This Is How To Choose The Perfect Tennis Necklace

If there is a shining hero of every dream jewelry collection, it is the tennis necklace – a sleek staple that can act as a subtle yet scintillating accent to high-octane gowns or take center stage when paired with minimalist styling. What exactly is a tennis necklace? Also known as a ‘line necklace’, it refers to any collar-length necklace that features a fluid line of stones, each set side by side to create a single strand of diamonds or precious gems that sits on the collarbones.

When choosing a tennis necklace, the devil is in the detail. Nuances between designs can feel subtle at first, but the setting and sizing of stones can greatly affect the finished piece. LA-based designer Suzanne Kalan wears three stacked tennis necklaces as part of her everyday look, each of which features her signature scattered diamonds. “Clients keep coming back to my baguette-cut diamonds because they’re ultra-versatile and suit any age,” she explains. “Unlike any other cut of diamond, baguettes are low-key enough to be worn casually, but can also be dressed up – they are contemporary yet elegant.” It’s also important to consider the length of necklace you’re looking for, where you want it to sit on the décolletage and whether you are seeking a classic diamond style or colored stones. Any of Kalan’s designs will be a treasured talking point to be passed along for generations to come.

For Jennifer Meyer, incorporating colorful stones into classic pieces is a winning formula. She chose a mix of pink sapphires, rubies and diamonds for her dainty tennis necklace, so it’s not only “the perfect stand-alone piece”, but will layer seamlessly with other favorites, too. “I personally think a tennis necklace is a staple in any collection – meant to be worn every day and never taken off – and I like that this one is classic but with a unique pop of color,” says the LA-based designer. “I’m obsessed with the color combination and how it sparkles. Plus, the rubies represent love, the pink sapphires represent harmony, and the diamonds represent clarity – the perfect combo.”

Color aficionados should also look to Shay and Roxanne First for styles set with vibrant gems, while those seeking an ultra-unusual design should consider Jia Jia, renowned for its captivating use of precious gemstones and crystals. Raised in Shanghai and Los Angeles, the brand’s New York-based founder Jia Jia Zhu has been fascinated with collecting stones since she was a child – and harnesses the energy and natural beauty of each stone in her designs.

Playing with materials and proportions is a recurring theme for modern tennis styles. Intricately composed, the ‘Kate’ necklace by Jacquie Aiche is set with a flowing line of diamonds that graduate in size towards the center for a sweeping crescendo of scintillation. “I loved playing with the graduated diamonds and finding a setting that felt timeless and transitional,” says Aiche, who always feels a special connection to her jewelry. “The process of designing a tennis necklace is such a beautiful one because you know the piece is destined to be a sacred adornment. With our ‘Kate’ necklace, I had the intention of creating an instant heirloom that encapsulates a regal, feminine energy.” Meanwhile, LA-based designer Anita Ko has similarly explored a silhouette switch-up, with her latest tennis necklace featuring chunky baguette-cut stones that shimmer along the front, with contemporary 18-karat-gold links making up the rest of the chain. Let it be the focal point of a bare décolletage or layer over a simple white tee.

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