Natural Tennis Necklaces: A Guide to Timeless Style

Natural tennis necklaces are among the most elegant jewelry pieces anyone can own.

For decades they have been a go-to staple of fine jewelry. And for good reason – they offer understated luxury that never goes out of style. A quality natural tennis necklace lets you:

• Add instant sophistication to any outfit
• Create a classic look that never fades
• Make a statement without going overboard

Best of all, they work for nearly any occasion.

If you are thinking about buying a natural tennis necklace, here is everything you need to know…

Table of Contents

1. What Is A Natural Tennis Necklace?
2. Why Natural Diamonds Make The Difference
3. How To Choose The Right Tennis Necklace
4. Styling Tips For Maximum Impact
5. Caring For Your Investment

What Is A Natural Tennis Necklace?

A natural tennis necklace is a continuous strand of individually set natural diamonds that are connected to each other via a delicate chain.

The resulting appearance is an uninterrupted line of sparkle that wraps elegantly around the neck.

Each diamond is usually set in a four-prong setting that lets maximum light in.

This is what creates the characteristic brilliance tennis necklaces are known for.

As for where the name comes from, the backstory is the same as that of tennis bracelets.

Professional tennis player Chris Evert had a diamond bracelet around her wrist during the US Open in 1987.

In the middle of a match she suddenly lost it. So, she stopped playing and went to search for it…

The name stuck from there on out.

Tennis necklaces follow the exact same basic design principle. The only difference is that instead of uniformly sized diamonds set in a row around your wrist, they are set in a row around your neck.

If you are looking to elevate your look with a natural diamond necklace, check out Leon Diamond's collection of natural tennis necklaces. The various pieces in that collection offer a great place to start when choosing a necklace. Few other styles of jewelry can match them for versatility.

Why Natural Diamonds Make The Difference

You can find tennis necklaces made from a variety of diamonds. But not all of them are created equal.

Natural diamonds are formed over billions of years deep within the earth. This gives them a character that cannot be matched.

Here is why that is important:

• Natural diamonds tend to hold their value better over the long term
• They carry emotional value and significance that is more meaningful to buyers
• Natural diamonds represent something truly rare

According to recent research, 58% of women in the US say jewelry is their preferred type of gift.

Add natural diamonds into the mix and you have a gift that has even more resonance.

A natural tennis necklace is not just another accessory. It is an heirloom. A piece of jewelry that can be passed down from generation to generation.

The same is true for how natural diamonds catch and reflect light.

Natural stones have inclusions and tiny characteristics that make each one unique.

This creates depth and a fire that is just unmistakable. That is what makes natural diamonds so special.

How To Choose The Right Tennis Necklace

Choosing the right natural tennis necklace comes down to a few key criteria.

Pay attention to these and you are sure to find the right one for you:

• Diamond quality (look at the 4Cs of cut, colour, clarity, and carat)
• Metal type (white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, or platinum)
• Length (standard necklaces range from 16 to 18 inches)
• Setting style (4-prong is classic and allows maximum sparkle, while bezel settings are more secure)

By far the most important factor of all is cut quality.

A diamond that is well cut will reflect light to a T. This is what makes the necklace sparkle from across the room.

Bad cut quality, on the other hand, results in dull diamonds that…

Nobody wants that.

Pay attention to your lifestyle, too. If you are planning on wearing your tennis necklace every day, prioritize secure clasps and durable settings.

Little things like these can make a world of difference over the long term.

Styling Tips For Maximum Impact

Natural tennis necklaces are one of the most versatile pieces of jewelry you can buy.

That is also one of the reasons they have remained so popular year after year.

Pair one with an evening gown and you have a dressy, sophisticated look.

Wear it with a white t-shirt and jeans and it instantly elevates the overall appearance.

Here are some additional tips for wearing your natural tennis necklace with maximum impact.

For formal occasions, let your necklace be the main attraction. Pair it with simple diamond studs and a timeless dress or gown.

The long, continuous line of diamonds immediately draws attention and creates instant sophistication.

For everyday wear, layer your tennis necklace with one or more delicate chains. Tennis necklaces look best when they stay the bright line and the layered chain is thinner/longer. If you like symbolic pieces, layering a minimal cross jewelry charm on a fine chain keeps the look personal and still clean.

This creates a contemporary and fashion-forward look. Chain necklaces of all types have seen a huge spike in popularity over the last few years.

Chain necklaces were the bestsellers of the 2024 holiday season with an average price of $569.

This is a clear indication of just how much people love these classic styles.

Match your metal tones, too.

If your tennis necklace is set in white gold, keep the rest of your accessories and jewelry in silver tones. Yellow gold? Go for warm gold tones and yellows.

If you want to wear a natural tennis necklace with more casual outfits, go right ahead.

A white t-shirt and jeans with a diamond necklace screams effortless elegance.

Caring For Your Investment

Natural tennis necklaces are a significant investment.

But with proper care and maintenance, they can stay looking like new for decades to come.

Clean them regularly.

Use a soft brush and mild soapy water to gently clean your necklace. Do not use harsh chemicals that can damage the metal or loosen the settings.

Periodic professional cleanings, once or twice a year, is another great idea. It helps keep everything sparkling.

Store it properly:

Keep your tennis necklace in its own compartment within your jewelry box.

This will protect it from scratches and other potential damage that can occur when stored together with other jewelry. A soft pouch is also great for travel purposes.

Get periodic inspections.

Have a jeweler inspect your tennis necklace once a year.

They will be able to tell you if any of the diamonds are loose and might fall out. This is a simple preventative measure that goes a long way to protect your investment.

Remove your necklace before swimming or exercising. Chlorine and perspiration can damage the metal and diamonds over time.

Bringing It All Together

Natural tennis necklaces are the perfect mix of elegance, versatility, and lasting value.

They have withstood the test of time for a reason. A quality piece will:

• Instantly elevate the sophistication of any outfit
• Retain its value for decades
• Become a treasured heirloom to pass down through the generations

Whether you are buying for yourself or as a gift, a natural tennis necklace is always a smart investment.

To quickly recap:

• Natural diamonds have authenticity and lasting value that lab stones cannot match
• Cut quality matters more than size
• Styling is versatile and works for any occasion
• Proper care and maintenance protect your investment for years to come

Timeless pieces like this never go out of style. You can wear a tennis necklace with a formal gown as easily as with a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. That is something that is hard to find in any other style of jewelry.