TrendsOct 16, 2023
Amanda’s Style File: Forever Floral TrendsOct 18, 2023
Current Jewelry Trend: Don’t Call It a Tennis Necklace
A simple gold and diamond line necklace has become a major fine jewelry trend, but several designers offer a more interesting spin.
Vice Versa “Kin Necklace” in 14-karat yellow gold with 2.10 carats of white diamonds ($13,625)
New York—Whether a fine jewelry connoisseur considers themselves a minimalist or a layer-it-all-on-and-then-some magpie, chances are they already own or are coveting the perfect diamond tennis necklace.
A simple diamond rivière, meaning “river” in French, has been popular since the 1700s, according to Lang Antiques’ online Antique Jewelry University.
Comprised of stones that are equal or slightly graduated in size, today the style is often referred to as a tennis necklace for its similarity to the tennis bracelet, or a diamond line necklace.
Though never out of style, it’s experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years.
While in the past, a diamond rivière may have been stored in a safe and taken out for special occasions, today’s tennis necklace has a more casual feel and is worn as an everyday style.
In the era of consumers buying fine jewelry for themselves and enjoying their purchases as daily accessories, tennis necklaces with smaller diamonds have proliferated. They’re more appropriate for daytime than a massive diamond statement piece and are easy to layer with other necklaces.
That makes the diamond tennis necklace a wardrobe MVP, as reliable as a favorite pair of jeans, which, coincidentally, pair just as well with a diamond line necklace as a formal gown or suit.
From a design standpoint, a tennis necklace doesn’t offer much in the way of individuality. However, jewelry designers have put their own spin on the style.
While not classic tennis necklaces, brands have cashed in on the style’s popularity through their own gold and diamond chains measuring between 15 and 18 inches that convey their signature style.
Their designs are just as versatile as a rivière with as much potential for layering but are, arguably, more interesting to look at.
Azlee “Scattered Gold Bar and Diamond Tennis Necklace” in 18-karat yellow gold with 2.2 carats of round brilliant-cut and baguette-cut diamonds ($24,900)
Sorellina “L’Imperatice” necklace in 18-karat yellow gold with 4.02 carats of diamonds, measuring 16 inches ($26,000)
Harwell Godfrey “Diamond Tennis Necklace” in 18-karat yellow gold with 13.10 carats of diamonds measuring 18 inches ($74,000)
Susana Martins "Unstoppable Choker" in 18-karat white gold with 1.68 carats of diamonds ($10,318)
Ara Vartanian “Link Necklace” in 18-karat gold with 1.41 carats of modified round brilliant-cut white diamonds, 0.29 carats of inverted round brilliant-cut black diamonds, and a 0.92-carat briolette diamond on the clasp ($21,490)
Yvonne Leon 18-karat white and yellow gold “Riviere” necklace with 2.17 carats of diamonds ($12,394)
Boochier 18-karat recycled yellow gold “Slinkee” necklace with 3.6 carats of diamonds measuring 16 inches
Jade Trau “Pia Necklace” in 18-karat white gold with brushed finish and 1.52 carats of diamonds measuring 18 inches ($11,500)
Ondyn 15-inch “Grand Rainsun Tennis Necklace” in 18-karat yellow gold with 7.15 total carats of diamonds ($33,500)
Eriness “Baguette Flat Link Necklace” in 14-karat yellow gold with 4.70 carats of diamonds measuring 16 inches ($30,100)
Foundrae “Oversized Pave Mixed Clip Chain” in 18-karat gold with 6.54 carats of diamonds measuring 18 inches that can be converted to 16 inches ($52,585)
Sydney Evan “Evil Eye Eternity Necklace” in 14-karat gold with 3.30 carats of diamonds ($11,000)
Jacquie Aiche 14-karat yellow gold “Sofia” necklace with round brilliant-cut and pear-shaped diamonds ($21,250)
Suzanne Kalan “Golden Midi Stacker Tennis Necklace” in 18-karat yellow gold with 10.92 carats of baguette-cut diamonds measuring 17 inches ($76,000)
Lauren Rubinski 16-inch, 14-karat yellow gold “Small Links Necklace” with 0.56 carats of diamonds ($13,570)
Melissa Kaye “Audrey” necklace measuring 15 inches in 18-karat yellow gold with 7.44 carats of diamonds ($65,450)
Lizzie Mandler “XS Link and Eclat Tennis Necklace” in 18-karat yellow gold with 2.53 carats of diamonds ($13,860)
Ara Vartanian’s almost utilitarian gold and diamond links, with a few signature inverted black diamonds, provide a unisex alternative to a diamond line necklace, while Jacquie Aiche’s dangling diamonds offer the brand’s quintessential movement and romantic style.
One of Sydney Evan’s latest tennis necklace-adjacent pieces features her beloved evil eye as chain links, while Lauren Rubinski’s take is all about bold gold, with a few pavé diamond links thrown in.
Descended from generations of diamond dealers, Jade Trau designer Jade Lustig always has gravitated toward the stone over colored gemstones. Her everyday-appropriate diamond and gold necklaces are all about the interplay between the stone and the metal.
“The ‘Pia Necklace’ is definitely a brand favorite and I think it’s because it strikes the perfect balance of chain to diamond ratio,” she explained of the style.
“It’s just enough diamond to feel like a diamond necklace and yet enough classic chain to have that weighty gold chain feel. It also has total standalone appeal but equally layers immaculately with other necklaces.”
Vice Versa Jewelry co-founders Sophie Thoerner and Hannah Traulsen’s “Kin Necklace” has put the emerging brand on the map. Dangling diamonds are interspersed between the links of a simple ball chain.
Like a lot of good ideas, the design concept was the answer to a problem Thoerner and Traulsen encountered with regular diamond necklaces.
“We love the effortless, everyday look of a diamond tennis necklace but we found traditional tennis necklaces were always flipping so the diamonds weren’t visible,” they said.
“We created the ‘Kin Necklace’ as a sophisticated alternative that always lays right on your neck. The graduating wave of diamonds adds movement and makes it look like the diamonds are almost floating. A little bit sexy and totally cool, it’s our take on the classic style.”
A well-designed tennis necklace alternative often shows a designer firm in their visual identity.
Azlee’s elegant geometric aesthetic is excellently expressed in the company’s “Scattered Gold Bar and Diamond Tennis Necklace,” while Boochier’s playful ethos is on full display in its gold and diamond necklace featuring its “Slinkee” motif.
Scroll up to the gallery to see 17 designers’ takes on a versatile, everyday gold and diamond necklace.
More on Trends
The Latest
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch DivisionNate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
Halstead Names 2026 Grant WinnerEnoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, is the first Native American jeweler to win the award.
Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
AGS, GIA Name 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship WinnerAGS also announced the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
