Vintage Faux-Tusk Torque Necklace with Blue Accent

This vintage necklace features a distinctive curved 'double tusk' or horn-style aesthetic, commonly associated with the Brutalist or Ethnic Revival movements of the 1960s and 1970s. The necklace is constructed from ivory-colored synthetic material or polished bone, shaped into two tapering crescent arcs. These elements are capped with gold-toned metal ferrules on each end. Centered between the two tusks is a decorative twisted black or deep navy-blue link, possibly made of resin or glass, which serves as a contrasting focal point. The pendant portion is attached to a standard gold-plated curb chain with a spring-ring clasp. Notable features include the symmetrical design and the use of mixed materials to create a bold, tribal-inspired silhouette. Regarding condition, there is visible tarnish and wear to the gold-toned plating on the chain and metal caps, indicating use and age. The light-colored material appears mostly smooth but may have minor surface abrasions consistent with vintage costume jewelry. No obvious maker's marks are visible in the image, suggesting it may be a mass-produced boutique piece from the mid-to-late 20th century. The craftsmanship is typical of high-quality costume jewelry, with secure fittings and a well-balanced arrangement.

I have conducted a visual examination of this vintage 'double tusk' torque necklace. The piece is a classic example of late 1960s to early 1970s Ethnic Revival costume jewelry. The construction utilizes molded synthetic resins (simulating ivory or bone) and gold-toned base metal. Surface examination reveals significant oxidation and plating loss on the ferrules and curb chain, consistent with age and the use of non-precious materials. The central navy-blue resin link remains securely seated. The market for mid-century costume jewelry remains steady, though values for unsigned boutique pieces are currently impacted by a high volume of similar 'tusk' motif items on secondary markets. Comparables for unsigned pieces of similar construction typically sell in the $40 to $70 range. The aesthetic appeal of the Brutalist-inspired silhouette drives the demand, particularly among collectors of vintage bohemian fashion. Value is currently limited by the visible wear to the metal finish and the lack of a designer hallmark (such as Monet or Kenneth Jay Lane), which would otherwise command a premium. To finalize this appraisal, an in-person inspection is required to determine the exact density of the white elements to rule out genuine organic material (bone or tooth), though the uniform color suggests a synthetic. I would also recommend a chemical streak test on the metal components to confirm they are indeed base metal and not a lower-karat gold alloy. No provenance was provided to suggest historical or celebrity ownership, which would be the primary driver for a higher valuation.