On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate rhinestone choker vintage for your needs in our varied inventory. Frequently made of
Gilt Metal,
Base Metal and
Gold, this item was constructed with great care. If you’re looking for a rhinestone choker vintage from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 20th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 20th Century. Finding an appealing rhinestone choker vintage — no matter the origin — is easy, but
Chanel,
Yves Saint Laurent and
Christian Dior each produced a popular version that is worth a look. A rhinestone choker vintage of any era or style can lend versatility to your look, but a version featuring
Pearl, from our inventory of 7, is particularly popular. A
round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also
bead and
brilliant cut versions for sale. There aren’t many items for
men if you’re seeking a rhinestone choker vintage, as most of the options available are for
women and unisex.
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.