Evaluate how well a Choker meets your needs and compares to competing products
If you've completed step one you've identified what you need in a choker and you've learned about the different features of chokers. While you were doing your research, you probably started the process of determining which features - and thus which type of choker - will best meet your needs. Now you are going to continue that process, but in greater detail.
In this step you will
evaluate the choices available on the market to determine how well they meet your personal needs and establish, by a process of elimination, an initial short-list of contenders. Then you will compare these short-listed chokers to find out which ones stand out from the competition.
Evaluate how well a Choker meets your needs
Your priority at this point in your evaluation is to find the available chokers in the market that best meet your needs. You can save a lot of time during this activity by quickly eliminating any options that are unsuitable because they don't meet your key requirements. For example, if you have a limited budget for this purchase then you can ignore any chokers that clearly exceed your price limit.
Chokers come in a variety of styles, are made from a variety of materials, and can be decorated with a limitless variety of gems and beading. Some chokers are made for everyday usage while others are specifically designed for special occasions and events. You can usually distinguish a choker's purpose by taking a look at the price tag. Just keep in mind that different materials have different monetary values based on locations, brand names, and the ever-changing jewelry market.
Generally speaking, there are a few major categories of chokers that tend to correspond with their prices. The least expensive, everyday chokers encompass simple beading, cotton, hemp, elastic cords, sequins, wiring, leathers, cost effective metals, and a small clasp to keep everything together. For a bit more money, you can usually find chokers made with materials such as lace, velvet, memory wire, crystal, sterling silver, and pearls, adorned with rhinestones and smaller gems. If you are considering spending larger sums, then there are many options to choose from. You can find chokers that are handmade or are made from white gold, yellow gold, freshwater pearls, and can be decorated with numerous stones like sapphires, opals, faux diamonds, and sometimes even real diamonds. You may also find some vintage chokers that can be made from Japanese pearls, hand painted glass, two toned gold and are covered in stones.
Tip: Make sure the choker suits the neck it graces. For those with shorter, heavier necks, it is a good idea to try a narrower choker and one that comes with a pendant. This will add an illusion of length and thinness to the neck. A person with a long slim neck can get away with any width.
Pearls come up a lot when dealing with chokers, and there are a few things that you need to be aware of. There are big differences between freshwater pearls, freshwater cultured pearls, and saltwater pearls. Saltwater pearls are typically made in Japan and do have to be cultured. Culturing simply means that beads and tissues are implanted in mollusks which will in turn become pearls. This is why saltwater and freshwater cultured pearls will cost you much more than your typical freshwater pearl. Typical freshwater pearls can be produced in groups of about 50 and are found in lakes, ponds, and rivers. The cultured freshwater pearl takes about six years to reach its completed stage and in those six years runs a high risk of destruction. Coming in a variety of colors, pearls are a great piece to add to your choker. Just make sure to ask your jeweler exactly what type of pearls you are paying for.
Tip: Pearls are very sensitive to outside factors that could damage them. It is recommended that pearls are stored flat and kept in silk or velvet, not touching any other jewelry. As a way to avoid scratching or further damage, pearls should not be put in a place where they receive direct heat from any type of heating device. Do not be afraid to ask your jeweler for more tips, but do keep in mind that pearls breathe easiest on the neck, so including them in your choker is a great idea.
Generally, chokers come in lengths of 14 to 18 inches (36 to 46cm). Some are automatically considered longer, due to the fact that they can actually be wrapped around the neck more than once. This accessory can also come in many different band lengths and can be doubled or tripled. Specially ordered chokers can get you a length that does not fall into the normal sizing, but will cost a little bit more than the standard size.
Tip: As chokers are a snug-fitting item it is important to try the fit before you buy - a choker that is too small often cannot be adjusted to fit, due to design constraints. If the choker is a gift for someone else; either take them with you, measure around the base of their neck, or measure a necklace or choker of theirs to get some idea of the size you need. A person's shirt collar size is another way of getting a guesstimate of what size choker they might need.
When it comes to actually clasping your choker, there are a few different options out there to suit your needs. Keep in mind that the material that your choker is made from will play a factor in the type of clasp you can get. For example, when it comes to chokers that are made from metal materials, the clasp commonly used is known as a barrel clasp. This clasp offers a great hold and makes it extremely easy for any restringing that needs to be done. If you are looking at purchasing a choker made from a material such as hemp, you might end up with an open-ended piece of jewelry in which your own tied knot will act as the clasp.
Tip: Look for a size, a clasp, and a style that is right for you. Asking a jeweler for assistance is great, but you are the only expert on you, so make sure to heed to your own feeling as well.
No matter what type of choker you end up deciding to purchase, it should be one that fits right, looks great, and meets your stylish needs.
When you were considering your requirements in a choker it's likely that you singled out certain factors such as style, materials, length and cost as being of major significance. As with so many other products, the more features offered, the higher the price.
Buyz123 has created a checklist containing examples of major features; you can work from this checklist when evaluating how well various chokers meet your personal needs:
Features Checklist
Target Customers
Specialty Types
- Formal
- Informal or casual
Material Options
- Wire
- Beads
- Hemp
- Metals
- Crystal
- Gemstone
- Silver
- Pearl
- Glass
Lengths
- Standard sizes include 14 to 18 inches (36 to 46cm)
- Specialty lengths are available upon request
Clasps
- Barrel clasp - strong magnetic hold, great for stringing.
- Lobster claw clasp - works similar to the spring, but looks like a lobster claw and is usually easier to use.
- Box clasp - wedged-shaped piece of metal that opens when the exterior lever is pushed down. Sliding it back in place and snapping it shut will close it.
- Toggle clasp - this is where there is an open circle on one end and a thick bar on the other. Inserting the bar through the circle clasps the jewelry; however, this is the least secure clasp.
- Hidden clasp - this is usually a box clasp that blends into the jewelry so that other designs and gemstones are noticed.
- Decorative clasp - the clasp is a major part of the jewelry itself. It often takes the shape of a charm, such as a heart, and is barely recognizable as a clasp.
- Tie clasp - not really a clasp by definition but holds choker together with a simple knot tie.
Meaning
- Friendship
- Status
- Culture
- Style
Decorative Touches
- Dangling charms
- Beads
- Small stones
- Gemstones
Places to Buy
- Retail stores
- Jewelry stores
- Online auctions
Maintenance
- Keep pearls flat, separate from other jewelry and in a silk or velvet container
- Keep beaded and leather chokers dry for long lasting wear
- Can use a light abrasive tarnish remover to clean jewelry
There are a lot of features listed here, and some of them may not be relevant to your particular requirements. So, work your way through the list and assess how each of these features impact on your needs. You can then create a personalized checklist of the features you really require.
Once you have finished evaluating the chokers available for sale in the light of your personal needs and arrived at a short-list of 'possibles' you are ready to progress to the next stage. This involves comparing the chokers one-on-one in order to find those that really stand out.
Evaluate how well a Choker compares with competing Chokers
Comparing the items on your interim short-list, one to another, is an important part of the purchasing process - we all want to buy the best product we possibly can. So once you have established a short-list of chokers that meet your needs it is time to evaluate how well they compare in fine detail. This way you can assemble a select list that stand out from the crowd.
Questions to ask yourself:
Which choker on my short-list can I wear on more than one occasion?
Which of these has the nicest design?
Which is the easiest to put on and take off?
Which appears to be of the highest quality?
Which choker best suits my image?
Which can be worn with various outfits?
Which choker do I like the best?
By answering these simple questions, you are actually eliminating chokers that aren't absolutely right for you. This is an excellent time - if you haven't done so already - to evaluate how well your short-listed products measure up in the following areas: Physical Quality, Warranty Conditions and Accessories & Extras.
Physical Quality
Regardless of the method you use when purchasing the choker, you need to find an opportunity to examine the product to evaluate how well it is made, and to check that it is truly suitable for you and your purpose. This is the time to examine the quality of the materials, and how well the choker is constructed. Are there any loose parts? Examine the choker from the perspective of ease of use. How easily is it to clean? Make sure the choker fits you physically - some chokers look great on paper, but unexpected problems will show up when you finally wear them.
Physical Inspection Checklist:
- Materials - quality, appearance
- Assembly - all parts held together securely, good quality fittings
- Solidly constructed - stable, no loose components
- Proper fit of removable parts - easy to remove and replace, fit snugly
- Size - appropriate for you and its purpose - fits correctly
- Appearance - well finished, appropriate color, neat fittings etc
- Easy and comfortable to wear
Warranty Conditions
Similar products may be available with significantly different terms and conditions, and you want to get the best deal you can. Parts and labor are often covered under separate warranties, for different time periods; sometimes there can be a significant difference in the warranty offered with one item compared to that offered with another product. It is particularly important to investigate any conditions that might void a warranty, such as accidental damage.
Warranty Checklist:
- Duration - check the specifics
- Parts, Labor
- Exactly what is covered
- Exactly what is excluded
- Conditions or actions that may void the warranty
Accessories and Extras
When evaluating similar products, it is a good idea to include accessories in your assessment. You need to be clear about exactly what other accessories are really necessary, and whether these can be included with the purchase. What else is required - do you need a matching bracelet, for instance?
Accessories Checklist:
- Accessories - included or extra cost?
- Compatibility issues - will it work with your existing jewelry and wardrobe?
- What else will you need to get the most out of your choker?
Once you've worked through the Evaluation step you will have a final short-list of chokers that meet your needs and stand out from competing products on the market. It's time then to move on to the third and final step: Purchase.
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