Luca Razza Lion Head Necklace

Resin and gold-tone metal, Providence, Rhode Island, circa 1970‑75

A large statement pendant necklace, the lion's face moulded in ivory-coloured resin with a mottled, stained finish, framed by a layered mane of textured gold-tone metal, on a heavy faceted cable-link chain. 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.