The story of the magnificent choker jewellery
Many sources claim that the chokers were first seen during the French Revolution. History states that females of the upper class French society used to wear 'blood red,' neck-hugging, jewellery almost similar to the modern day chokers as a symbol of tribute to the martyrs who had lost their lives at the guillotine.
But few jewellery experts beg to differ. According to the professionals: Anne Boleyn, the mother of Queen Elizabeth I, is seen to be wearing a choker around her neck in one of her portraits; her fashionable necklace was made out of pearls and had the letter B hanging as a pendant, probably resembling her family title – a Boleyn.
Chokers were re-popularised during the Victorian era, where many ladies of the court wore it to the enthralling dances and get-togethers. There are several portraits of the illustrious Queen Victoria, wearing the statement jewellery around her neck.
Next came the era of the fashionable Princess of Wales Alexandra, who often wore the specific item, making it a trend for the society. But historians claim that Alexandra wore chokers for a reason, especially to hide a scar from a previous operation that occurred during her childhood. Nonetheless the famous Princess made the choker so popular that it became a 'must have' jewellery piece, especially for the wealthy ladies of the Victorian Society. Many of these choker pieces were embellished with expensive metals and stones.
The trend of the choker roared through the 18th century into the 19th century where even the illustrious characters of books, like Daisy Buchanan from The Great Gatsby was made to wear the dazzling choker to elevate her character.
In the late '40s and early '50s, chokers made a comeback in a unique form, especially in shape of a 'dog collar'! At this time the chokers were also being made out of different materials like the lace, ribbon, pearls and even diamonds.
In the late 1990s, chokers again came to the limelight once again, after a brief period of obscurity and many celebrities started wearing them, including the infamous tattoo choker.
And since the famous trends of the '90s are on repeat again in 2020-2021, there's no hiding from the chokers this year either. Todays' chokers are brilliant pieces that are a combo of materials, colours and expressions. These chokers are also worn in combination with regular necklaces and even bulky traditional jewellery.
Fashion items often repeat itself over the years, some gets lost in time while others step into the new era with the rest of us. Chokers have a majestic history that has lasted for more than 600-700 years, proving to us once again that it is a permanent fashion item and a must-have jewellery piece for the wardrobe.
Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed
Model: Antora
Styling: Sonia Yeasmin Isha
Makeup: Sumon
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