Anyone who was alive in the 1990s remembers the choker—the staple necklace of nearly every girl embracing grunge fashion. But the choker wasn’t just a 90’s fashion trend; they’ve actually been around for thousands of years.
Ancient Mesopotamian and Egyptian Chokers
Chokers were there at the beginning of human civilization. Often made out of gold or lapis, they were paired with other necklaces for both decorative and spiritual reasons. To Ancient Mesopotamians and Egyptians, necklaces worked similar to amulets—they carried protective, healing powers that shielded the wearer from harm.
From Anne Boleyn to Alexandra of Denmark
Chokers continued to be seen throughout other eras of human history. Anne Boleyn (1507-1536) wore one, and Female French expatriates wore red chokers during the French Revolution as a way to honor those who had lost their lives to the guillotine. However, it wasn’t until the Victorian Era in the 19th century that they truly became in-vogue again when they were popularized by the Princess of Wales and future Queen, Alexandra of Denmark.
The Modern Choker
And then, of course, there was the 1990s. Unlike the chokers of previous eras, these were mainly dark in color and made out of plastic or fabric. They captured the punk, grungy look that started in the late 80s and rose to fame in the 90s. By the 2000s the choker would fall out of fashion again, but in recent years they’ve started to make a comeback. These modern-day chokers, however, come in a combination of textures, patterns, and colors, meaning they can go with a variety of styles and outfits. And if you want to get-in on the trend, then take a look at some of the choker necklaces available at Frank Pollak & Sons. Vintage or modern, these necklaces are sure to spice up any outfit.