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 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 ❤️...
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
Trifari Gold Plated and Black Glass Drop Clip On Earrings circa 1960s
By Trifari
Located in London, GB
Beautiful Trifari gold plated and black glass drop earrings, featuring a swirl design. Measuring length including the clips 4.7 cm / 1.85 inches. There is some scratching to the gold...
Gold Plate
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...
Vintage Trifari Gold Tone with Faux Turquoise 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
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
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
Vintage Gold Byzantine Red & Blue Heart Earrings 1980s
Located in Wilmslow, GB
Vintage Heart Drop Earrings. Crafted in gold plated metal, set with elongated resin hearts in dramatic shades of deep red and blue. In very good condiiton, 8cms. A stunning statement...
Gold Plate
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...
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
14 Karat White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant blue sapphire drop earrings features 8 pieces of round diamonds and 8 pieces of baguettes diamond. The earrings are crafted in a very classic design in 14k white gold. ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
BULGARI 'Divas Dream' Earrings
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Subsumed Multiple Fan-Shaped Icons Inspired by the Curved Mosaics on the Marble Floors of the Caracalla Baths in Rome. Each Fan-Shaped Motif is Embellished with Petite Round Diamonds...
Amethyst, Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
White Moonstone Blue Agate Diamond Halo Pave 14 Karat Yellow Gold Earrings
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Oakton, VA
White Moonstone Blue Agate Diamond Halo Pave 14 Karat Yellow Gold Earrings 14 Karat Yellow Gold 2.00 CT Diamonds Moonstone Agate Cabochon Gemstones Important Information: Please not...
Diamond, Agate, Moonstone, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$446Sale Price|25% Off
V-Mine Versace Valentine Black Heart Earrings
By Versace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
V-Mine Drop Earrings from Versace Women's Collection. V-Mine Versace Valentine! Tribute Gold-tone chain drop earrings with heat-shaped pendants with black enamel.
HARRY WINSTON Diamond and Emerald Ear Clips
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
Pear-Shaped Emeralds Suspended from Detachable Day-Night Diamond Stone on Stone Motif Approximate Emerald Weight - 4.88 CTS and 5.48 CTS Approximate Diamond Weight - 25.00 CTS
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$186Sale Price|27% Off
Trifari Gold Tone White Faux Pearls Earrings
By Trifari
Located in Capri, IT
Trifari Gold Tone White Faux Pearls Earrings measurements 3 x 3 cm
CARTIER Platinum & Diamond Necklace and Earrings
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The design features an intricate openwork pattern expertly crafted from luxurious platinum. Brilliant-cut diamonds of varying sizes are meticulously set within delicate mille-grained...
Diamond, Platinum
$952Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Orient” Blue & White Topaz White Pearls Earrings Set 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Blue & White Topaz White Pearls Earrings Set 18K Gold & Silver Natural White Topaz - 6.50 carat Natural Blue Topaz - 6.00 carat Baroque white south sea pearls T...
Pearl, Topaz, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
Silver Tone Rhinestone Drop Clip On Statement Earrings circa 1980s
Located in London, GB
Fabulous silver tone clip on statement earrings, with sparkling clear rhinestones. Measuring length 8.5cm / 3.3 inches, and the large drop is width 2.1cm / .8 inch. These are beauti...
$1,875 / set
Chanel 1980s Gold Tone Pearl Drop Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing a pair of exquisite earrings from the 1980s, the Chanel Gold Tone Pearl Drop Earrings. These earrings showcase the perfect combination of iconic Chanel design elements, making them a must-have for those who appreciate classic sophistication. The gold-plated interlocking 'C's are an iconic symbol of Chanel's timeless elegance and luxury. The arrangement in a ball shape cascading elegantly adds a touch of glamour and sophistication to the earrings. The top ball encases a stunning synthetic pearl, providing a classic and refined finishing touch. The use of a pearl adds a timeless and elegant element to the design, making these earrings suitable for a variety of occasions. These earrings beautifully capture the essence of 1980s glamour and style. The combination of shiny yellow gold plating, the interlocking 'C's, and the synthetic pearl creates a look that is both chic and timeless. Whether you're dressing up for a formal event or adding a touch of sophistication to your everyday look, these earrings complement a wide range of styles. Their versatility makes them a valuable addition to any jewelry collection. Style these with a Gucci handbag, some Manolo kitten...
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. ...