Trifari Chandelier Earrings
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.
1980s American Artisan Vintage Trifari Chandelier Earrings
Gold Plate
2010s British Modern Trifari Chandelier Earrings
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s European Contemporary Trifari Chandelier Earrings
Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Trifari Chandelier Earrings
Brown Diamond
2010s Hong Kong Artisan Trifari Chandelier Earrings
White Diamond, Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Italian Vintage Trifari Chandelier Earrings
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold, Platinum
2010s Australian Belle Époque Trifari Chandelier Earrings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Mid-18th Century Italian Georgian Antique Trifari Chandelier Earrings
Ruby, 18k Gold
18th Century Italian George III Antique Trifari Chandelier Earrings
Ruby, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Trifari Chandelier Earrings
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Mid-20th Century Italian Retro Trifari Chandelier Earrings
Coral, 10k Gold
1810s Italian Georgian Antique Trifari Chandelier Earrings
2010s Thai Modern Trifari Chandelier Earrings
Amethyst, Kunzite, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphi...
1960s Unknown Vintage Trifari Chandelier Earrings
Trifari chandelier earrings for sale on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024The difference between Trifari and Crown Trifari comes down to age. When Gustavo Trifari founded his eponymous jewelry house in 1904, the hallmark he used on pieces was a simple T. Around 1937, Trifari began adding a crown to its hallmarks. As a result, Crown Trifari jewelry tends to include newer vintage pieces, while regular Trifari jewelry includes both vintage and antique pieces. Explore a wide variety of Trifari jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Trifari was always diligent in marking its jewelry, and the mark has evolved over the years. There were a few pieces in the early years that went unmarked, but those pieces are extremely rare. Costume jewelry maker Trifari is widely beloved for its fine craftsmanship and complex designs for necklaces, brooches and other accessories. On 1stDibs, you can find a collection of authentic Trifari jewelry pieces from some of the world’s top sellers.
- Is Trifari jewelry real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023Whether Trifari jewelry is real gold depends on its age. Jewelry produced by the brand between 1904 and 1946 usually features genuine gold, but newer pieces typically do not. In 1947, the jewelry maker introduced a patented metal alloy called Trifanium. Its unique properties made the metal able to resist tarnishing and allowed it to be plated with other metals to create a gold- or silver-tone finish. Trifari called this gold jewelry golden-toned Trifanium. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of Trifari jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022One of the most highly sought after vintage jewelry brands, Trifari was in operation from the 1910s until the year 2000. After a long and colorful history, Trifari continues to make jewelry as a Liz Claiborne subsidiary. On 1stDibs, get the real deal and shop vintage Trifari jewelry from some of the top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Designer Alfred Philippe was the head designer for Trifari from 1930 until 1968. Philippe was also a designer for Cartier, Van Cleef and Arples and became very popular and well-known for his creations. One of his big fans was the First Lady of the United States, Mamie Eisenhower. Shop a collection of authentic Trifari jewelry and brooches from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.