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.
TRIFARI crown signed vintage gold tone faux pearls designer clip on earrings
By Trifari
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed TRIFARI crown • gold tone with faux pearls • vintage designer earrings MEASUREMENTS • 1 1/4" long CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs...
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
Crown TRIFARI Mod Gold Tone Drop Dangle Earrings, 1950's
By Trifari
Located in Atlanta, GA
Fashion forward for the 1950's ... a pair of Crown Trifari drop dangle earrings consisting of matte gold tone orbs suspended by chain from a shamrock-shaped base. The design has a 1...
Gilt Metal
Trifari Mirror Tile Mod Mobile Earrings
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Trifari Mirrored Tile Mobile Earrings, oversized Mod styling with panels of royal blue and emerald glass mirror which move with the wearer. Clip back fittings. 1960's USA. Excellent...
Gilt Metal
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
Vintage Trifari Gold Tone Faux Pearl Dangle Earrings, Circa 1980s
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Trifari Gold Tone With Faux Pearl Earrings Circa 1980s. The earrings feature a slightly built-up 3D tear-drop shape with a brutalist gold tone composition, but with a faux pe...
Mixed Metal
Interchangeable Earrings in Sterling with Blue Topaz Baguettes
By Martha Seely
Located in Carlisle, MA
The Interchangeable Earring Ensembles are the foundation of the Lyra Collection. Lightweight and playful, this ensemble consists of the huggie ...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Sterling Silver
Tourmaline Diamond 18 Karat Gold Star Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 18K gold, these beautiful star earrings are hand set in 1.18 carats tourmaline, multi sapphires and .19 carats of diamonds FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the lat...
Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Diamond, Tourm...
Roman Malakov 8.57 Carats Total Round Cut Diamond Dangle Earrings in White Gold
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A intricate pair of dangling earrings, showcasing round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 8.57 carats total, set in an open-work and mace-like design. Finely made with 18K white gold. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Yianni Creations Oval Aquamarine Fine Silver and 24 Karat Gold Earrings
By Yianni Creations
Located in Astoria, NY
Yianni Creations Midas Collection 100% Handmade Artisan Earrings from Fine Silver with a layover of 24 Karat Yellow Gold feature each 0.75 Carat Oval Cut Aquamarine complemented by u...
Aquamarine, Gold, 24k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Palladium, Silver, ...
Alex Jona Sterling Silver Link Chain Pendant Earrings
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, rhodium plated sterling silver twisted wire ear pendants. Alex Jona jewels stand out, not only for their special design and for t...
Sterling Silver
Alex Jona Brushed 18 Karat Yellow Gold Hoop Pendant Earrings
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat brushed yellow gold double hoop pendant earrings. Dimensions: W 0.67in/17mm, D 0.09in/2.19mm. Alex Jona jewels stand out...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,400
W 0.63 in L 2.25 in
Michael Kneebone Rhodolite Garnet Amethyst Diamond Red Topaz Dangle Earrings
By Michael Kneebone
Located in Austin, TX
Red and purple colors glow in these statement dangle earrings. Brightly colored cabochon rhodolite garnet (origin: Tanzania) is complimented by richly colored marquise cut amethyst (origin: Brazil). The gems support cabochon red topaz...
Amethyst, Diamond, Garnet, Topaz, Rhodolite, 18k Gold
South Sea Pearl Diamond Cluster Earrings 2.14 Carat 18 Karat White Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K White gold earrings featuring two South Sea Pearl measuring 14-15 mm with a diamond cluster top of marquise, pear, princess and round brilliants weighing 2.14 carats. Color: H ...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$495 / set
14K Gold Hoop Earrings circa 1980s
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Timeless and chic 14k gold dangle earrings. The earrings feature three circles stacked on top of one another in a beautiful textured gold metal. Balance them out with your gold Cartier love rings or create a contrast by styling them with your favorite Louis Vuitton padlock necklace...
14k Gold
Smart and Tailored 18K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Duster Earrings
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Fashioned in 18k yellow gold, these handsome earrings are set with two 9.5mm cultured pearls adorned with high quality brilliant cut diamonds. Total diamond weight is 1.91ct of overa...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.51 Carat Cubic Zirconia Sterling Silver Designer Long Halo Drop Earrings
By Lustre of London
Located in London, GB
Inspired by the vintage designs of the Art Deco era, these drop earrings add effortless sparkle to an every day look. Pave set round brilliant cuts flow down each forward-facing sur...
Rhodium, Sterling Silver, Silver
CHRISTIAN DIOR Vintage Victorian Insipred Faux Pearl Dangling Earrings
By Christian Dior
Located in Nice, FR
CHRISTIAN DIOR vintage oxidized gun patina dangling earrings (clip-on) embellished with faux pearls. Marked CHR. DIOR Germany. Indicative measurements : height approx. 6.1 cm (2.40...
Kunio Matsumoto For TRIFARI Rhinestone Dangle Earrings, 1970’s
By Trifari
Located in Atlanta, GA
1970’s era Trifari gold tone dangle earrings accented with sparkling crystal rhinestones by Japanese architect, Kunio Matsumoto, for Trifari. The drop dangle design is a beautiful b...
Gilt Metal
Sold
H 1.75 in W 1 in D 0.5 in Dm 1 in L 1.75 in
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. They have the look of fine. Clip On. They are so special an...
Mixed Metal
Vintage gold heart mesh bow dangle designer runway pierced earrings
By Trifari
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • unsigned • gold tone • vintage designer pierced earrings MEASUREMENTS • 1.88" by 1.38" CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear sku 9 ❤...
Vintage Gilt & Grape Purple Beaded Earrings by Crown Trifari, 1960s
By Trifari
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Each earring measures 1.4" tall - Gold plated - Grape purple colored beads - Clip on earring backs - By Crown Trifari (signed on clips) - Circa 1960s - Estate...
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
Crown Trifari Sunburst Atomic Style Clip-On Earrings, circa 1955, Signed
By Trifari
Located in McKinney, TX
Stunningly beautiful Modernist gold-tone sunburst style clip-on dangle earrings by Trifari, circa 1955. Trifari is a highly collected costume jewelry brand, noted for it's high quali...
Pretty & Petite C.1950 Crown Trifari Articulated Rhinestone Earrings
By Trifari
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pretty and petite with a small scale but a big look! These precious Crown Trifari C.1950 earrings resemble a cluster of grapes with the clip on base serving as a vine and an articul...
Gilt Metal
Signed Trifari Geometric Sculptural Dangle Earrings
By Trifari
Located in North Miami, FL
These fabulous, dramatic, geometric Trifari long dangle clip on pair of earrings are signed Trifari. The white enamel and gold plated dramatic look are a show stopper. They can be w...
Trifari Pave Swirl Earclips
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Trifari earclips from the 1950's. Pave and baguette rhinestones are used in this drop hoop with clip back fittings. Beautiful quality as to be expected from Trifari. 2.25" x ...
Gilt Metal
Retro Trifari Tassel Earrings
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Trifari tassel earrings from the late 1940's. A pair of tassels falls assymetrically from each swirl motif ear clip set in rose finish gold. Clip back f...
Gilt 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 Enamel Gyroscope Earrings
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Unusual "gyroscope" earrings by Trifari in gilt metal with green and navy enamel. Hoops can be adjusted so any color combination is available. Very cool and...