This substantial MMA necklace draws inspiration from classical forms — ribbed, corrugated beads reminiscent of ancient Mediterranean ornamentation. Structured. Sculptural. Intentional.
This is not fast fashion.
This is museum-issued design.
Description
Authentic vintage MMA (Metropolitan Museum of Art) necklace featuring:
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Large corrugated oval gold tone beads
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Large corrugated round beads
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Textured corrugated disc spacers
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Polished round bead spacers
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Wired strung construction for durability and structure
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Lobster clasp closure
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Oval hang tag stamped MMA. CN
This piece is substantial in scale and visually balanced through graduated bead variation.
Necklace Length:
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16 inches
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2 1/2 inch extender
Bead Dimensions:
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Large corrugated oval beads: approximately 20.8 mm x 12.2 mm
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Corrugated disc spacers: approximately 9.90 mm
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Large corrugated round beads: approximately 12.7 mm x 7.12 mm
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Small polished round spacer beads: approximately 4.68 mm
Construction:
Circa 1990s
This aligns with later-production MMA pieces when museum jewelry embraced bold gold revival styling with structured beadwork and adjustable extender chains.
Excellent vintage condition.
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Gold tone remains rich and luminous
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No visible chipping or flaking
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All beads secure
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Extender and clasp function properly
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Tag intact and legible
The wired construction remains strong and structured.
Styling Notes
This is a collar-length statement.
It pairs beautifully with:
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Black turtlenecks
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Crisp white shirts
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Linen blazers
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Silk blouses
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Structured dresses
It gives intellectual luxury.
It gives museum gallery opening.
It gives old-world gold without excess.
Collector’s Note
Jewelry marked MMA was produced for the Metropolitan Museum of Art and often draws direct inspiration from historical artifacts within the museum’s collection.
The corrugated bead design references ancient Mediterranean and Etruscan revival aesthetics — a recurring influence in museum reproduction jewelry.
While later pieces may bear the “CN” country mark, the design integrity and museum backing remain consistent.
This is a bold, sculptural example of 1990s museum-issued statement jewelry.
