Never worn, with its original 1970's paper hang tag showing Trifari Style 1070, this white and gold bib collar necklace is Kunio Matsumoto in style. In a design that some might call Architectural, some Industrial, some Modernist and others Art Deco inspired. By all accounts, whatever you call it, this superb white, ivory and gold bib collar Trifari necklace is a vintage delight.
The Trifari logo appears on the back side of the gold tone metal portion of the center Lucite and gold tone metal element.
Although it is not also signed by Kunio Matsumoto, it has all the earmarks of one of his designs when he was working for Trifari in the late 1970's. Every indication of his architectural style is here, as you can see in the photos.
As evidence to us of just how well made costume jewelry used to be, this vintage hinged necklace features a slightly curved shape to hug the neckline, with a 2 by 1 and 1/2 inch creamy ivory slightly marbleized Lucite centerpiece that is curved and approximately 1/4 inch in depth. It is edged on the straight side with a hammered gold tone metal band.
One side of the bib collar has 2 strands of white and gold tone metal beads graduated in size. Those are fitted to a hammered connector approximately 2 and 1/2 inches from the center element. Asymmetrical in shape, one side has a single strand of the same beads that are graduated in size.
Note even the level of workmanship in the design quality of the construction. As you can also tell from the photo that shows the underside of the necklace, the hinged metal section and the Lucite and metal portions are attached with an almost hidden screw.
The entire front centerpiece section is commanding, as can be seen in the photos. All in all, this is a sophisticated and chic design, which has stood the test of time.
The back clasp is an easy to use hook and eye style and works perfectly.
You can see how beautiful it looks on the mannequin in spite of the fact this is a hollow back hard plastic figure. You can imagine how well it is made to fit a real woman's rounder neckline.
This necklace has never been worn, was stored with care and is a totally wearable and desirable vintage gem, with no flaws to report.
The Trifari bib collar necklace, in the Kunio Matsumoto 1970's Modernist style, is in Mint Excellent Never Worn Vintage condition and it a great piece to own, especially if you are looking for a designer statement piece. It was then, it is now and it will remain in the future, a very wearable piece of stylish jewelry.
This item is sold from a vintage boutique in Bradenton, FL.
