Choker Necklaces

The choker, a necklace that behaves like no other

Every other necklace drops. The choker necklace is the only one that stays put: it follows the base of the neck, close to the skin, with no slack and no swing. It isn't a question of centimetres, it's a different way of sitting.

You see the result straight away. A necklace that hangs follows your movements a fraction of a second late; a choker moves with you. It underlines the line of the neck instead of crossing it, and it has something direct, almost self-assured about it. It's the piece you put on when you have something to say.

Choker or collar necklace: the same height, two names

Choker is the word everyone uses, and the one that brought this piece back into the spotlight. Collar necklace says the same thing in a more descriptive way: it sits where a collar would, right at the base of the neck.

Both describe the same height, and on this page you'll find both.

One nuance, though: the nineties choker was often a ribbon or a stretchy plastic band, worn tight. What we wear today is a short metal necklace: the height of a choker, with the finish of a piece of jewellery.

Who it suits, and how to get it right

This is the one height that deserves a moment's thought before you buy, so here it is, plainly.

A choker needs space around it. On an open neckline (a vest top, a boat neck, a strappy dress, a V-neck), it always works. On an open shirt, it fills the gap in exactly the right place.

What suits it less: a polo neck, a high collar, a chunky jumper. The choker disappears under the fabric or fights with it. In that case, choose a chain necklace that falls below the collarbone, or a long necklace that sits over the top.

Finally, a choker should never feel tight. Ours are adjustable: the extender chain lets you place it exactly where it should sit, without leaving a mark.

What you'll find at this height

The faux pearl choker brings a strand of faux pearls up to the base of the neck. It's the softest version, and the most flattering for your complexion: the faux pearls spread the light just below the face. More in our pearl and beaded necklaces, alongside the beaded choker.

The shell choker brings the cowrie, in natural shell, and ocean charms to the same height, just like our shell necklaces and beach and ocean necklaces.

The heart choker and the chain choker keep things simple: a fine chain, a small motif, worn high so it stays in view.

The charm choker adds charms, a butterfly or shells, and they stay on show since they sit so close to the face.

As for colour, almost everything comes in gold and silver. A gold choker necklace warms the skin; a silver choker necklace makes it stand out by contrast.

Layer it, because that's where it gives the most

This is what makes a choker so interesting, and too few people try it.

A choker on its own is a statement. A choker with a longer chain underneath creates two heights, and so a depth that neither piece gives on its own. The eye travels down, the outfit gains depth, and you haven't bought anything more than you already had.

The two pieces don't even need to match: a short gold choker over a longer silver chain works, as long as it looks intentional.

The material, on the most exposed spot

A choker is in constant contact with the skin, in the place that gets warmest. It's the worst possible spot for cheap metal: that's where green marks and dark patches appear.

Our metal chokers are made from stainless steel, which won't tarnish on the skin and leaves no mark. Two are made of another material: a strand of faux pearls and a cowrie in natural shell. The clover choker also carries 14ct gold plating; the exact material is listed in the details of each product page.

Take it off before the shower, the pool and the gym. Put your perfume on before your necklace, never after. Store it somewhere dry, in its gift box.

Every necklace is sent in its gift box, ready to give just as it is.