What Are The Best Tennis Necklaces?

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Browse a variety of gorgeous options at different price points.

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Real Simple / Alli Waataja

The slim profile and subtle sparkle of a tennis necklace makes them a wonderful minimalist accessory. While their understated look may give the notion that tennis necklaces are simple pieces to shop for, different metals, stones, and designs can lead to a wide variety of options at different price points.

“The biggest factors that determine the price are the metal and the stone size, type and quality,” says jewelry expert Amanda Gizzi, Director of Public Relations at the non-profit trade organization Jewelers of America. For instance, artificial stones, like cubic zirconia, typically will cost less than real diamonds, and cheaper metals, such as nickel or plated gold, will come at a lower price point compared to solid gold or platinum. Similarly, smaller or lower-quality stones (real or lab-made) will also be cheaper options than larger, higher-quality stones.

Choosing a tennis necklace requires weighing your own personal style preferences, alongside information about stone quality, metal type, and overall look. To help you find the best piece for you, we researched dozens of necklaces across several price tiers. Additionally, Gizzi offered further expert insights on the most important factors to consider when choosing a glittering new necklace to add to your jewelry box.

Tennis necklaces aren’t just pure luxury items—today’s jewelry market also features more affordable options. At the cheapest price tier, you’re likely to see cheaper metals (or plated metals) and affordable, artificial stones, like cubic zirconia.

With a classic, sleek design, this tennis necklace features round-cut Swarovski crystals in four color combinations and two different lengths. It’s a delicate necklace without any frills—just a touch of sparkle and glamor.

Instead of a basic line of stones, this necklace ups the ante with graduated stones. Three hypoallergenic metals (18k yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum) can be plated over the sterling silver base, and eco-friendly cubic zirconia sparkles from every direction.

This tennis chain necklace offers just the slightest sparkle around your neck. Along with the price, we especially love that the plating uses real 18k yellow or rose gold (although you can also choose silver-toned rhodium), which is less likely to irritate sensitive skin.

At a slightly higher price point, you might begin getting (very small) authentic stones, either mined or lab-created. These necklaces also offer more variety in terms of design, particularly through the use of different colored stones or chain structure.

Most tennis-style necklaces feature round or square-cut stones, but this innovative design uses a triangular “trillion” cut for extra dimension. Lab-grown white sapphires, paired with sterling silver, provide a more environmentally-friendly and affordable option while retaining the glittering look you love.

Cute and cheerful, this tennis necklace’s stand is made up of tiny, sparkling daisies, each composed of a yellow cubic zirconia stone surrounded by white “petal” stones to make a bolder fashion statement.

Instead of typical clear stones, this tennis necklace allows you to choose from blue topaz, amethyst, garnet, or a multi-color combination of semi precious stones. The simple style pairs well with the vibrant stones to prevent it from overwhelming your outfit.

Instead of one color and one size of stones, this necklace alternates between small, white sapphires and larger, deep blue sapphires, all set in sterling silver. Plus, the lab-created gems are a great option for anyone looking for a more ethical approach to jewelry.

At this price point, the total carat weight of stones is likely to get a little higher. Our picks in this category include diamonds that come in just under 1 carat (total weight) up to around 3 carats. These also tend to be a little sleeker and more classic, rather than the more “playful” designs of lower priced tennis necklaces.

3 carats of brilliant-cut diamonds are arranged in a graduated strand, ensuring the most sparkle takes center stage. It features a convenient, safe push-button latch for security, plus a choice between a polished sterling silver or 18kt gold.

Instead of having jewels all the way around, this tennis necklace features an unbroken row of ethically-sourced diamond drops along the front. Along the back half, you’ll find a delicate gold “paper clip” chain.

For more sparkle at a reasonable price, lab-made moissanite stones are the way to go. This necklace is designed in the classic, all-one-size tennis necklace style, with 100 brilliant-cut moissanite stones reflecting tons of light in a sleek sterling silver setting.

Three dainty rows of cubic zirconia are finished with 18kt yellow gold or pure platinum. The glittering rows are arranged with just the right amount of space between them, so they hang smoothly and give that luxe layered effect.

While these necklaces still fall short of the true “luxury” necklaces with several carats of real diamonds (which can have five-digit price tags), they offer more stones at a higher quality. “Stone quality will very significantly affect the price,” says Gizzi, and as the prices go up, so too will the quality, color, and clarity you can expect.

This pretty-in-pink necklace combines vibrant pink sapphires with a paper-chain made from 14kt yellow, white, or rose gold. Made by a company focused on sourcing ethical, quality materials without high markups, it’s great for upgrading your jewelry box without breaking the bank.

Most tennis necklaces feature just the stones, but this modern version adds tiny, S-shaped twists of silver alternate with 2 carats of small diamonds, producing a spiral effect. It’s sleek and eye-catching in the best way for an updated, yet elegant look.

High-quality, bright white diamonds bring the glitter to the front of this necklace, while a fine white gold chain winds around the back. The white tones offer an icy elegance for a versatile style and a sense of timelessness.

This choker-style design combines over 2 carats of diamonds with a 14kt gold setting. The front half of the necklace features the stones, while the back half is made from delicately-twisted gold links.

When shopping for a tennis necklace, Gizzi advises that you keep in mind your preferences along with your limitations. Cheaper necklaces can definitely be found, but the stone quality and type are likely to be lower than more expensive necklaces. However, don’t feel pressured to spend more than what you have, as artificial stones made from cubic zirconia or cheaper metals can still offer a nice sparkle without breaking the bank.

Gizzi notes that you can buy tennis necklaces in “everything from sterling silver to platinum, and a variety of karats and colors of gold.” Metal selection can have an impact on pricing, with higher-karat and solid metals, such as 18 karat gold or higher, or solid platinum, costing more than cheaper alternatives like silver or nickel. She also points to the stones as a place where quality can vary widely (as can the price), but she ultimately recommends that shoppers “look to the stones that speak to you.”

Although tennis necklaces have a signature look, there are plenty of variations within the category. “Tennis necklaces can consist of one size stone throughout the necklace or have graduated stone sizes, which can significantly change the look of the necklace,” Gizzi says. “You also can consider the necklace length, as they can be anywhere from choker length – which is very trendy – to longer lengths.”

A tennis necklace has a very distinctive silhouette that sets it apart from other types of necklaces. “Tennis necklaces, by definition, are necklaces made up of continuous stones, which can be gemstones but are most often diamonds,” Gizzi says. “These necklaces are perfect to wear alone or layered with other jewelry. There isn’t a pendant so it looks great with every neckline.”

Tennis necklaces should be treated with care to ensure they look their best and last a lifetime. “Treat them with the ‘last on, first off’ approach, where they are the last thing you put on after getting ready, and the first thing you take off at the end of the night. This will help them maintain their sparkle,” Gizzi recommends. “You should also take them to your local, reputable jeweler to get cleaned and have the prongs checked a few times a year.”

Gizzi reiterates that the primary factors affecting cost are the type of metal, the type of stone, and the stone’s size and quality. While the highlighted picks above all cost under $2000, luxury tennis necklaces can run in the tens of thousands of dollars.

This article was written by Amanda Prahl, a contributing writer for Real Simple with over five years of writing lifestyle content. To find the best tennis necklaces, she researched dozens of options at several different price points and from a range of brands, considering factors such as design, stone type and size, and metal type. She also spoke with jewelry expert Amanda Gizzi, Director of Public Relations for Jewelers of America, for expert advice on finding tennis necklaces for different styles and budgets.