The Modern Shine: A Closer Look at Lab Diamond Tennis Necklaces

I’m writing this as a lifestyle-leaning fashion journalist based in Melbourne, because that’s genuinely the headspace I slipped into the moment I saw “lab diamond tennis necklaces” pop up in the brief. They’ve become one of those pieces I keep spotting on brunch tables, at gallery openings, even at the gym when someone’s gone heavy on the athleisure but still wanted a hint of sparkle. And every time, I think the same thing: tennis necklaces have quietly become the modern uniform of people who love a bit of glamour without feeling like they’re trying too hard.

But the real story, at least for me, is how lab grown diamonds have shifted the entire conversation. A few years ago, most people I interviewed for jewellery features didn’t even know what they were. Now, you mention them and someone inevitably says, “Yeah, I’ve been thinking about getting one,” with the same tone they use when talking about electric cars or solar panels. That mix of practicality and modern values.

So let me take you through what I’ve learned, what’s genuinely worth knowing, and why these necklaces have become one of the smartest, most versatile pieces you can own.

Why tennis necklaces suddenly feel so now

The tennis necklace is one of those designs that has existed for decades but has never really gone out of style. My mum wore one to weddings when I was a kid, and I remember thinking it looked impossensely fancy, like something only adults with Very Serious Jobs could pull off.

Now the vibe has shifted. People wear tennis necklaces with linen shirts, slip dresses, or even track jackets, and it just… works. Trends have softened. There’s less pressure to wait for a “special occasion,” because honestly, half of us spent the last few years realising we don’t want to save all our nice things for hypothetical events.

Lab grown versions have only accelerated this shift. When a piece becomes more accessible financially, people stop treating it like museum glassware and start actually wearing it.

What makes lab diamond tennis necklaces different

If you’ve only just started looking into them, the first thing you’ll notice is that a lab diamond tennis necklace looks exactly like a traditional diamond necklace. That isn’t marketing speak. It’s literally the same crystal structure, the same sparkle, the same durability that jewellers care about.

The difference is the origin. Instead of coming out of the ground, the stones are grown in a controlled environment that replicates how diamonds form naturally. As someone who has spent a fair bit of time around jewellers, I always found it surprising how many of them openly admit that they’d rather work with lab diamonds because the consistency is just easier. No mystery inclusions. No weird off-tones. No unpredictable batches.

And because the production process isn’t tied to mining, lab grown diamonds tend to cost less. When you’re talking about a necklace with dozens or even hundreds of stones, that difference is massive. It’s basically the reason tennis necklaces have gone from “someday” purchases to “actually, I could do this” territory for a lot of people.

If you want to see a really clean breakdown of styles and shapes, this link on lab diamond tennis necklaces actually does a surprisingly good job without being overly salesy.

Style notes from someone who spends too much time observing what people wear

Let me share a few things I’ve noticed while covering fashion events and talking with stylists.

1. The length changes the entire mood.
Chokers (around 40 cm) give a very modern, slightly editorial look. Longer lengths feel more classic or romantic. People with petite frames often prefer a 38 cm or 40 cm necklace because it sits in that sweet spot just above the collarbone.

2. Stone size is where most people overthink it.
Small stones create an elegant shimmer that’s wearable day-to-day. Larger stones scream red carpet energy. I once spoke to a stylist who said, “The trick is choosing a size you’d feel comfortable wearing to the supermarket,” and I love that as a rule.

3. Yellow gold is making a comeback.
There was a solid decade when everyone insisted on white gold. Now I’m seeing far more warm tones again. Lab diamonds look incredible against yellow gold because the contrast makes the sparkle feel a bit richer, less clinical.

4. Layering is no longer considered “too much.”
You can absolutely wear a tennis necklace with a string of pearls or a simple gold bar chain. The idea that jewellery has to match perfectly has basically evaporated. In fact, the mismatched look feels more Australian to me: relaxed, personal, not too coordinated.

The sustainability part matters more than people admit

I’m not going to pretend every buyer cares deeply about sustainability. Plenty do, but lots are also just relieved that a beautiful necklace doesn’t have to cost the equivalent of a small car.

Still, it’s worth mentioning the environmental side, because once people learn about it, they tend to feel better about choosing lab diamonds. The carbon footprint is far smaller. There’s no land disruption. There’s also a transparency benefit, because you know exactly where your stones came from.

I recently wrote a piece on gifting trends and quoted a jewellery designer who said that younger buyers “want something beautiful but don’t want to feel awkward explaining where it came from.” Honestly, that stuck with me. A tennis necklace is the kind of gift people remember for decades. It makes sense that the story behind it matters.

And if you want a short, surprisingly readable explainer on lab grown stones, this article on lab grown diamonds is a quick place to start.

How to tell if a tennis necklace is actually well-made

You don’t need to be a jeweller for this. You just need a few simple observations. I’ve picked up these from years of interviewing designers and watching them inspect pieces with frightening intensity.

The articulation should be smooth.
This is what gives the necklace flexibility instead of making it feel stiff. A good tennis necklace should drape naturally when you hold it.

Check the setting style.
Most tennis necklaces use four-prong settings. Make sure the prongs look even, not overly thick, and not sharp. Designers often say the prongs should “hug” the stones rather than engulf them.

Look at the colour grade.
Even though stones in a tennis necklace are small, you still want consistency. Lab diamonds tend to be very uniform, which is one of their biggest perks.

Feel the clasp.
A proper double-lock mechanism is standard for safer wear, especially at higher stone weights.

Ask about the metal.
In Australia, 14k and 18k gold are both common. Platinum is rarer in tennis necklaces but incredibly durable.

Why so many people are choosing lab diamond versions specifically

From the interviews I’ve done, it usually comes down to one of three reasons.

Value.
People get more carat weight for their budget. That’s simple math. A necklace that would have felt unattainable suddenly becomes reasonable.

Appearance.
They genuinely look incredible. No caveats. No sparkles-less-than-real-diamonds debates. That phase is over.

The future-proof factor.
Even investors, who used to be sceptical, are now acknowledging that lab grown stones have a clear place in the market. The stigma is fading fast. When something becomes normalised socially and stylistically, that’s when demand stabilises.

I once interviewed a collector who told me, “A piece doesn’t become valuable because it was expensive. It becomes valuable because someone loved it.” That line stuck with me, and it actually applies perfectly here. Tennis necklaces are the kind of thing people keep, wear, pass along, lend to friends. That’s the real value.

A few styling ideas I’ve seen work beautifully in Australia

Since most of us live in a warmer climate, jewellery tends to be worn with lighter fabrics, open necklines, and almost year-round casual outfits. Here are a few combos I’ve spotted at events, in editorials, or just while people-watching around Fitzroy and Bondi.

With a linen shirt left half-unbuttoned
A tennis necklace catches the light in the best possible way against natural fabrics. It feels breezy but elevated.

With a simple satin slip at night
This combo might be my favourite. It feels like old-school Hollywood glamour, but effortless.

Paired with chunky hoops
People used to avoid pairing bold earrings with a tennis necklace. Now it’s become a thing, and it looks great.

With activewear
This one surprised me the first time I saw it, but I get it now. If you’re wearing a sleek, monochrome set, one line of sparkle gives the outfit a bit of personality.

How to choose one that won’t feel dated in five years

I won’t lie: trends move fast. But certain design choices have longevity.

Go for classic prong settings.
Avoid weird experimental shapes unless you love them.

Stick to clean symmetry.
Fancy-cut stones look beautiful, but round brilliants are timeless.

Choose a length you’ll wear instinctively.
If you keep adjusting it, it’s probably the wrong length.

If you’re unsure, borrow or try on a few.
Jewellery shops in Australia have become much more relaxed about this. You shouldn’t feel rushed or intimidated.

A quick note if you’re thinking of gifting one

I’ve covered enough gift-guide stories to confidently say this: tennis necklaces are one of the safest luxury gifts you can give. They suit nearly every style and age. But the trick is choosing something that fits the recipient’s lifestyle.

Someone who dresses minimalist might prefer smaller stones and a shorter length.
Someone who loves full glam might want something with more punch.
Someone who travels a lot may appreciate a secure clasp and durable metal.

If you’re unsure, talk to a jeweller. They’re usually better at reading style personalities than they get credit for.

Wrapping this up, with a bit of honesty

Writing about jewellery always reminds me that these pieces are, at their core, emotional. People buy them to remember something, celebrate something or just feel like the best version of themselves. Lab diamond tennis necklaces fit beautifully into that space. They’re luxurious without being old-fashioned. They’re accessible without losing the magic. They’re ethical without feeling preachy.

And maybe that’s why they’ve become so popular lately. They reflect the way we want to live now: enjoying beauty without overthinking it, choosing pieces that make sense for our values, and wearing our “special” things whenever we feel like it.

If you end up buying one, I hope you wear it everywhere. To the office. To the beach. To dinner. On a Tuesday just because you felt a bit flat. That’s the whole point of having gorgeous things. They’re meant to be lived in.