New in Choker Necklaces
1990s Italian New in Choker Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Mexican Contemporary New in Choker Necklaces
Silver, Brass, Bronze, Mixed Metal
2010s Mexican Contemporary New in Choker Necklaces
Silver
21st Century and Contemporary New in Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
1970s French Vintage New in Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
2010s French Modern New in Choker Necklaces
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco New in Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Modern New in Choker Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern New in Choker Necklaces
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century American New in Choker Necklaces
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary New in Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
20th Century Unknown New in Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
20th Century New in Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s Unknown Retro Vintage New in Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Platinum
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque New in Choker Necklaces
Yellow Gold, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco New in Choker Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century English Edwardian New in Choker Necklaces
Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern New in Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern New in Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
2010s Israeli Art Deco New in Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1960s Italian Retro Vintage New in Choker Necklaces
Crystal, Diamond, Rock Crystal, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
2010s Italian Artisan New in Choker Necklaces
Brass
1990s Spanish Art Nouveau New in Choker Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s American Contemporary New in Choker Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Choker Necklaces
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.