Ambre et Louise On Sale
2010s French Aesthetic Movement Choker Necklaces
18k Gold
2010s French Modern Choker Necklaces
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20th Century American Modern Tennis Bracelets
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings
Opal, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Cuff Bracelets
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Late 20th Century Italian Chain Bracelets
18k Gold
20th Century Charm Bracelets
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drop Earrings
Multi-gemstone, Opal, Chalcedony, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Chain Bracelets
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 1900s Unknown Brooches
Diamond, Opal, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1960s Charm Bracelets
Gold-filled
Mid-20th Century Chain Bracelets
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Indian Contemporary Modern Bracelets
Diamond, Sterling Silver, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Fashion Rings
Opal, Multi-gemstone, Black Opal, 22k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1910s Brooches
Diamond, Opal, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Finding the Right choker-necklaces for You
Vintage choker necklaces are elegant, alluring and stylish. Cameos, pearls, diamonds and other stones can decorate these necklaces, which come in single or multiple strands. Whether it is a statement piece or a delicate chain, these short necklaces always stand out and turn heads.
The history of the choker can be traced back thousands of years, with Sumerian examples discovered from 2600–2500 B.C. They endured as a popular form of adornment through the centuries, and during the French Revolution they took on a symbolic significance. Women wore ribbons around their throats to mark the passing of those killed by the guillotine. Soon, the plain ribbons were adorned with small cameos and other ornamentation.
European choker necklaces gained a salacious reputation in the 19th century when prostitutes were associated with black ribbons tied around the neck, such as the model in Édouard Manet’s Olympia (1863). Queen Alexandra, Princess of Wales, reversed the trend in the late 19th century by wearing a large pearl and diamond choker, reputedly to hide a scar.
Fashioned from gold, pearls and other precious stones and metals, chokers continued to be worn into the 20th century, alternately statements of wealth and rebellion. They experienced periods of revival in the 1920s, ’40s, ’70s and ’90s for both men and women.
Vintage chokers make a statement with an unmistakable air of femininity. On 1stDibs, find an alluring collection of vintage chokers today, including gold, sapphire and emerald chokers.