Jewellery Guide
What Is a Tennis Necklace? A Buying Guide
A tennis necklace is an unbroken row of diamonds that circles the neck. We explain choosing the length, total carat, setting and clasp, and wearing it every day or for special occasions.
3 min readUpdated: October 7, 2026
Short answer: A tennis necklace is a necklace in which diamonds of the same size circle the neck in an unbroken row; as the stones move, the light “flows like water”. In Turkish it is called “su yolu”, the waterway; it is also known as a “riviera”. When choosing one, the length (usually 40–45 cm), the total carat and stone size, the four-prong or bezel setting and a secure clasp are decisive. It is the most glamorous and most timeless piece for evening events and weddings.
How is a tennis necklace made?
Each stone sits in its own small setting, and the settings are joined by flexible hinges. So the necklace does not sit like a rigid ring but like a fluid strip that follows the curve of the neck. The stones can all be the same size, or they can grow towards the centre (graduated). Tennis necklace design.
Length
| Length | On the neck | Neckline |
|---|---|---|
| 38–40 cm | At the base of the neck, like a choker | Strapless, bateau |
| 42–43 cm | At the collarbone | V-neck, open neck; the most popular |
| 45 cm | A little below the collarbone | Deep neckline, a longer neck |
A tennis necklace can be made to your neck measurement; measuring your neck with a tape and adding a few centimetres is a good start.
Total carat and stone size
In a tennis necklace, carat is the total of all the stones. As the total carat grows, the stones get bigger and the necklace more glamorous:
- 2–3 carats: slim and graceful; suitable for everyday wear too.
- 4–6 carats: noticeable; for evening events and special occasions.
- 8 carats and over: very glamorous; weddings and galas.
Setting
- Four prongs: show the most of the stones and let in the most light; the classic tennis necklace.
- Bezel: each stone in a round metal frame; modern, durable and does not catch.
- Graduated arrangement: the stones are bigger at the centre and smaller towards the back; it creates a focus that lights up the face.
Clasp and security
The most important part of a tennis necklace is its clasp. A box clasp with a figure-eight safety catch beside it is the most secure arrangement. When buying, make sure the clasp closes firmly and the safety catch works; have the clasp and prongs checked once a year.
Tennis set: a tennis necklace makes a classic set with a tennis bracelet and a full eternity ring in the same style. It is the favourite set of brides and evening events. Tennis bracelet · diamond sets.
Tennis necklaces with lab-grown diamonds
A tennis necklace has dozens of stones, which is why lab-grown diamonds are one of the choices that help the budget most. The same budget buys bigger stones, or a whiter row that matches better. Every stone is a real diamond. What is a lab-grown diamond?
The tennis necklaces made in our workshop are in the gallery; category: necklaces.
Frequently asked questions
A necklace in which diamonds of the same size circle the neck in an unbroken row. It is also known as a riviera necklace. The most popular length is 42–43 cm. For it to sit at the base of the neck, 38–40 cm is chosen; for it to sit lower, 45 cm. Slim tennis necklaces (2–3 carats in total) can be worn every day. Designs with large stones are better suited to special occasions. Short tennis necklaces that sit at the neck are also called chokers. “Choker” is a broader term; it covers all glamorous necklaces worn close to the neck.What is a tennis necklace?
How long should a tennis necklace be?
Can a tennis necklace be worn every day?
Are a tennis necklace and a choker the same?
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