Ode to RAZZA... Je t'adore!!!

So, I'll start by saying that I have an abnormal fascination with vintage plastics. I blame it on my Mother - the consummate collector. Celluloid, bakelite, catalin, galalith, lucite, thermoset plastics, resins - I love them ALL!!! But, in recent years, the jewelry created by one relatively unknown vintage designer has been my Ultimate collecting obsession. That designer is Luca Razza.

Little is known about Razza and his company, other than: He began making jewelry in the 1950s; The figural metal and resin pieces that he is know for were made between 1968 and 1975 while working for the The Certified Corporation.

I've been collecting Razza jewelry for 5+ years now and, though I have most of the pieces I desire, there are still ones that I'm missing.  And, just when I think that I've seen everything by Razza, something new pops up and I'm amazed all over again!

My Prized Collection...


Luca Razza made many different types of metal and resin pieces in the late 60's / early 1970s. I collect the most desired of these... the figural animals. The main ones are the Elephant, Lion, Owl, and Bull. Others include the Ram, Goat, and Panda. He made all of these in small (approx. 1.5") size pendants, large (approx. 3" to 4") size pendants, brooches, rings, and belts. I do not have any belts. Also, I am missing the Panda, Giraffe, Horse, and the Cobra - all of which are extremely rare! The Ram, Bull, Lion, and Goat cross over into Razza's Zodiac jewelry line.

The Necklaces:

c.1960s-70s Elephant.  Unsigned Razza. This piece is actually in my store, ChezVous ! I was lucky enough to come across two of these, so I am selling one. It's hard to tell from the picture, but this handsome fellow measures 4" x 3 1/4"! Talk about MASSIVE!!! I have never worn this piece without getting at least one complement... usually four or five.

My Prized Lion!!! He's so great, with silver plated metal and black resin. And, like all of my Razza necklaces... he's HUGE!!! 

This is my gold version of the lion. The gold lion ties with my gold elephant as the Razza necklace I wear the most. His face is gold tone and resin; The mane is more of a bronze color and adorned with flocked leopard print ribbon - which I have never seen duplicated on any other piece by Razza!   

Bashful Owl Necklace. Gold tone metal with cream plastic resin. So Chic!

Black resin and silver metal bull.  I love his nose ring!

Gold tone metal bull with cream resin and gold hand painted details!  There is no hole in this guy's nose for a ring. He could actually be a she... I'm not sure. So, bull or cow necklace by Razza!  Consequently, this piece was my first by Razza, and solidified my obsession with the designer. You can see why, right?!?!

Very RARE gold tone and creme white resin Billy Goat necklace! He's Ginormous! And, I've never seen this guy in the large size before. 

Gold and cream resin with gold painted detailing Ram necklace. His horns span approx. 5"!!! Don't you just love the expressions on Razza pieces?! They are like miniature sculptures!

Also, it is worth mentioning that are multiple versions of some of these animals - the Ram and Lion being among them.

The Brooches:

Collection of four, approx. 1.5" brooches by Razza. (clockwise from left) Lion, Elephant, Bull, Ram. All are molded resins with hand painted details set in gold tone metal. 

The Rings:

Adjustable Gold Lion Ring. Made of gold tone metal and Razza's signature cream resin plastic.

Two Adjustable Bull Rings. One gold tone metal with cream resin plastic; One silver tone metal with black resin plastic.

The Razza Signature

Not all pieces by Luca Razza are signed.  Luckily, his jewelry is so incredibly unique that you should be able to tell immediately if he created the piece.  If you come across a piece of Razza that is signed, the signature will look something like this:

There may be an "L." before the "RAZZA".  But, if the piece does have a signature, there will always be a copyright symbol and a "RAZZA".  

Other Interesting Pieces by Razza:

There are other FABULOUS must haves - many that I don't have - by Razza. These pieces are part of the Zodiac Collection. They include the Ram, Goat, and Bull which I have, and the Crab, Scorpion, Twins, Water Bearer, Maiden, Scales, Archer, and Fish. Here are some pieces that are missing from my collection that I found online...

Aquarius The Water Carrier - $55

at: vintagepickins

RARE Razza Bull Belt - $65

at: vintagetea

Razza Wiggle Eyed Owl Necklace - $65

at: Nanvintage

Razza Ram's (alternate version) Head Necklace - $195

at: HG's Place

Razza Scorpio Scorpion Necklace - $249

at: Vintage Stardust

Razza Zodiac Sign Gemini Twins - $130

at: Nelda's Vintage

And, I have to list this great buy...

Razza Bashful Owl Necklace - Amazing Price! - $35

at: KJohn Originals