamonds, we see proof of this enduring magic daily. Our diamond tennis necklaces are consistently among our top-selling, best-reviewed items.
You can wear them as solo Christmas diamond necklaces, for a whisper of sparkle against the skin. Or, layer it with wild abandon for a full-throated statement - it always adapts beautifully.
Having spent years immersed in Hatton Garden’s glittering trade, we’ve watched the tennis necklace go from a rather exclusive indulgence to an absolute essential for:
- Style icons
- Sports stars
- Anyone with a penchant for sparkle
What was once a privilege; is now attainable elegance. The arrival of high-quality lab grown diamond necklaces has only thrown fuel on this fire.
What is a Tennis Necklace?
Tennis jewellery refers to any piece featuring a continuous, symmetrical line of diamonds:
- It’s that clean, unbroken flow of sparkle that defines these items
- They all also share that ‘wear-anywhere luxury’ vibe
- The necklace, specifically, is an ultra-flexible strand that drapes gracefully and easily around the neck
- Tennis necklaces look great with both formal and informal attires
The History of Tennis Necklaces
During a famously tense match at the 1978 US Open, tennis legend’s Chris Evert’s diamond eternity bracelet dramatically snapped and flew off her wrist mid-play.
Ever the cool competitor, she paused the match until the precious piece was recovered. The ensuing media buzz cemented the name forever: it became the official ‘tennis bracelet.’
Jewellery designers, sensing a trend, quickly applied the moniker to the necklace version featuring the same elegant line of diamonds. And thus, the diamond tennis necklace officially served its first ace.
Red Carpet Ready
The diamond tennis necklace is now equally at home with jeans and a tee as it is with a gala gown. At Divour Diamonds, we see the enduring allure reflected in our own collections. Some pieces consistently capture our clients’ hearts:
- 15.76 Ct Baguette and Round Diamond Tennis Necklace: Warm blush of rose gold. Alternating baguette + round diamonds. These two details perfectly complement each other. With 15+ carats, this one has PRESENCE. It’s gorgeous for evenings or layering.
- 7.88 Ct Natural Diamond Graduated Tennis Necklace:Ah, the graduated tennis necklace. The diamonds on this one gently increase in size towards the centre. That creates a flattering focal point. It’s set in heirloom-quality 18k white gold. We call this graduated tennis necklace a true ‘investment piece.’
You read that correctly. Nearly 38 CARATS OF ROUND DIAMONDS. This stunning lab grown diamond necklace offers breath-taking scale and sparkle, and can be perfect choice when you are shopping for diamond necklaces for Christmas or New Year.
Understanding the Lab-Grown Diamond Revolution
Lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to mined diamonds. Same sparkle, same hardness, same everything. Just born in a lab - not deep within the Earth.
But the price difference? Astonishing.
Ten years ago, LGDs were priced about 10% below natural. Today? They sell at an 80–90% discount compared to their natural counterparts of similar quality.
Technological leaps and increased production have triggered this price drop. And, this price democratisation has turbocharged their market share. From that tiny 1% in 2015, LGDs now make up roughly 20% of total diamond sales in 2024.
Many buyers now see LGDs as a smart choice. They want larger or higher-quality stones for the money they pay. The idea that ‘a diamond is a diamond’ - regardless of origin, has gained real traction among new shoppers.
Add to this a growing awareness of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors. Concerns about the ethical and environmental footprint of traditional mining, particularly in Western markets, are steering buyers towards options perceived as ‘cleaner.’
So, you have all the reasons why lab grown diamond necklaces are now in high-demand as the Black Friday diamond sales and Christmas shopping season approach.
And why has the Tennis Necklace become such a poster child for the LGD revolution?
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Carat Hungry: Tennis necklaces inherently require a lot of diamonds (5-40+ carats). That 80-90% LGD discount makes the biggest financial difference on these high-carat styles.
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Layering: The trend for stacking multiple necklaces makes LGDs appealing. You can achieve a luxe layered look for the price of one natural strand.
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Online Shopping: Online retailers can offer very competitive LGD prices. Diamond tennis necklaces are particularly well-suited to eCommerce unlike bracelets or rings that need precise sizing.
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Gen Z: The core demographics driving the #Tenniscore trend also prioritise value and perceived sustainability
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Made for Mass Sparkle: Advances in CVD and HPHT growing methods mean producers can now efficiently create batches of uniform, high-quality diamonds. That’s ideal for making continuous lines of tennis necklaces.
How Divour Diamonds Navigates This New Era
We haven’t just watched this evolution. We’ve prepared ourselves for it:
Clear Education
We provide extensive resources explaining the differences/similarities between natural and lab grown diamond necklaces. We also discuss our LGDs’ growth methods, certifications, and long-term value with clients before every purchase.
Choice
We offer beautifully curated selections of BOTH natural and lab-grown diamonds. Compare them side-by-side. Read what our experts say about them.
Certification
We partner with top labs like GIA, IGI, and HRD. Every significant diamond, natural or lab-grown we sell, comes with a trusted certificate detailing its specifics.
Verification
Our in-house gemmologists use GIA iD100™ screeners, to verify the origin of every single diamond.
Insights from the Diamond Grading Playbook
We also rigorously follow the latest diamond grading standards. Every team member here has taken GIA’s Diamond Grading Lab course. Here’s what the global authority on diamonds has to say to shoppers who are in the market for lab grown diamond necklaces.Disclosure is Mandatory
The store you buy from must use terms like ‘laboratory-grown’ or ‘lab-created’ right before "diamond". No ambiguity allowed.Same Grading, Different Rarity
LGDs are graded for Colour and Clarity using the exact same GIA scales as natural diamonds. However, these grades don’t imply the same rarity as they do for mined stones.Check the Laser Inscription
Reputable LGDs are laser-inscribed on the girdle with their origin (‘Lab Grown’) and report number. Always verify this inscription matches the certificate.Different ‘Birthmarks’
LGDs have different internal characteristics (inclusions) than natural diamonds due to their growth process. HPHT stones might have tiny metallic remnants. CVD stones might have non-diamond carbon spots.Growth Method Matters (HPHT vs. CVD)
Diamonds are grown using either High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD). Each method leaves slightly different characteristics. The purchase certificate should state the method.Treatments are Possible
Just like natural diamonds, LGDs can sometimes be treated after growth to improve colour or clarity (e.g., LPHT annealing). Any treatments must be disclosed on the certificate.Equally Tough
LGDs have the exact same hardness (10/10 Mohs), toughness, and sparkle as natural diamonds. They wear identically and require the same care.7 Golden Rules for Buying Lab-Grown Diamond Tennis Necklaces
Consider this your essential checklist from Divour Diamonds.Know the Price Difference
Expect an LGD tennis necklace to be roughly 80-90% less than a natural one of equivalent size and quality. Our 17.80ct LGD graduated tennis necklace (£4,484) versus our 8.50ct natural (£7,130) shows this value difference clearly.Demand Full Certification
Insist on an independent lab report (GIA, IGI, and HRD) for every diamond. Confirm its lab origin, 4Cs, growth method, and any treatments. No cert, no sale!Verify the Inscription
Ask to see the laser inscription under magnification. Does it match the report? Does it clearly state ‘Laboratory Grown’?If It Seems Too Cheap, It Probably Is
LGDs offer great value. But, prices drastically below the established LGD market rate are a huge red flag for quality issues or misrepresentation.Check Returns & Warranty
Reputable jewellers stand by their work. Look for a solid return window (we offer 45 days) and a lifetime craftsmanship warranty (we offer that too!).Buy from Established Names
Choose retailers with a physical presence (like our Hatton Garden showroom!), a solid reputation, and knowledgeable staff. Avoid anonymous online-only sellers with no track record.Get Specs in Writing
Ensure you receive detailed documentation covering:- Total carat weight
- Average stone size/quality (colour/clarity)
- Metal type
- Setting
- Length
- Certification details
Styling Your Lab-Grown Diamond Tennis Necklace
You've chosen your magnificent strand of sparkle. Now, how best to show it off?
For the Ladies
- Solo Spotlight: Often, less is more. Let a single tennis necklace command attention against a simple backdrop - a black dress, a crisp white shirt, a soft cashmere knit. The diamonds are the statement.
- Mastering Layers: Don't be afraid to mix! Combine your diamond tennis necklace with chains of different textures or metals. A classic gold curb chain sitting just below adds instant chic. Add a longer pendant to draw the eye vertically.
- Neckline: A standard 16-18 inch tennis necklace typically rests beautifully along the collarbone. It complements V-necks and scoop necks perfectly. It’s a universally flattering length that lets the diamonds catch the light against your skin.
- High-Low Cool: Forget restricting diamonds to formal wear. Layer a diamond tennis necklace over a quality crewneck tee. Or, let it peek from under a slightly unbuttoned shirt.
- Subtle Stacking: Add a slightly longer, perhaps heavier, chain in gold or platinum. The contrast between the delicate diamond line and a more robust chain will create compelling visual texture.
- >10 Carats: Comfortable. Easy to layer. Perfect for adding subtle luxury to work-wear or casual outfits.
- 10-20 Carats: Substantial enough to be worn solo for evenings or special events. Manageable for confident daytime wear.
- 20+ Carats: Pure glamour. These are the head-turners. The ones that grace red carpets.
Layering multiple tennis necklaces? Splendid idea! The trick is variation:
- Vary Lengths: Combine a shorter (16-inch) necklace with an 18- or 20-inch chain or another tennis strand
- Vary Sizes: Pair a finer tennis necklace higher on the neck with a slightly larger carat weight one below it - create depth without clutter
- Mix It Up: Layer your diamond tennis necklace with pearls or coloured gemstone strands
Cherishing Your Investment
We invite you to visit our Hatton Garden showroom to check out diamond necklaces for Christmas and other occasions first-hand. We’ll help you find the perfect, multi-functional tennis necklace at the sweetest price and make the most of the Black Friday diamond sales and Christmas shopping season.