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 resin cabochon chain designer necklace
By Trifari
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed TRIFARI • gold tone with resin • vintage designer necklace MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku A69 ❤...
TRIFARI signed vintage gold tone omega chain resin enamel designer necklace
By Trifari
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed TRIFARI • gold tone with resin and enamel • vintage designer necklace MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear ...
Vintage TRIFARI crown Roman gold chain designer runway necklace
By Trifari
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed TRIFARI • gold tone • vintage designer runway necklace MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • excellent vintage condition with minimal signs of wear SKU 9 ❤️❤️ ...
Gold Plate
Vintage Crown Trifari Persian Garden Tassel Necklace 1960s
By Trifari
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A stylish Vintage Crown Trifari Persian Garden Necklace from Trifari's 1968 Persian Garden collection. Featuring a large central pendant, crafted from gr...
Gold Plate
$311Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Gilt & Black Resin Mod Teardrop Pendant Necklace By Crown Trifari, 1960s
By Trifari
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 27" length gilded snake chain - 2.5" x 1.6" pendant - Black resin - Gold plated - Clasp closure - By Crown Trifari (signed on verso & hangtag) - Circa 1960s ...
TRIFARI signed gold tone chunky chain designer necklace
By Trifari
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed TRIFARI • gold tone • vintage designer necklace MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku 41 ❤️❤️ VINTA...
$183Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 24" Gilt & Black Cord Twisted Chain Necklace by Trifari, 1970s
By Trifari
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 24" length - Gold plated - Black nylon cord - Clasp closure - By Trifari (signed near clasp) - Circa 1970s - Estate acquired - Excellent vintage condition
$311Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Gilded Roman Goddess Cameo Pendant Necklace by Trifari, 1960s
By Trifari
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Chain measures 21" long - Pendant measures 3" x 2" - Gold plated - Clasp closure - By Crown Trifari (signed on pendant verso) - Circa 1960s - Estate acquired...
1970s Vintage Trifari White Lucite and Trifanium Necklace
By Trifari
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A stylish necklace designed and manufactured in USA by Trifari, good conditions overall of white lucite and gilded metal
Trifari set of two necklaces with matching clip-on earrings
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Complete three-piece set of Trifari polished and gilded gold hardware necklaces, plus matching clip-on earrings to wear with either necklaces. The structured gilded gold necklace has...
Trifari necklace and earrings vintage set, 1990s
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Trifari necklace and earrings vintage gold-tone metal set. Necklace length – 40 cm Earring length – 4,5 cm Condition – very good ........Additional information ........ - Photo...
Star Orb Necklace Black Enamel Black Diamond White Diamond
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Star Orb Necklace Black Enamel Black Diamond White Diamond Material 14k Gold plate Gems: White Diamond and Black Diamond Enamel Length: Long 28" Designer: J DAUPHIN White Dia...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Enamel
Small Diamond Cross Necklace 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Necklace Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 3.2 Grams Chain Length: 16" Pendant Drops: 17 mm Stamped: "K18" "750" "D0.30" Diamond Count: 6 brilliant c...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$19,000
W 0.22 in L 16.5 in
Striking La Pepita Round Wheat Link 18k Yellow Gold and Diamond Choker Necklace
By La Pepita
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This stylish necklace by La Pepita is comprised of one continuous 16 1/2 inch length of fine round 5.50mm diameter wheat link chain, punctuated by three diamond stations. All diamond...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Miami Cuban Chain 27.60 Grams, Brand New
Located in Honolulu, HI
Beautifully crafted Miami Cuban link chain in 14 karat yellow gold. The necklace has a stunning high polish finish and is equipped with box clasp with two additiona figure 8 side cla...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chopard Happy Diamonds Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace
By Chopard
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
18k Yellow Gold Happy Diamonds Diamond Necklace by Chopard. With 39 brilliant cut diamonds VVS1 clarity, E color total weight 1.80 ct Details: Length:...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Big and Bold 18K Yellow Gold Large Link Necklace with One Diamond Link
By Abel & Zimmerman
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This finely crafted 18k yellow gold modified curb link necklace was created and released by venerated German maker, Abel & Zimmerman. It measures 16 inches in length and a very subst...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Baume Creation Tanzanite Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
Baume Creation - Unique piece. Necklace in 18 karat yellow gold. This charming yellow gold necklace features a delicate curb chain with a spring ring clasp. At the front, the gold ch...
Diamond, White Diamond, Tanzanite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Real Gold Heart Charm Necklace with Paper Clip Chain
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
14-karat real, solid gold heart charm pendant mounted in a semi-hollow 14-karat gold paper clip chain. The chain closure lies at the heart, a s...
14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 1940s 15 Karat Yellow Gold Rope Tassel Necklace.
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your look with this elegant lariat Ncklace, crafted in luminous 15 karat gold. Featuring a refined rope- style chain and a fluid tassel drop, this piece strikes the perfect b...
Yellow Gold
Heart Necklace Diamond Pearl Blue Enamel Gold Plated
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Natural White Diamond Pearl Puffy Heart Necklace Midnight Blue Enamel Designer: J Dauphin The Midnight Blue Puffy Heart Necklace is a structural statement piece handcrafted in 14k g...
Freshwater Pearl, Pearl, White Diamond, Diamond, Enamel, Brass, Gold Pla...
$23,046
Dm 0.99 in L 23.63 in
Dubini Athena Ancient Silver Coin Medallion Emerald 18 K Yellow Gold Necklace
By DUBINI
Located in London, GB
This exquisite necklace showcases an authentic AR tetradrachm coin of Athena, dating back to circa 454-404 B.C. set in 18K yellow gold, adorned with double-set emerald and sapphire c...
Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Heart Necklace White Diamond Pearl Gold Plate Pendant Rosario Chain J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Heart Necklace White Diamond Pearl Gold Plated Designer: J DAUPHIN The Heart Necklace features a dimensional puffy heart pendant in 14k gold plated brass, intricately set with natu...
Pearl, White Diamond, Brass, Gold Plate
TRIFARI crown signed gold waterfall amber lucite drops multi chain necklace
By Trifari
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed TRIFARI crown • gold tone with lucite drops • vintage designer necklace MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wea...
TRIFARI signed vintage gold tone crystal enamel designer necklace
By Trifari
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed TRIFARI • gold tone with enamel and crystal • vintage designer necklace MEASUREMENTS • 17" long CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal sig...
Vintage Trifari multi chain necklace, gold tone
By Trifari
Located in NEWARK, GB
A gorgeous vintage Trifari multi chain necklace. Lovely twisted rope link chains in a very rich gold tone, the metal is textured with a slightly matte finish. The chains held toget...
Gold Plate, Base Metal
Gilded Multi Chain Necklace With Leaf Clasp By Crown Trifari, 1950s
By Trifari
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - 25" length - Gold plated - Twenty-one strand chain - Decorative leaf motif box clasp closure - By Crow...
White Acrylic Barrel Choker Necklace By Crown Trifari, 1960s
By Trifari
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - 16" length - 1" width - Gold plated - White plastic - Snake chain - Clasp closure - By Crown Trifari...
Poured Milk Glass Magnolia Flower Choker Necklace By Crown Trifari, 1950s
By Trifari
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - 15" length - 1.1" width at widest point - Poured white milk glass - Gold plated - Three dimensional ...
Poured Milk Glass Daisy Flower Choker Necklace By Crown Trifari, 1950s
By Trifari
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - 14.5" length - 1" width at widest point - Poured white milk glass - Gold plated - Three dimensional ...
Gold Animal Totem Charm Necklace By Trifari, 1970s
By Trifari
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 24" length - Gold plated - Bird, bear and wolf figural charms - Clasp closure - By Trifari (signed near clasp) - Circa 1970s - Est...
Pear Shaped Crystal Choker Necklace By Crown Trifari, 1950s
By Trifari
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 16" total length, can be adjusted down using hook clasp along chain - Rhodium plated - Pear shaped clear crystals - By Crown Trifari (signed on hook clasp) - C...
Gold Geometric Modernist Snake Chain Choker Necklace By Crown Trifari, 1960s
By Trifari
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 15" length - Bib area measures 2.5" across - Gold plated - Clasp closure - By Crown Trifari (signed on hang tag and verso) - Circa 1960s - Estate acquired - ...
54" Gold Swirl Disc Chain Necklace By Crown Trifari, 1960s
By Trifari
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 54" length - Gold plated - Clasp closure - By Crown Trifari (signed on hang tag) - Circa 1960s - Estate acquired - Excellent vintage condition
1960s Gilded Clavicle Necklace w Snake Chain & Crystal Pavé Teardrop By Trifari
By Trifari
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 16" length - Gold plated - Rhodium teardrop pendant - Crystal rhinestones - Clasp closure - By Crown Trifari (double signed on verso & with hangtag near clasp)...