3-Prong Graduated Moissanite Tennis Necklace

Because it puts the light where people actually look. A uniform tennis necklace repeats one stone size all the way round. This one graduates, so the smallest stones sit unseen at the nape and the largest sit at the centre front. It is the riviera, a silhouette jewelers have built for over a century, and it reads as a far more considered piece than its stone count suggests. Moissanite rates 9.25 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, just below diamond at 10, so it holds up to daily wear.

The stones change size along the necklace instead of staying the same. Here they start at about 0.1 carat each (3mm) at the back, step up through 0.2 and 0.3 carat along the sides, and reach 0.4 carat (4.5mm) at the centre front, then taper back down again on the other side. The change is gradual enough that you read it as one flowing line rather than as separate sections.

They overlap, and most jewelers now use the two terms loosely. Strictly, a riviera is a continuous line of stones with no chain showing between them, and the stones graduate in size to their largest at the centre front. A tennis necklace usually repeats one stone size all the way round. This piece is both: a tennis necklace built as a riviera. In practice the choice comes down to this. The White Moissanite Tennis Necklace keeps one uniform line and lets you pick exactly the stone size you want, from a delicate 2mm up to a bold 6.5mm. A graduated line concentrates its weight at the front, so it looks more substantial where it shows while staying fine and light against the neck.

Totals run from about 11.8 carat at 14in up to about 19.6 carat at 24in, and the necklace itself weighs roughly 20.5g to 32.8g depending on length. Because the added length goes at the nape where the stones are smallest, each extra inch adds about 0.8 carat rather than a fixed proportion. Carat here is diamond equivalent weight, the industry convention for moissanite, because the stone is measured by millimeter dimensions rather than weighed.

14in and 15in sit high on the neck as a true choker. 16in rests right at the collarbone and 17in just touches it. 18in falls just below and is the most popular choice, flattering on almost everyone and easy to layer. 20in drops lower and suits a higher neckline. 22in and 24in sit at or below the top of the bust and read as a longer chain. Length matters more on a graduated necklace than a uniform one, because the largest stones always sit at the lowest point of the curve.

Both are secure, and both are standard for round stones. They simply look different. A three-prong setting holds each stone with three fine claws, which gives an open, airy line where the stones lead. A four-prong setting uses four claws, which reads more symmetrical and classic and places a little more metal around each stone. Neither is better made than the other. Choose three-prong for a lighter, more open line, four-prong for a more traditional one.

Yes. It is made from hypoallergenic 925 sterling silver with 18K gold plating, and it is nickel-free and lead-free. That makes it suitable for sensitive skin.

Yes. Moissanite passes diamond testers because it conducts heat much the way diamond does. A GRA report is included.