Vintage Choker Appraisal

Vintage Crystal Rhinestone Choker Necklace

This item is a vintage-style choker necklace featuring clear faceted stones set in a silver-toned metal. The necklace is composed of alternating segments: rectangular emerald-cut clear stones and smaller, round clear stones arranged in a floral or leaf-like cluster. The rectangular stones are prominently set, likely in a bezel or prong setting that is not clearly visible due to the reflective nature of the stones and the angle. The smaller stones, possibly chatons, surround the larger stones in groups of three or four, forming decorative links. The overall construction appears to be a series of hinged or articulated links, allowing the necklace to conform to the neck. The metal has a consistent silver tone, suggesting it could be rhodium-plated base metal, pot metal, or another silver-colored alloy, especially given the context of "no metal marking." There are no visible signs of significant wear or surface scratches on the stones. The metal shows some minor surface wear consistent with age and use, but no heavy tarnishing or obvious pitting. The clasp mechanism is a hook-and-eye closure, common in vintage costume jewelry, and includes an extender chain for adjustable length. A small, decorative charm or tag, possibly a manufacturer's mark or simply an embellishment, is attached near the clasp, though specific details are indiscernible. The craftsmanship appears to be of good quality for costume jewelry of its era, with stones well-seated and a sturdy clasp. Given its construction and style, it likely dates to the mid-20th century, possibly the 1950s or 1960s, reflecting a period when elaborate crystal jewelry was popular.