The Merriam Webster Dictionary has two meanings for the word choker. The first: one that chokes. And the second: something (such as a collar or necklace) worn closely about the throat or neck. Seeing as to how the second, if too tight, could do the first, I have always wished the English language could have come up with a different word for this versatile ornament. Most people these days, and I don’t blame them, use the words choker necklace together. Can’t fault them for wanting to avoid ambiguity.
Chokers are a beautiful way to highlight a graceful neck. And they spell style! Whether a gold choker necklace with antique jewellery designs or a velvet band with a shining gold locket, this neck-hugging ornament is beautiful. And depending on the choker and the outfit, you can create any look – cool, grunge, classy, sophisticated or aristocratic.
Choker Necklace: Centuries old!
The Western world attributes the first chokers to the period of the French Revolution in 1798. But in India, they’ve been around much longer. Chokers have been seen on pictorial representations of Rajput women – which means they’ve been around even earlier than the twelfth century.
In the 1940s, chokers returned to the fashion scene in the form of “dog collars”. They were made from various materials as well as lace, ribbon, velvet, pearls and diamonds.
In the 1990s, chokers again became fashionable and many celebrities sported them, in both the Western and in the Indian fashion scene.
Gold Choker Necklace Styles
Chokers returned with a bang in 2015. And they’ve only evolved in designs and patterns. A hot favorite among film celebrities for weddings and red-carpet appearances, gold and diamond chokers are here to stay. Based on the thickness and depending on how much of the neck they cover, chokers are classified and given self-explanatory names.
The narrow collar choker, very popular in the West, fits the throat perfectly, and is subtly elegant.
The wide-shoulder choker borrows its design from the armours of the Roman army, and when worn, looks like shining armor around a beautiful neck. It’s broader than the narrow collar choker, and just touches the uppermost part of the shoulder.
The bib choker is slightly wider than the wide-shoulder choker, and ends at the collar-bone. Elaborate and exquisite, it can look grand and rich.
And finally, there is the bosom choker, which extends vertically below the neckline. The bosom choker can hold its own as a solo neck accessory.
The Right Styling for Chokers
The shape of the neckline has a lot to do with whether a choker is a good choice. Ideally, an open neckline that shows off the choker design is the best option. Wide necklines with shoulder straps, off shoulder styles complement chokers brilliantly.
If you must wear them with high necklines, it’s best to wear necklines that go under the choker, so that the choker looks like the neckline of the outfit. Of course, it’s important to ensure the embroidery and embellishment of the outfit does not clash with the choker. Chokers worn over saree pallas with a wide, open-neck blouse also look stylish and regal.
Avoid wearing chokers with jackets, collars and closed necks – you wouldn’t be doing justice to the jewelry.
Choker Choices at Vaibhav Jewellers
Yes, they have a wide range for you to pick from. Their plain gold choker necklace designs include trendy patterns, as well as traditional designs to match the rest of your antique jewelry. Be spoilt for choice with the gemstone studded, multi-layered chokers, the kundan chokers, the pachi choker and the jadavu choker.
With Vaibhav Jewellers, you can also shop online, or rather, synchronously on video, after getting an appointment for their state-of-the-art live video shopping facility.
Their 25 years legacy of trust and quality, along with their reassuring offerings – like lifetime exchange, free 15-day return policy, free transit insurance on international shipments, free domestic shipping, customization services, EMI facility, and Smart Buy options – makes it a pleasure to shop with them.
And, oh yes, one more great advantage with chokers- They are a great way of hiding those tell-tale wrinkles on an aging neck!!