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Photo: Mytour / Alli WaatajaThe delicate design and understated sparkle of a tennis necklace make it an ideal minimalist accessory. Despite their simple appearance, tennis necklaces come in a wide array of styles and prices, influenced by factors like the choice of metal, stone, and overall design.
“The main elements that influence price are the metal used and the size, type, and quality of the stone,” explains jewelry expert Amanda Gizzi, Director of Public Relations at Jewelers of America, a non-profit trade organization. For example, synthetic stones like cubic zirconia generally cost less than genuine diamonds, while more affordable metals like nickel or plated gold tend to be less expensive than solid gold or platinum. Similarly, smaller or lower-quality stones—whether natural or lab-grown—are usually cheaper than larger, higher-grade ones.
When selecting a tennis necklace, it's essential to balance your personal style with factors like stone quality, metal choice, and overall design. To help guide your decision, we've reviewed a wide range of necklaces across multiple price categories. Gizzi also provided expert tips on what to consider when choosing a stunning new piece to add to your jewelry collection.
Best Tennis Necklaces Priced Under $500
Tennis necklaces are not just high-end luxury pieces—there are now budget-friendly alternatives available. At the lower price range, you'll often find less expensive metals (or plated options) paired with synthetic stones like cubic zirconia.
Featuring a timeless, sleek design, this tennis necklace is adorned with round-cut Swarovski crystals, available in four color choices and two different lengths. Its minimalistic look delivers just the right amount of sparkle and elegance without excess.
Elevating the traditional tennis necklace, this piece showcases graduated stones. It’s crafted from hypoallergenic metals, including 18k yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum, which can be plated over sterling silver, with eco-friendly cubic zirconia that radiates from all angles.
This tennis chain necklace adds a subtle shimmer around your neck. We particularly appreciate the price point and the use of real 18k yellow or rose gold plating (you can also opt for silver-toned rhodium), which makes it a great choice for sensitive skin.
Top Tennis Necklaces Priced Under $1000
At this price range, you may start to find (very small) genuine stones, whether mined or lab-created. These necklaces also offer greater design variety, particularly with the inclusion of different colored stones or unique chain structures.
While most tennis necklaces feature round or square stones, this design stands out with its triangular “trillion” cut, adding a unique touch of dimension. Lab-grown white sapphires combined with sterling silver offer a sustainable and cost-effective choice without sacrificing that dazzling shine you love.
Whimsical and playful, this tennis necklace features a string of tiny, twinkling daisies. Each flower is centered with a yellow cubic zirconia stone and surrounded by white “petals,” creating a bolder and more fashionable statement.
In place of traditional clear stones, this tennis necklace offers a range of vibrant options, including blue topaz, amethyst, garnet, or a multi-color blend of semi-precious stones. The simple design complements the bold hues, ensuring the necklace adds just the right pop to your outfit without overwhelming it.
Instead of featuring only one color or size of stones, this necklace alternates between smaller white sapphires and larger, rich blue sapphires, all set in sterling silver. Additionally, the lab-created stones offer an ethical alternative for those looking for more sustainable jewelry options.
Top Tennis Necklaces Priced Under $1500
At this price range, you’ll find an increase in the total carat weight of the stones. Our recommendations here include diamonds with a total weight just below 1 carat, up to approximately 3 carats. These pieces tend to be sleeker and more refined, in contrast to the more whimsical designs often found in lower-priced tennis necklaces.
This necklace features 3 carats of brilliant-cut diamonds arranged in a graduated pattern, allowing the most dazzling stones to stand out. It also boasts a secure push-button latch and the option of either polished sterling silver or 18kt gold for the chain.
This tennis necklace is uniquely designed with a continuous line of ethically-sourced diamond drops along the front, while the back half features a delicate gold “paper clip” chain, creating a striking contrast in style.
For a more affordable yet brilliant sparkle, lab-created moissanite stones are an excellent choice. This tennis necklace showcases 100 brilliant-cut moissanite stones, each one reflecting light beautifully in a sleek sterling silver setting, maintaining the classic tennis necklace design.
This stunning necklace features three delicate rows of cubic zirconia, finished with your choice of 18kt yellow gold or pure platinum. The perfectly spaced rows create a smooth and elegant layered effect that exudes luxury and sophistication.
Best Tennis Necklaces Under $2000
While these necklaces may not reach the price tag of true “luxury” pieces, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars, they do offer an impressive combination of more stones and enhanced quality. According to jewelry expert Gizzi, “Stone quality will very significantly affect the price,” meaning that as prices rise, you’ll see better quality, color, and clarity in the stones.
This charming necklace pairs vibrant pink sapphires with a delicate paper-chain made from 14kt yellow, white, or rose gold. Crafted by a brand that values ethical sourcing and quality materials, it’s the perfect way to elevate your jewelry collection without spending a fortune.
While most tennis necklaces feature only stones, this contemporary design introduces subtle S-shaped twists of sterling silver that alternate with 2 carats of small diamonds, creating an elegant spiral effect. It’s a sleek and attention-grabbing take on the classic tennis necklace.
This stunning necklace features brilliant white diamonds that sparkle at the forefront, while the smooth white gold chain wraps elegantly around the back. The cool tones evoke a sophisticated timeless appeal, offering versatility to any style.
This chic choker design features more than 2 carats of diamonds, set in a 14kt gold foundation. The front is adorned with gleaming stones, while the back showcases intricately twisted gold links for added elegance.
Expert Tips for Shopping Tennis Necklaces
Price Range
When purchasing a tennis necklace, Gizzi suggests balancing your desires with your budget. While it’s possible to find lower-priced options, the stone quality may not compare to more expensive alternatives. That said, don’t feel compelled to spend beyond your means—artificial stones like cubic zirconia or more affordable metals can still deliver a beautiful shine without exceeding your budget.
Material Quality
Gizzi points out that tennis necklaces are available in a range of metals, from sterling silver to platinum, and come in various karats and colors of gold. The type of metal chosen can influence the price, with higher-karat metals like 18 karat gold or platinum being more expensive than more affordable options like silver or nickel. She also emphasizes that the quality of the stones plays a crucial role, with different qualities and prices. Ultimately, she advises shoppers to select stones that resonate with them personally.
Style and Shape
While tennis necklaces are known for their signature design, there are numerous variations within the style. Gizzi explains, 'Tennis necklaces can feature a consistent stone size throughout or have stones that gradually increase in size, which can completely transform the necklace’s appearance.' She also mentions that the length of the necklace is another factor to consider, ranging from trendy choker lengths to longer designs for a different look.
Common Questions
What distinguishes a tennis necklace from other types of necklaces?
A tennis necklace boasts a unique, continuous line of stones, setting it apart from other necklaces. 'Tennis necklaces are defined by their string of continuous stones, often diamonds, although gemstones can be used as well,' explains Gizzi. 'These necklaces can be worn solo or stacked with other pieces, and because they don’t feature a pendant, they pair beautifully with any neckline.'
What is the best way to care for a tennis necklace?
To preserve the beauty and longevity of a tennis necklace, it’s essential to handle it carefully. Gizzi recommends the 'last on, first off' method: put your necklace on last when getting dressed and remove it first at the end of the day to keep it sparkling. She also suggests visiting a trusted local jeweler for regular cleaning and prong inspections a few times each year.
What is the typical price range for tennis necklaces?
Gizzi emphasizes that the key factors influencing the price of tennis necklaces include the metal type, the stone’s variety, and the size and quality of the stone. While the highlighted selections above are all priced below $2000, high-end luxury tennis necklaces can reach prices in the tens of thousands of dollars.
Trust Us
This piece was crafted by Amanda Prahl, a contributing writer for Mytour with over five years of experience in producing lifestyle content. To find the top tennis necklaces, she researched numerous options across various price ranges and brands, evaluating elements like design, stone size and type, and metal choice. She also consulted with jewelry expert Amanda Gizzi, Director of Public Relations at Jewelers of America, for professional insights on selecting tennis necklaces that cater to different tastes and budgets.
