Luca Razza Bull Head Necklace

Resin and gold-tone metal, Providence, Rhode Island.

A large statement necklace in which the bull's sweeping, ribbed gold-tone horns rise to join a heavy curb chain, so that the head hangs as the centrepiece of the collar. The face moulded in ivory-coloured resin with a deeply textured coat, set with gold-tone eyes and a metal-capped muzzle. Signed RAZZA. Luca Razza worked in the Providence jewellery trade from the 1950s and became known for large figurative animal jewellery during his years with the Certified Corporation (1968‑75). The RAZZA signature was in use from about 1970.

For Razza's career and marks, see Researching Costume Jewelry History, Companies and Signatures: "R", Costume Jewelry Collectors.