Inlaid Necklace Appraisal

Striped Inlaid Collar Necklace (Torque)

This is a rigid, open-ended collar necklace, commonly known as a torque or choker-style necklace, featuring a distinctive striped design. The primary materials appear to be brass or a similar gold-toned metal and a dark, possibly exotic, wood or a dark resin/plastic. The necklace has a crescent shape, designed to sit high on the neck. Its physical characteristics include a substantial width at the center front (approximately 1.5 to 2 inches) which tapers significantly towards the ends, which are thin and slightly curved inwards, allowing for easy placement and removal without a clasp. The dark material forms the base of the design, with thin, vertical strips of the gold-toned metal inlaid or affixed at regular intervals. These metal strips are uniform in width and create a striking contrast with the dark background. The finish on the metal appears to be a polished gold, showing some natural tarnishing or patina consistent with age and exposure, particularly noticeable as a slight dullness in areas. The dark material exhibits a smooth, possibly lacquered, finish, and its uniform color suggests either a deeply stained wood or a synthetic material. There are no readily visible maker's marks, signatures, or stamps in the provided image. The construction appears to be well-executed, with clean lines between the inlaid materials, indicating good craftsmanship. The style suggests a mid-20th century to contemporary period, possibly leaning towards a Brutalist, tribal, or ethnic-inspired aesthetic, which was popular in the 1960s-1980s. There are no obvious signs of major damage or repairs, though minor surface scratches or slight dullness on the metal are consistent with normal wear.