There’s something about diamonds that has always fascinated me. Maybe it’s the way they catch the light, or maybe it’s that unspoken promise of luxury they carry. But lately, I’ve noticed the conversation shifting. Diamonds are still dazzling, of course, but the question people are asking now isn’t how big they are — it’s where they came from.
A few months ago, during a shoot in Sydney’s inner east, I overheard a stylist mention that nearly all the jewellery used that day was lab grown. I’ll admit, it caught me off guard. These pieces were stunning — flawless sparkle, perfect symmetry — yet they weren’t mined from the earth. That day sent me down a rabbit hole, and I’ve since realised just how much the jewellery industry is evolving, particularly when it comes to lab grown diamond tennis necklaces.
A modern twist on a timeless piece
The tennis necklace has always been a classic — elegant, versatile, quietly confident. It’s that piece you throw on for a black-tie event, but it somehow also works with a crisp white shirt and jeans. The name itself comes from a rather charming (and slightly chaotic) moment in 1987, when tennis legend Chris Evert famously lost her diamond bracelet mid-match and asked for play to stop until it was found. That story cemented the “tennis” moniker forever.
Fast-forward to today, and that same effortless luxury is being reimagined through the lens of sustainability and technology. Enter: the lab grown diamond tennis necklace. It’s not just a statement of style anymore — it’s a statement of values.
The beauty of what’s made, not mined
Let’s get one thing clear: lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. Chemically, physically, optically — they’re identical to mined ones. The only difference lies in their origin. Instead of forming underground over billions of years, these gems are created in cutting-edge laboratories using sophisticated processes that mimic nature’s conditions.
The result? A diamond that’s just as stunning, but with a lighter environmental footprint and none of the ethical baggage associated with some mining operations. And honestly, for a generation that’s becoming increasingly conscious of what they buy, that matters.
You might not know this, but man made diamonds (also known as lab created or cultured diamonds) are now so advanced that even professional gemologists often need specialised equipment to tell them apart from mined stones. The technology behind them — typically CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition) or HPHT (High Pressure, High Temperature) — has come a long way in the past decade. What once sounded like a futuristic concept is now the new normal in fine jewellery.
(If you’re curious about how these gems are made and why they’ve become a top ethical choice, there’s a great read on man made diamonds that dives into the details.)
Why everyone’s talking about tennis necklaces again
Fashion tends to circle back on itself, and the tennis necklace is a prime example. It’s having a serious resurgence — not just among celebrities, but also in everyday wardrobes. Margot Robbie wore one during her “Barbie” press tour. Hailey Bieber’s been layering two at once. Even men have started embracing the look; think subtle diamond chains peeking from under open-collar shirts.
What’s refreshing, though, is that this new wave of diamond jewellery isn’t just about opulence. It’s about accessibility and personal expression. A lab grown diamond tennis necklace gives you that same high-end sparkle without the sky-high price tag — and without the environmental guilt that can come with traditional mining.
I spoke recently with a Melbourne-based jeweller who told me their clients often come in expecting to make compromises when choosing lab grown diamonds — maybe assuming they’ll look “different” somehow. But when they see the finished piece, especially a tennis necklace where dozens of perfectly matched stones line the chain, they’re genuinely blown away. “You wouldn’t know the difference unless I told you,” the jeweller laughed. “And that’s the point.”
The craftsmanship behind the shine
There’s a certain art to creating a tennis necklace. Each diamond has to be perfectly matched in size, colour, and clarity, then set with absolute precision so the necklace drapes smoothly along the neck. One slightly mismatched stone or uneven setting, and the whole flow is thrown off.
With lab grown diamond tennis necklaces, this process becomes even more meticulous — but also more consistent. Because lab grown stones can be produced under controlled conditions, jewellers can achieve near-identical diamonds, allowing for that seamless, fluid sparkle that’s so characteristic of a luxury tennis piece.
Brands like Novita Diamonds have really embraced this level of craftsmanship. Their collection of lab grown diamond tennis necklaces showcases just how refined and elegant lab created jewellery has become. From delicate, understated chains to bold, red-carpet-worthy designs, the range proves that “sustainable” and “luxurious” don’t have to be opposites anymore.
The emotional value of conscious choices
Jewellery has always carried emotional weight — whether it’s an engagement ring, a family heirloom, or a “treat yourself” milestone piece. What’s shifting now is how that emotional value is defined. It’s not just about rarity or carat size anymore; it’s about connection and conscience.
When you choose a lab grown diamond, you’re not just buying something beautiful — you’re buying into a story of progress. It’s a reflection of modern values: responsibility, innovation, transparency. I’ve had people tell me their lab grown tennis necklace feels more special because they know it represents something bigger — a small, personal step toward a more ethical industry.
And let’s be real, there’s something empowering about being able to wear a piece of fine jewellery that aligns with your principles. You’re not compromising on beauty or quality — you’re simply redefining what luxury means to you.
The sustainability conversation
It’s impossible to talk about modern jewellery without touching on sustainability. Mining, while integral to many economies, can be environmentally intensive. Large-scale excavation disrupts ecosystems and consumes massive amounts of water and energy. Lab grown diamonds, by contrast, require far fewer resources and can even be created using renewable energy sources.
That’s not to say the industry’s perfect — no industry is. But what’s encouraging is the direction it’s heading. As technology improves, the carbon footprint of producing lab grown diamonds continues to drop. And as consumer demand increases, more jewellers are adopting transparent sourcing practices, fair trade gold, and recycled metals. The result is an ecosystem that’s cleaner, fairer, and — frankly — smarter.
How to style a tennis necklace in 2025
Now, if you’re considering adding a lab grown tennis necklace to your collection, the styling options are endless. Personally, I love the layered look — pairing a shorter, fine tennis necklace with a slightly longer chain for contrast. It gives that effortless “off-duty model” vibe without trying too hard.
For something more classic, wear it solo against a simple neckline. A black slip dress, minimal makeup, a hint of tan — that’s timeless glamour right there. And if you’re bold enough, stack it with multiple diamond pieces for a modern, red-carpet-worthy statement.
Because lab grown diamonds are often more affordable, you can actually play around with different styles — maybe a white gold piece for everyday wear and a yellow gold version for evening. It’s about expressing yourself, not just following the trends.
The investment perspective
There’s always the question: “But do lab grown diamonds hold their value?” It’s a fair concern, especially for those who view fine jewellery as a long-term investment. The truth is, the resale market for lab grown diamonds is still developing, and they generally don’t appreciate in the same way as rare mined stones.
However, if you look at it through the lens of emotional value and wearability, it’s a different story. You’re getting more carat weight, better quality, and greater design freedom for your money. And let’s be honest — most jewellery purchases aren’t about flipping for profit. They’re about enjoyment, sentiment, self-expression.
One Sydney-based gem consultant put it perfectly when she told me, “If you’re buying diamonds purely as an investment, you’re missing the point. Jewellery is about living beautifully — not storing it in a vault.”
A sign of the times
I think what strikes me most about this shift toward lab grown diamonds is how naturally it fits into our current world. We’re questioning fast fashion, we’re rethinking what “luxury” means, and we’re demanding more from the brands we buy from. It’s not rebellion — it’s evolution.
Just like we’ve embraced plant-based diets, hybrid cars, and renewable energy, lab grown diamonds feel like the logical next step. They’re part of a broader story about conscious living — making choices that align with both aesthetics and ethics.
And as someone who’s been around the fashion scene long enough to see trends come and go, I can confidently say this one isn’t going anywhere. Lab grown diamonds aren’t a passing fad. They’re the future — sparkling proof that innovation and beauty can coexist.
Final thoughts: redefining luxury, one sparkle at a time
Maybe the most exciting part of all this is that it gives everyone a seat at the luxury table. Whether you’re a young professional buying your first diamond necklace or someone adding a sustainable piece to an existing collection, lab grown diamonds make that dream more attainable — without compromising on integrity.
So next time you spot someone wearing a diamond tennis necklace, take a closer look. There’s a good chance it was born not from the earth, but from human ingenuity — crafted with care, precision, and a touch of conscience.
