Emmanuel ChijiokeFor centuries, choker necklaces have passed through different chapters of history, and each century presents us with a new example and a new symbolic value of these jewels. We can see their historical presence in various cultures around the world, including Egyptian, European, Native American, Chinese, and even Indian cultures.
Their symbolism and meaning have undergone rapid changes throughout history, moving from being symbols of political aggression, to that ornaments specifically used to identify prostitutes, and finally, to that intricate pieces of jewelry that have become the trend of the season.
Note
- Chokers are a type of short necklaces, which provide a different style and have a greater fit.
- The length of the women’s choker necklace varies according to the size of the neck. They can be adjusted, but it is still important to try them on.
- They are made of various materials such as gold, silver, and leather. These will suit all the combinations you have in mind.
The most common types of choker necklaces are those with pearls and diamonds. It is characterized by having a shorter length than normal necklaces and by being placed in the upper part of the neck. They are more fitted and give you a different look, which will be perfect to combine with all the pieces in your wardrobe.
What characterizes a quality women’s choker necklace?
A good choker necklace is one that adapts to the person who wears it. It should be comfortable and not too heavy or bulky to wear all day. The length of a choker necklace can also influence how you like it, so if you’re looking for something formal you can opt for ones made of gold or silver.
However, if what you are looking for is a more informal style, bodysuits, for example, will be an excellent option. Quality chokers are characterized by their good materials, being resistant, and having a variable fit. That is, it should adapt to most necks without problems.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the choker necklace?
Do you want to know what these accessories have to offer? Pay attention to the list of advantages we have for you. Also, consider the disadvantages in your purchase decision.
Advantage
- They are pieces manufactured with many details and we will find different models of them in the market.
- Some models usually have a small pendant, which will give a unique touch to your style.
- They have a better fit than regular necklaces and the materials vary depending on whether you want a formal or casual look.
Disadvantages
- They can be somewhat uncomfortable for those girls who have never had one.
- They are lighter products and can be a bit fragile, as many of the models are made of gold, silver, or leather.
- It might not fit your neck ideally, so it might be too tight or too wide.
Historical facts and symbolic stories regarding the importance and significance of the choker necklace.
In this article, we are going to examine in detail all the significant historical facts and symbolic stories regarding the importance and significance of choker necklaces.
1507: Anne Boleyn
Most people don’t know that it was Anne Boleyn who started the exciting choker trend. Anne Boleyn was undoubtedly one of the most fashionable women of her time, and in a conservative English society, she introduced many trends inspired by her love of fashion discovered during her time at the French court.
She was always seen wearing a pretty choker necklace, which can also be seen in her paintings, and this famous necklace was created with pearls, and a pendant of the letter B, which she also wore around her neck.
The French Revolution of 1789
The French Revolution was a tumultuous period of political aggression and revolt against the French monarchy. Among all the symbols used by the French people to express their hatred towards their monarchs and their extravagant nobility, the chokers were undoubtedly the most powerful and poignant.
Women began to wear a political dress with a red ribbon around the neck, in tribute to all those who were massacred at the guillotine. This ribbon was worn in several different ways, around the neck like a simple choker, or tied in the back and on the shoulders to create an X.
1860: Manet’s Olympia
In the 1860s, choker necklace was considered ornaments reserved for prostitutes. This claim is attested by the famous painting Olympia, painted by Manet in 1863, which depicts a prostitute showing off a ribbon in the form of a necklace around her neck.
1800-1900: The Victorian Period
Although chokers are seen as symbols of prostitution in some parts of Europe, they enjoyed great popularity in England, especially during the Victorian era. Members of the royal family were also seen sporting a pearl choker necklace along with other necklaces and pendants. And as seen in Edgar Degas’ paintings of the 1870s and 1880s, ballerinas wore chokers in their dance costumes.
Queen Victoria was seen wearing chokers in the various portraits made during her reign, and the Princess of Wales, Alexandra, was hugely famous for her love of chokers. It is said that she used the chokers to hide her scar, which she had after an operation as a child.
The beautiful Alexandra was extremely aware of the ugliness of this scar and during her various stays in India, she fell in love with exotic trends in Indian jewelry, especially the choker necklace which she brought home and which became a real fashion among the women of the court and the nobility.
Princess Alexandra had a profound influence on the fashion of her time and the trends she set, including her love of chokers, which were paraded for another 50 years or more after her death. Society and gentry women, as well as other wealthy women of Victoria’s era, sported chokers adorned with pearls, crystals, and jewels to create fashion fit for a queen!
1920S & 1940S: Vintage Charm
The Roaring Twenties were a time to indulge in the delicate femininity of chokers, and women were seen sporting this trend with ribbons, pearls, crystals, pearls, and more. However, back then they were not called chokers, but rather dog collars.
Dog collars, as they were called in Paris, began to undergo countless variations and soon women could choose and sport them in a wide variety of materials including ribbon, velvet, pearls, lace, and even diamonds. Needless to say, they were the symbol of elite glamour.
In 1944, Life magazine created an iconic article aimed at reviving the trend of dog collars, which were increasingly worn by dogs and men alike.
The 90S: Dog Collars Become Choker Necklace
As with all trends, the 90s was the height of all things fashionable, and chokers got a lot of attention during this era. Around this time, We’ve seen chokers make their way to the stage with Christian Aguilera and Britney Spears, while Gwyneth Paltrow and others have sported the choker necklace on the Oscars red carpet.
Soon, chokers underwent a bold gothic makeover and women began sporting chokers with pentagrams, gothic accents, spiked collars, and even silver ball chains.
As if that weren’t enough, the designers decided to introduce the tattooed choker necklace, which turned out to be an incredibly adorable and affordable accessory and became the most popular adornment at prom. year in the United States. These tattoo collars were usually made of plastic and had a mesh design with rough textures.
From 2015: The Neck Renewal
It goes without saying that 2015 was the fabulous year that propelled chokers to the forefront of the fashion scene, and since then they have become a regular fixture on the runways.
Today, the choker necklace come in a wide variety of materials, fabrics, patterns, color palettes, embellishments, and textures. You can choose from embroidered floral chokers, applique, brass, striped, jeweled chokers, beaded, heavy chains, metallic details, and even butterflies.
With a history that dates back over 500 years, it’s amazing how chokers evolved into the furious trend we’re all flaunting today.
What alternatives to a women’s choker exist?
There are many alternatives to the chokers. The most common is the classic necklaces for women, which are characterized by having a longer chain and being placed lower than chokers.
Another option is the unisex charm pendant or bracelet, which allows you to wear your favorite charms in one piece of jewelry instead of having multiple necklaces hanging around your neck at once.
Whichever option you choose, your comfort and style should come first.
Emmanuel Chijioke
