Happy Stories From our customers

Degas “Dancer onstage with a bouquet,” circa 1878

Sure, we see them on the runway but did you know the history of chokers extends way back? That’s right, the simple choker has seen a vast history that keeps it trending to this day. Technically a necklace, you’ll find the choker throughout Chinese, Native American, Indian, and Egyptian cultures.

Take the French Revolution:

Women took to wearing red ribbons around their necks to pay homage to those who met their death at the guillotine. The ribbon could be worn around the neck, or another fashion came in the form of an X around the shoulders and back. [Source: Buzzfeed]

The choker become increasingly popular in the late 1800’s where fashionable ladies, ballerinas (as depicted in the Degas image above) and even prostitutes donned them (a black choker often signified a “lady of the night”).

Initially chokers were often simple cloth but that morphed into new material such as luxe diamonds, pearls, lace and velvet. They were frequently custommade (which we love!) so they fit just right (because a droopy collar just won’t do).

Looking for a custom designed choker? Let’s find one that keeps you trendsetting for years to come!

Good Morning Joe,

A Trapiche emerald

St. Hildegard of Bingen, a noted lithologist, once declared, “All the green of nature is concentrated within the Emerald.”

Each and every gem has its own special personality. Almost like humans, they have expressive traits that tell us about the gem. Emeralds are no different. Birthstone of May, emeralds come in a wide variety of hues.

According to WikiHow:

Hue refers to the purity of an emerald’s color, and it is one of key points to consider regarding color quality. Most emeralds have a blue-green tint, while others may have a yellow-green tint. The most valuable have little to no tint, however, and are as pure green as possible.

This is not to be confused with tone. Tone refers to the darkness or lightness of an emerald. Emeralds span from very light to very dark (with the more precious emeralds fallen on the darker end).

Emeralds are a powerful gem, heavy with history and meaning. Emeralds “promotes friendship, balance between partners, and is particularly known for providing domestic bliss, contentment and loyalty.” [Source: Crystal Vaults]

Whatever your gem of choice, we can custom design a piece especially for you!

Columbian emeralds.