Costume jewelry maker Trifari is widely loved for its fine craftsmanship and complex designs for necklaces, brooches and other jewelry and accessories.
The company was formed in New York during the early 1920s, when its partners Gustavo Trifari (who descended from a family of jewelers), Leo Krussman and Carl Fishel (business associates in hair-ornament manufacturing) recognized, as other designers during the Art Deco era such as Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel had, that fashion trends for affordable jewelry for everyday wear represented an opportunity (and that the popularity of shorter hairstyles didn’t bode well for their haircomb business).
Initially called Trifari, Krussman and Fishel Jewelry (T.K.F.), the trio eventually shortened their brand’s name, at the suggestion of an advertising professional, to Trifari in order to evoke the romance of Gustavo’s native Italy.
The hiring of French designer Alfred Philippe as head designer in 1930 was pivotal to Trifari’s success. A master craftsman who had worked with both Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, Philippe set about establishing the same high-quality standards of materials and craftsmanship in the design of fashion jewelry and trained other Trifari artisans to do the same. Settings were delicate; crystals were hand set; designs, which sometimes featured dazzling floral motifs or exquisite depictions of marine life, were sophisticated and elegant, having both the look and feel of fine jewelry. First Lady Mamie Eisenhower wore a Trifari parure of faux pearls to her husband’s presidential inauguration in 1953 and Trifari glass pearls to his inaugural ball in 1957.
Before retiring in 1968, Philippe created Trifari’s most recognizable designs. In the 1930s, when the company was custom-making accessories for the stars of Broadway musicals, it was the crown motif: These brooches became so often identified with the brand that a crown was eventually incorporated into the trademark. In the 1940s, the “Jelly Bellies” inspired affection as well as knockoffs; these were animals, birds and insects sporting a “belly” of clear Lucite. Clip-Mates were another favorite and a technical marvel — two dress clips that, joined together, created a brooch.
Find a wide range of vintage Trifari jewelry on 1stDibs.
Vintage TRIFARI gold enamel pierced designer runway earrings
By Trifari
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed TRIFARI • gold tone with enamel • vintage designer runway pierced earrings MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • excellent vintage condition with minimal signs of ...
Gold Plate, Enamel
Vintage TRIFARI gold enamel designer runway bracelet earrings set
By Trifari
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed TRIFARI • gold tone with enamel • vintage designer runway bracelet earrings set MEASUREMENTS • bracelet is 7 1/4" by 7/8", earrings are 1 1/4" by 1" CONDIT...
Gold Plate, Enamel
Striking Trifari Crystal Pendant Drop Earrings
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Imposing and striking articulated Trifari Crystal Drop Earrings from the 1960's. Clip earrings with a grid of pave work set within a gold...
Gilt Metal
Vintage Trifari Gold Tone Faux Turquoise Drop Earrings, Circa 1980s
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Trifari Gold Tone with Faux Turquoise Earrings Circa 1980s. These small but chic earrings feature a drop piece, and on top are three pieces of diamanté that enhance the look...
Mixed Metal
Diane Love for Trifari Ancient Chinese Motif Earrings
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Diane Love for Trifari Ancient Chinese Motif clip earrings with bronze finish bats with hammered gold link drops. 1.75" x 1.25". Diane Love created a line of Artist jewels based on ...
Gilt Metal
Trifari Faux Emerald Hoop Earrings
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Trifari Faux Emerald Hoop Earrings from the 1960's. Finest quality faux jewelry by the best maker of the period with glass stones simulating f...
Rhodium
Trifari Dangling Grape Tremblant Earrings
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Charming Trifari Dangling Grape Tremblant Earrings with clip back fittings. Bow cap is decorated with crystal baguettes with a bunch of dangling fau...
Rhodium
Drop Earrings with Moons and Stars Tassels in Vermeil Gold
By Ammanii
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Part of AMMANII's Sa'mma = Sky Collection. Homage to the sky, the universal blanket that covers mankind and connects us all under its wings. The drop earrings with moon and stars tas...
Zircon, 18k Gold, Vermeil, Silver
Vintage Lapis Lazuli and Diamond Dangle Earrings
Located in Honolulu, HI
Beautifully Lapis Lazuli diamond dangling earrings in 14k yellow gold. These gorgeous earrings has a deep blue pear shape Lapis cabochons dangling from an inverted heart set with diamonds. The Lapis cabochons are bezel set. Each heart is set with 16 round brilliant cut diamonds totaling 32 diamonds on the pair. The diamonds are G in color and SI1 in clarity. The total diamond weight is approximately 0.65 carat. The earrings have post backs for pierced ears and are equipped with friction backings. These earrings are very well made in 14k yellow gold. The earrings measure 36 mm long (1.50 inches) x 13.94 mm wide (0.50 inch). The total weight of the earrings is 9.00 grams. These are vintage Lapis Lazuli...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
22K Gold Drop Earrings with Matte Finish, Circa 1980s, Unisex Design
Located in Nantucket, MA
22K gold drop earrings with a matte finish. Circles with circles with spade-shape French wire for pierced ears. The fine jewelry collection is sourced, des...
22k Gold
Statement Interlocked Hoop Earrings with Hieroglyphic Amulets Vermeil Gold
By Ammanii
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Newest Addition to Ammanii's Malikat = Queens Collections. Hand crafted, interconnected hoop earrings with amulets inscribed with hieroglyphic signs to give you the power of life, he...
Chrysophrase, Lapis Lazuli, Freshwater Pearl, Zircon, Vermeil
Guy Laroche Aquamarine Designer 18 Karat Huggie Earrings
By Guy Laroche
Located in Honolulu, HI
French Designer Guy Laroche Aquamarine huggie earrings in 18k white gold. These earrings have a unique pass through design. The beautifully designed earrings features four (4) rectangular cut blue Aquamarine gemstones set in a channel that passes through a rectangle openning. A total of eight (8) Aquamarine gems are set on these earrings, totaling approximately 1.60 carats. The Aquamarines have a Beautiful aqua blue color. The earrings are masterfully crafted in 18k white gold and has a high polished finish. These earrings have post backs for pierced ears and friction push back backing. The earrings measure approximately 14.80 mm high x 5.75 mm wide. Hallmarked "Guy Laroche" and stamped "18k". Total weight 5.00 grams. These are new old stock earrings...
Aquamarine, 18k Gold, White Gold
$238Sale Price|20% Off
Two Tone Ornate Ottoman Style 4" Drop Earrings With Glass Cabochons, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - Each earring measures 4" long - Antique gold tone and silver tone - Amber, amethyst purple and chartreuse glass...
Ruby Heart Diamond Dangling Earrings in 14k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Metal: 14k White Gold Earring Length: 0.80" Total Weight: 1.9 Grams Diamonds: 42 Setting: Prong Ruby Carat Weight: 0.50 Diamond Color: G-H Diamond ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Coral Turquoise Drop Earrings, 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Stuttgart, DE
Enchanting dangling earring by YVES SAINT LAURENT, signed 'rive gauche' Made in France 1980s. Dimensions Lenght 7 cm Width 3 cm Features - Signed on the back, YSL rive...
Gilt Metal
TRIFARI crown signed gold tone faux turquoise designer clip on earrings
By Trifari
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed TRIFARI crown • gold tone with faux turquoise • vintage designer earrings MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wea...
Chanel CC Faux Pearl Quilted Gold Tone Drop Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301742 Comes With Box Only Date 2010 Model CC Collection Serial Number 10V Metal Gold-Plated, Gilt Weight 4.58 g Condition Excellent Other Info Diameter: Approximately 1.2cm - ...
Gilt Metal
1980s Mixed Stone Drop Earrings
Located in Alford, MA
Vogue Bijoux drop earrings, the oval earpiece of a central mabe pearl framed by rhinestones suspending a ribbed, round blue stone topped by graduated ...
Vivid Diamonds GIA Certified 14.8 Carat Dangle Diamond Earrings
By Vivid Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Sensational Vivid Diamonds Dangle earrings crafted in platinum showcasing 2 GIA certified round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 6.05 carats total, G-H color, VS1-SI1 clarity and 2 GI...
Diamond, Platinum
TRIFARI signed vintage gold tone pink lucite drop designer pierced earrings
By Trifari
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed TRIFARI • gold tone with lucite • vintage designer earrings MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku 61 ❤️...
Trifari Late 1950s Rhinestone Vintage Drop Earrings
By Trifari
Located in Skelmersdale, GB
These elegant earrings were created by Trifari in the late 1950s. Condition Report: Excellent The Details... These rhodium plated metal drop design earrings are set with round, o...
Sapphire Baguette Crystal Cocktail Drop Earrings By Crown Trifari, 1950s
By Trifari
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - Each earring measures 2.25" x .75" - Silver tone "Trifarium platinum" plated - Encrusted with sapphire b...
Textured Gold Interlocking Rings Drop Earrings By Crown Trifari, 1960s
By Trifari
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Each earring measures 2.5" x 1" - Gold plated - Clip on earring backs - By Crown Trifari (signed on clips) - Circa 1960s - Estate acquired - Good vintage cond...
Trifari Pastel Rhinestone Flower Pierced Earrings
By Trifari
Located in Atlanta, GA
Flower power Trifari style! Beautiful gold tone flower earrings accented by pastel blue and lilac rhinestones anchoring faceted crystal drops. Outfitted with pierced post hardware ...
Gilt Metal
Trifari 1980s Gold Plated Green and Lilac Glass Sun Face Star Clip On Earrings
By Trifari
Located in London, GB
Lovely Trifari 1980s gold plated clip on earrings, featuring green and lilac glass surrounding a star, dropping from a sun face design top. Measuring diameter 2.8cm / 1.1 inches. These unusual quality vintage Trifari earrings...
Sold
W 0.75 in D 0.4 in L 22 in
Gilt chain and coloured pastes 'sphere' necklace and earrings, Trifari, 1960s.
By Trifari
Located in Greyabbey, County Down
A beautiful, smart, French style 'sautoir' necklace, with matching drop earrings (clip fitting) from Trifari. Set with Royal blue and fuschia pink pastes, the 'spheres' highlight and...
Gilt Metal
Art Deco style paste drop earrings, Trifari, 1960s
By Trifari
Located in Greyabbey, County Down
Part of a collection of jewels produced by Trifari from the 1960s in the Art Deco style, these beautiful earrings,made of paste and high quality moulded plastic, set in rhodium plate...
Rhodium, Base Metal
Trifari Pave Floral Hoop Earclips
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Unusual pave earrings by Trifari with leaf and floret motifs. The hoops are made of tiny flower buds and move independantly from the leaf motif on ear. USA 1950's. Excellent condition.
Base Metal
Trifari Rhinestone drops, clip
By Trifari
Located in Sparks, NV
Description: So classic! These beauties will never go out of style.Trifari clip rhinestone drops 3" long X 3/4 wide at widest point. Signed. circa 1960s. ...