Vintage Two-Tone Diamond Tennis Necklace

While diamond and gemstone line bracelets and necklaces go back to at least the early 20th century, the "tennis" part of their name is usually traced back to athletic superstar Chris Evert's affinity for a diamond bracelet (among other jewels) that she wore while playing and, famously, nearly lost in a 1978 US Open match. Easily pictured on a country club-going, twin set-wearing type, tennis bracelets and necklaces alike have stormed their way into wider popularity as jewelry lovers everywhere look to up their wrist and neck messes.

This vintage piece has been constructed with illusion settings: each diamond sits in its own white gold setting, with tiny gold beads raised up to hold the stones secure. Called illusion settings for their ability to make the diamond appear larger, they give the impression of a bigger stone by creating a larger white space around the stone in contrast to the yellow gold backing. Please note that the front section of this necklace has been soldered into a fixed curve to help prevent flipping and ensure the necklace lays flat.

Good estate condition with wear in line with age and use.

Details:
• 14k white and yellow gold, stamped and tested
• 17” long, slightly graduated width 4.4.2mm in front and 3.5mm in rear, 3.4mm thickness
• 119 natural diamonds 4.32 carats total weight, overall J-L I2
• 23.9g

• Includes a third-party appraisal