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Trifari Jewelry

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.

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Creator: Trifari
Dealer: Stazia Loren
Vintage Trifari Diamante Dangling Earrings, circa 1950s
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Trifari Diamante Dangling Earrings Circa 1950s. Round and Marquis cuts make up these Drop and Dangling Earrings. Clip On. They are so special and classic.
Category

1950s American Artist Vintage Trifari Jewelry

Materials

Mixed Metal

Vintage Trifari Basket Brooch Circa 1937
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Trifari Basket Brooch Circa 1937. The markings date this from 1937 to 1955. The basket is made of baguettes and the flowers are made of pear ...
Category

1940s American Artist Vintage Trifari Jewelry

Materials

Mixed Metal

Vintage Trifari Diamante Baguette and Round Earrings, Circa 1950s
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Trifari Diamante Baguette and Round Earrings Circa 1950s. These are made with a bridge of the baguettes going over the rounds and making a 3d look built up. The earrings are marked pat pend...
Category

1950s American Artist Vintage Trifari Jewelry

Materials

Mixed Metal

Vintage Trifari Emerald Green and Rhinestone Bracelet Circa 1960s
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Trifari Emerald Green and Rhinestone Bracelet. The dates of this bracelet make it between 1955-1969. Thsi looks like a very expnsive Art Deco Bracelet. It is all prong set a...
Category

1960s American Artist Vintage Trifari Jewelry

Materials

Mixed Metal

Vintage Trifari Diamante Leaf Brooch Circa 1940s
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Trifari Leaf Brooch. Comprised of Pave and baguette. Looks real it is set so beautifully and in such gorgeous condition. If this brooc...
Category

1940s American Artist Vintage Trifari Jewelry

Materials

Mixed Metal

Vintage Trifari Gold Tone Bracelet with Pink Beads Circa 1980s
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Trifari Gold Tone Bracelet with Pink Beads. Oval fitting bracelet with lots of fuscia beaded pieces gathered together at the top. Well made and substantial. Alone or mixed wi...
Category

1980s American Artist Vintage Trifari Jewelry

Materials

Mixed Metal

Vintage Trifari Diamante and Sapphire Stone Color Large Brooch Circa 1960s
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Trifari Diamante and Sapphire Stone Color Large Brooch. The baguettes Lay on top of various sizes of oval shapes of sapphire stone color which are surrounded by a border of ...
Category

1960s American Artist Vintage Trifari Jewelry

Materials

Mixed Metal

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Trifari jewelry & watches for sale on 1stDibs

1stDibs offers a range of Trifari jewelry and watches. These unique items were designed with extraordinary care, often using gilt metal. While looking for the most stylish antique or vintage Trifari jewelry to pair with your ensemble, you’ll find that Trifari crystal jewelry & watches can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look, from our inventory of 4. This collection contains 132 pieces as well as a number of other designs by this jeweler. Modern and Retro are some of the most popular styles of Trifari jewelry & watches available on 1stDibs. While this collection reflects work that originated over various time periods, most of these items were designed during the 20th Century. If you are looking for additional options, many customers also consider jewelry & watches by Coro, Hattie Carnegie and Cellini. Trifari jewelry and watches can vary in price depending on gemstone, time period and other attributes. The price for these items starts at $78 and tops out at $9,500, while pieces like these can sell for $298 on average.
Questions About Trifari Jewelry
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    One 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, 2022
    Designer 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.

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