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 Bezel Set Ruby Chain
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Attractive Trifari Bezel Set Ruby Chain from the 1950's. Antique gold settings with twisted wire work bezel. 28" x 5/8".
Gilt Metal
Vintage TRIFARI crown gold faux amber designer runway necklace
By Trifari
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed Trifari Crown • gold tone with lucite beads • vintage designer runway necklace MEASUREMENTS • 16.5" long, beads are 0.5" in diameter CONDITION • very good vi...
$318Sale Price|20% Off
1940s "Comet" Choker Necklace & Earring Set By Alfred Philippe for Trifari
By Trifari
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the early mid-century - Extremely rare, hard to find set - Choker measures 16.5" in length and .6" width - Earrings measur...
Trifari Vintage Gold-Tone Leaf Collar Necklace
By Trifari
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
A striking vintage collar necklace by Trifari, dating from the 1970s-1980s, featuring a finely worked leaf motif in gold-tone metal. The sculptural, elegant design wraps gracefully a...
Gold
Glamorous Trifari Faux Aquamarine and Ruby Necklace
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Glamorous Trifari Faux Aquamarine and Ruby Necklace in the Art Deco style from the 1960's. Beautiful articulated design in rhodiumed metal...
Rhodium
Trifari Sterling Retro Suite
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful Trifari gold washed sterling silver retro demiparure circa 1940. Set with oval cut garnet pastes. Can be worn as bracelet and necklace or as an ...
Gold Plate
Vintage TRIFARI crown signed gold tone pearl designer necklace
By Trifari
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed TRIFARI crown • gold plated with faux pearls • vintage designer necklace MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sk...
Trifari Enamelled and Studded Necklace
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Trifari enamel and gold studded necklace held with chains. 1970s Usa
Excellent condition
Elegant Trifari Pave and Sapphire Crystal Necklace
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Trifari 'Alfred Philippe' Pave and Faux Sapphire Wave collar from the 1950's. Articulated links of pave crystals set with sapphire oval pastes. Adjustable 14-15.75". 1 cm wid...
Rhodium
Trifari Rose Gold Pave Pansy Link Necklace
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Trifari Rose Gold Plate Pansy Link Necklace from the 1940's with pave accents. Each link is a pierced floral with crystals. 16" x .65". 1940's USA.
Gilt Metal
Trifari by Diane Love Classical Necklace
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
As a guest designer for Trifari in the 1970s, Diane Love explored her love of classical and ancient cultures. 2 tones of gold and antique silver are combine...
Trifari Retro Topaz Demiparure
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful Trifari gold washed sterling silver retro demiparure circa 1940. Can be worn as bracelet and necklace or as an extra long necklace. Superb quality 1940s USA. Excellent condition necklace 15 inches...
Sterling Silver
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...
Ilias Lalaounis 1990's 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Foliate Station Necklace
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as fancy infinity link chain with gold wire wrapped detail and fringe station Fringe is comprised of repoussé foliates with hammer texture throughout Completed by lobster cl...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Maillon Panther Diamond 3 Row Necklace in 18k White Gold
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Cartier Maillon Panthère diamond necklace is a striking masterpiece, featuring interlocking links adorned with brilliant diamonds. This necklace features 3 rows with approximate...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co Paloma Picasso Set, Bracelet and Necklace in 18 K Gold Diamonds
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Paris, FR
Tiffany's Paloma Picasso Bracelet and Necklace in 18kt Yellow Gold Platinum and Diamonds. Together they can form a long necklace. Alternate Circles of interlaced double Links. A Plat...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 11.80cts Diamond Riviera !8k White Gold Chocker Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Simply Stunning! This Vintage Diamond Necklace was inspired by a Riviera design and crafted in 18k white Gold. Tapering from 4.5mm to 2.5, this necklace features beautifully matc...
Diamond, White Gold, Platinum
Vintage Chunky Link Twist Collar 1980s
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A Vintage Gold Twist Collar. The quintessential timeless style statement to elevate your look. An unsigned beauty. A rare treasure. Just because a jewel doesn’t carry a designer name...
Gold Plate
Christian Lacroix Vintage Silver Toned Crystal Choker Necklace
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Nice, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX vintage silver toned articulated choker necklace embellished with multicolored crystals (clear, grey, pink, blue). Silver tone metal hardware. Adjustable lobster ...
Henry Perichon Gilded Bronze Chain Necklace with Jeweled Cabochons
By Henry Perichon
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is an exceptional Henry Perichon (also known as the renowned French designer Henry) Medieval-Revival gilded-bronze pendant necklace. The rare bronze metal pendant, featuring ant...
Bronze
Diamond Yellow Gold Braided Collar Necklace
By Cellini
Located in New York, NY
A classic 18KT yellow gold braided necklace set with 15.03 carats of round brilliant diamonds. The braided links of the necklace alternate with pave set ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
An 18k Gold Boucheron Chain with woven links
By Boucheron
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18k gold necklace of braided round links signed and numbered: Boucheron, B 3383140, the French assay mark for 18k gold and a French master's mark. weight: 151.47 g length: 60 cm ...
18k Gold
Cartier Diamond Dove of Peace Necklace and Bracelet Set in 18k White Gold
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Cartier 18k white gold Dove of Peace necklace and bracelet accompanied by Cartier box and Cartier certificate of authenticity. This necklace features ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Angela Caputi Black and Red Geometric Resin Choker Necklace
By Angela Caputi
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made in Italy, resin necklace features a black dominant color with a burgundy-red contrast. The choker features chunky carved pebble beads and three squa...
$5,536
Christian Dior necklace
By Christian Dior
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
DIOR - (Made in Germany) Impressive golden metal necklace with openwork spheres, multicolored glass paste cabochons, and rhinestones. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Len...
Trifari 1980s Ivory & Blue Enameled on Gold Flower Necklace & Earrings
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Step into elegant vintage style with this striking 1980s Trifari statement necklace. Featuring a rigid, collar-style design, this piece is beautifully crafted with glossy blue and wh...
Gold Plate, Enamel
1960s Trifari Gold O-Chain Link Necklace
By Trifari
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 1960s Trifari Gold O-Chain Link Necklace features a timeless design with classic gold links that sit elegantly at the high neck. Its refined craftsmanship and vintage appeal mak...
70s Trifari rare Diane Love Egyptian "Shekmet" Collar Necklace
By Trifari
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Scarce vintage 1970's 18k gold plated Diane Love for Trifari Egyptian "Shekment" necklace with red cabochon and yellow marquise faux gems, joined to a collar of large plaques joine...
Trifari Gold Plated Brushed and Shiny Leaves Link Necklace circa 1960s
By Trifari
Located in London, GB
Beautiful Trifari gold plated brushed and shiny leaves link necklace. Measuring length 39.5 cm / 15.5 inches including the extension chain with the Trifari logo charm, by width 1.3 cm / .5 inch. This classic Trifari necklace...
Silver Leaf and Pearl Cluster Choker Necklace By Crown Trifari, 1960s
By Trifari
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - 14" length with additional 2" extender chain - .6" width - Silver tone plating - Brushed texture finish...
Turquoise and White Enamel Link Choker Necklace By Crown Trifari, 1960s
By Trifari
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 13" length with additional 2.5" extender chain - White enamel - Faux turquoise cabochons - Gold plated - Hook clasp - By Crown Trifari (signed on hook) - Circ...
Trifari Lemon Aurora Moon Rock Suite, Etoile Series
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Unusual Trifari Lemon Aurora Moon Rock Suite from the 1950's Etoile Series. Brooch, bracelet and earrings with lemon aurora moon rocks and aurora borealis crystals. Bracelet 7", Ear...
Gilt Metal
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
1970s Gilded Leaves Statement Choker Necklace By Kunio Matsumoto For Trifari
By Trifari
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Measures 15" length with additional 3" extender chain - 2.25" Y drop - Gold plated - Hook clasp - By Kunio Matsumoto for Trifari ...
1960s Gilt & White Enamel Linked Leaves Choker Necklace By Crown Trifari
By Trifari
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 14.5" length with additional 1" removable extender link - White enamel - Gold plated - Fold over clasp closure - By Crown Trifari (signed on clasp) - Circa 196...
Enamel
Bubblegum Pink Molded Glass Choker Necklace w AB Rhinestones By Trifari, 1960s
By Trifari
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 13" length with additional 3" extender chain - Rhodium plated - Molded art glass & Aurora Borealis iridescent crystal rhinestones - Hook clasp - By Crown Trifa...
Trifari Gold Plated and Black Enamel Cleopatra Style Necklace circa 1980s
By Trifari
Located in London, GB
Trifari gold plated Cleopatra style necklace with a fancy link chain, and featuring curved black enamel interspersed with ridged golden diamond shapes. Maximum width 2.2cm / .86 inch by length 40.7cm / 16.02 inches. The necklace is in very good condition. This is a beautiful and stylish vintage Trifari...