What is a Renaissance gold choker?
If you spend time looking at Renaissance portraits, you will notice a simple but powerful detail: short gold necklaces worn close to the neck. These are Renaissance gold chokers - clean, elegant chains that frame the face and quietly say "status" without shouting.
In Italian portraits from the 16th century, noblewomen often wear these chokers as a sign of refinement and wealth. Unlike heavier medieval collars or later Baroque pieces, Renaissance chokers tend to be simple and geometric. They sit high on the neck, just enough to be visible above the neckline of a gown or doublet.
Bronzino and the portrait of Costanza da Sommaia
One of the best examples of this style appears in a portrait painted by Agnolo Bronzino around 1540: Costanza da Sommaia. In this painting, Costanza wears a rich dress and a short gold necklace close to her neck, which gives her an air of quiet authority and elegance.
Bronzino was a master of the Italian Renaissance court portrait. His sitters, often members of the Florentine elite, wear jewelry that is both luxurious and controlled: gold chains, chokers, pearls and small pendants that complement the clothing rather than overpowering it.
Our "Costanza" Renaissance gold choker necklace takes this portrait as a starting point and translates that refined style into a wearable piece for today.
How were gold chokers worn in the 16th century?
In 16th-century Italian portraits, gold chokers are usually:
· Worn close to the neck, not down on the collarbone.
· Paired with rich fabrics like velvet, brocade and silk.
· Combined with earrings, brooches or longer chains for formal occasions.
· Used by noblewomen and important figures to show rank and good taste.
These chokers were not just decoration. They helped frame the face in portraits, drew attention to the head and shoulders and visually balanced the weight of the clothing. For many sitters, the gold choker was part of their “public image” as depicted by painters like Bronzino.
How to wear a Renaissance-style gold choker today
You do not need a full historical gown to wear a Renaissance-style gold choker. In fact, it is one of the easiest historical jewelry pieces to mix into modern outfits:
· With square or wide necklines to echo Renaissance silhouettes.
· Over a plain black top or dress so the gold becomes the main focus.
· Layered with a slightly longer, thin chain for a subtle stacked look.
· With a blazer or structured jacket to add a small historical twist to office wear.
For reenactment or events, you can follow the portraits more closely:
· Combine the choker with a fitted bodice or kirtle.
· Add simple pearl earrings or a small gold pendant.
· Keep the jewelry balanced and not too crowded, as in Bronzino’s works.
Choosing a Renaissance choker for reenactment and events
When you choose a Renaissance-inspired gold choker, consider:
· Style - clean links and a simple structure feel most "Renaissance".
· Length - it should sit close to the neck but remain comfortable.
· Finish - a soft gold tone works better than a harsh, mirror-like shine.
· Weight - light enough to wear all day at fairs or conventions.
For historical reenactment, it helps to base your choice on real paintings, not generic "vintage" designs. Looking at portraits by Bronzino, Titian or Parmigianino gives you a visual guide for what feels authentic on stage, at a museum event or in photos.
The "Costanza" Renaissance Gold Choker Necklace
Our "Costanza" Renaissance Gold Choker Necklace is directly inspired by Bronzino’s portrait of Costanza da Sommaia. It keeps the clean, courtly look of the original painting but is built to be worn for hours at fairs, conventions and daily life.
Key points:
· Italian Renaissance style gold choker, worn close to the neck.
· Handmade ring by ring for a smooth, flexible fit.
· Fine gold plated connectors, rings and clasp.
· Adjustable length thanks to a 5 cm extender chain.
· Lightweight and comfortable for long events and everyday outfits.
If you want a Renaissance choker with clear historical roots and modern comfort, Costanza is a strong option for reenactment, fairs, photography and elegant daily wear. You can see all the details and photos of the “Costanza” Renaissance gold choker here.
More Renaissance jewelry inspired by art
If you enjoy jewelry inspired by Renaissance portraits, you can explore our full Renaissance jewelry collection. There you will find necklaces, earrings and chains designed from real paintings, museum pieces and documented historical examples, adapted for today.
Whether you are building a full historical kit, planning a photoshoot or simply adding a little Italian Renaissance style to your wardrobe, a gold choker like Costanza is an easy way to bring a piece of Bronzino’s world into your own.
