As a Melbourne-based lifestyle writer who’s spent the better part of a decade poking around jewellery ateliers, interviewing designers, and—admittedly—trying on more sparkly things than any one person probably should, I’ve watched one trend rise faster than almost anything else in the accessories world: lab created diamond tennis necklaces.
Honestly, a few years ago, if you’d told me that lab grown stones would become the jewellery industry’s new darling, I might’ve raised an eyebrow. Not because they weren’t beautiful—anyone who’s seen a well-cut lab diamond shimmer under proper lighting knows they’re nothing short of mesmerising—but because the sparkle crowd can be stubbornly traditional. Yet here we are, with tennis necklaces becoming the must-have piece for weddings, birthdays, everyday wear, and those “I just feel like treating myself” moments.
And if you’ve been curious about whether a lab grown diamond necklace is worth the hype, well, you’re definitely not alone.
Why Tennis Necklaces Suddenly Feel So… Modern
The classic tennis necklace has always had that old-Hollywood aura—sleek, symmetrical, unapologetically shimmering. The kind of piece you’d expect to see on a red carpet or wrapped around someone who “doesn’t check price tags.”
But something interesting has happened in the last couple of years. People started wanting jewellery that’s both glamorous and wearable. Something you could pair with jeans on a random Tuesday, or layer for a dinner date without feeling overdressed.
Lab created diamond tennis necklaces hit that sweet spot. They serve the luxury look, but with a more relaxed, accessible vibe that suits how people dress today—especially here in Australia. We’re not exactly known for stiff formality, and thank goodness for that.
Even jewellers I’ve spoken with recently have said they’re selling more tennis necklaces in a week than they used to sell in months. The shift is real.
The Beauty of Lab Created Diamonds (and Why People Are Switching)
If you’re still getting your head around the idea of diamonds grown in a lab, you’re in good company. A lot of Australians are only now starting to understand that lab grown stones aren’t “fake” or “costume jewellery”—they’re chemically and physically identical to mined diamonds.
In fact, you might not know this, but gemologists require specialised lab equipment to tell them apart.
There are a few reasons so many shoppers are making the switch:
1. You get more sparkle for your budget
It’s not about being “cheap”—far from it. It’s about value. With lab created diamonds, people can finally buy the size and quality they’ve always loved without feeling like they’re blowing their entire savings. One jeweller in Sydney told me, “Customers don’t feel like they need permission anymore—they can just choose what they love.”
2. Ethically transparent origins
This matters more than ever. Most young buyers—and plenty of older ones too—want to know exactly where their stones come from. With lab grown, the answer is clear and traceable. Full stop.
3. Stunning quality (often better than mined)
Because the growing environment is controlled, lab diamonds can achieve incredible clarity and colour grades. It’s not uncommon to see VS or VVS stones in tennis necklaces without the price tag that would normally accompany them.
There’s a lovely explainer I came across recently about why people are choosing lab created diamonds for meaningful gifts, and it echoes everything I’ve heard firsthand—from couples designing engagement pieces to families choosing milestone jewellery.
What Makes a Brilliant Tennis Necklace, Anyway?
Let’s step away from the hype for a moment and talk craftsmanship—because tennis necklaces aren’t all created equal.
A truly beautiful piece will reflect thoughtful design in every detail:
The Setting
Most tennis necklaces use a four-prong or three-prong setting. Four prongs feel classic; three prongs give a slightly more modern, minimal sparkle. Both work beautifully with lab created diamonds.
Stone Size
This is where personal preference comes in. Anything between 0.10ct and 0.30ct per stone tends to create that smooth “diamond ribbon” effect. Larger stones give a bolder look but can make the necklace sit less fluidly.
Metal Choice
White gold remains the favourite, though I’ve seen a growing number of rose gold and yellow gold tennis necklaces in the last year. Paired with the icy sparkle of lab created diamonds, yellow gold creates a particularly delicious contrast.
Flexibility and Comfort
A great tennis necklace should drape like silk. If it feels stiff or doesn’t contour to the neck gracefully, it won’t sit right when you move.
Gradation vs. Full Uniformity
A lot of people don’t realise you can choose a graduated design—larger stones at the front, tapering toward the clasp. It’s subtle, elegant, and very old-world glamour.
Why Lab Created Diamond Tennis Necklaces Are Trending in Australia
I think it’s partly our lifestyle: relaxed, outdoorsy, sun-soaked. We’re not afraid to mix luxury with laid-back looks. Walk around Bondi or Byron or even the laneways of Melbourne on a Friday afternoon and you’ll see people pairing fine jewellery with linen sets, vintage tees, or beachy waves.
A tennis necklace adds polish without trying too hard.
There’s also a generational shift. Younger buyers care deeply about sustainability, transparency, and value. They’re happy to spend money—but not blindly. And they’re not ashamed to say, “I prefer lab diamonds.”
The shame stigma that once surrounded lab created stones? Gone. Completely outdated, if you ask me.
One designer I spoke with last year joked that half her mined-diamond clients assumed their friends’ jewellery was lab grown anyway. The category has become that mainstream.
Where to Find Beautiful Lab Grown Tennis Necklaces
You can now find lab created tennis necklaces across Australia, but quality does vary. Some overseas manufacturers mass-produce them using lower-grade diamonds or flimsy settings. My general rule is this: choose a retailer who specialises in lab grown stones and actually understands the craft behind tennis necklaces.
A solid starting point is browsing collections from established lab diamond jewellers—like this selection of lab created diamond tennis necklaces, which showcases a mix of classic and contemporary designs. Even if you’re just comparing styles or looking for inspiration, it helps to see what a well-made piece looks like.
Whether you end up buying locally or online, check the specs, read the certifications, and make sure the diamonds are graded by respected labs like IGI or GIA.
How to Style a Tennis Necklace Without Feeling Overdone
I’ll admit, the first time I wore a tennis necklace out to brunch, I felt a bit flashy—as if I’d forgotten to take off something meant for a gala. But after about three compliments (Aussies are more observant than we give them credit for), I realised it wasn’t too much at all.
Here are a few styling tricks I swear by:
Layering is your friend
Pair a tennis necklace with a simple snake chain, a thin gold collar, or a delicate personalised pendant. Mixing textures keeps the look relaxed.
Dress it down intentionally
Throw it on with denim, a white tee, and a loose blazer. Effortless. Very Australian.
Match metals or don’t—both can work
I know the old rule says you shouldn’t mix metals, but honestly, breaking that rule is half the fun. Rose gold earrings, yellow gold rings, white gold tennis necklace? Gorgeous chaos.
Let the neckline help the vibe
A V-neck enhances the drop of the necklace. A crew neck makes it pop like a collar of light.
Stack it with subtle earrings
Small huggies or classic studs let the necklace shine without competing.
Are Lab Created Diamond Tennis Necklaces a Good Investment?
Here’s where opinions get interesting.
Financially, lab diamonds don’t appreciate the way rare mined stones sometimes can—but tennis necklaces (lab grown or mined) were never really about investment value. They’re wearable art, emotional tokens, heirloom pieces in the making.
If you’re looking for jewellery that:
- holds up beautifully over time
- is crafted with precision
- delivers maximum sparkle
- is ethically produced
- and doesn’t require mortgaging your future
…then yes, a lab created tennis necklace is absolutely a worthy investment in the personal sense.
Jewellery isn’t always meant to sit in a vault. Sometimes it’s meant to be worn, loved, and passed on with a story.
Final Thoughts: The New Era of Everyday Luxury
The thing I love most about the surge in lab created diamond tennis necklaces is how they’ve democratised elegance. Pieces that once felt out of reach are now something people can enjoy without guilt or hesitation.
And they fit into real life—sunny walks, messy buns, celebratory toasts, late-night dinners, school runs, milestone birthdays. They sparkle alongside whatever you’re doing, not instead of it.
If anything, they’re a reminder that luxury doesn’t have to be intimidating or reserved for special occasions. It can be woven into the day-to-day, adding a little lightness whenever you need it.