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 Retro Aquamarine Parure
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...
Gold Plate
Trifari Vintage Necklace Statement Collar Black & Gold 1970s
By Trifari
Located in Wilmslow, GB
Dating to the 70s this is a fabulous piece of Trifari. This particular Trifari necklace is unusual in that it is highly stylised. Centering on a strongly modernist design the geometr...
Trifari 1940s Retro Style Faux Topaz Necklace
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Trifari 1940s retro style necklace , atomic center station, large square faux topaz stone , necklace sides of flexible snake chains 16"center2.50x1.75
Trifari White Pour Glass and Gold Floral Necklace
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Trifari wonderful white pour glass is combined with gold hardware as well as white glass beads. The length measures 13", with 2 3/4" chain to lengthen if desired. The width...
Trifari Modernist Pendant Necklace
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Trifari pendant necklace of brushed silver and gilt metal, 1970's USA. Excellent condition. L28" ,chain. L3.50". W 3.50" pendant.
Gilt Metal
Elegant Trifari Ruby Necklace
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
1950s collar by Trifari. Lovely workmanship, completely articulated with emerald cut faux rubies each dangling from pave and rose gold links. Very glamorous and exquisite quality. 14...
Vintage Massive CHRISTIAN LACROIX Hammered Abstract Breastplate Necklace
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Massive CHRISTIAN LACROIX Hammered Abstract Plastron Breastplate Necklace Runway piece that is almost impossible to find. Features: - 100% Authentic CHRISTIAN LACROIX. - Ha...
Gold Plate
1960s 18 Karat Yellow Gold Holy Spirit Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
Pendant in 18 karat yellow gold. This antique pendant represents a cross of Occitania which holds in pampille a dove. Height : 3,4 cm, width : 1,3 cm, thickness : 0,7 mm approximatel...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alex Jona Sterling Silver Cat Pendant Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, black rhodium plated sterling silver cat pendant and chain. Also available in 18 karat white go...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sterling Silver
Phillips House Infinity Necklace N2003PDY Diamond Pave 0.58 Carat
By Phillips House
Located in Carmel, IN
14k Yellow Gold Gold and Diamond Infinity Necklace (0.58 tcw) Size: 15mm in diameter N2003PDY Length: 18" This is a beautiful
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sterling silver Sun Face Squash Necklace Hopi Native American
By florence Lahaleon
Located in Wallkill, NY
This is a stunning example of our Native American craftsmanship. Handmade Sun face Squash set in Sterling Silver. Made up of Turquoise, coral and Mother of pearl Hallmarked on the b...
Coral, Onyx, Turquoise, Sterling Silver
Chanel 2010 Dark Silver Plated Necklace, Cruise Collection, France
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - (Made in France) Necklace in dark silver plated metal. Cruise Collection 2010. Additional information: Dimensions: Length: from 43 cm to 58 cm Co...
Silver Plate
19.80Ct Natural Emerald and Diamond 18K Solid White Gold Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19.80Ct Natural Emerald and Diamond 18K Solid White Gold Necklace Natural Emerald Weights: Approx. 8.90 Carats Emerald Measures: Approx. 12 x 11 mm Total Natural Round Diamond we...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
$37,040Sale Price / set|20% Off
L 16 in
391.86ct Citrine & Diamond Necklace, Bracelet, & Earrings Set 18k Yellow Gold
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Statement citrine and diamond necklace, bracelet, and earrings set. 365.10 carats of oval citrine quartz. 770 round brilliant diamonds, 26.76 carats...
Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Peridot Necklace in Spectacle Setting in 18K White Gold
Located in London, England
This elegant necklace is made of a single strand of 20 inches of alluring peridots set in 18K white gold. The unique green of the peridot is what makes this necklace so captivating. ...
Peridot, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Diamond Charm Necklace and Charm Bracelet Set in 18k White Gold
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Cartier diamond charm necklace and charm bracelet set in 18k white gold, accompanied by a Cartier pouch. This set features 5 removeable 18kwg ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Italian Onyx Gold Trim Bar Necklace 14 Karat Yellow Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Italian 14k yellow gold necklace featuring onyx and gold trim bars. Super trendy and great for layering! Available in different colors and styles. Email to inquire.
Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace with 13.86 Carat Red Garnet and Diamond
By Eva Soussana
Located in Paris, FR
Designed by Eva Soussana, artist and founder of Hera-Jewellery, this timeless and elegant pendant necklace from the "Diana" collection with its pure and refined line was designed for...
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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...
Sold
Dm 0.44 in L 36.23 in
Vintage long necklace 'Jewel by TRIFARI' tag, never worn, gold plated, 1950s US
By Trifari
Located in Stuttgart, DE
Long chain consisting of gold-plated balls that are flattened on the sides, with small serrated discs in between. The necklace has never been worn as the original 'Jewel of TRIFARI' ...
Gilt Metal
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...
Vintage Gilt & Crystal Pavé Hook Clasp Choker Necklace By Crown Trifari, 1960s
By Trifari
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 5" x 4.75" - Gold plated - Crystal rhinestone pavé - Hook clasp closure - By Crown Trifari (signed on verso) - Circa 1960s - Estate acquired - This item has ...
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...
Trifari White Enamel Flower Choker Necklace, circa 1960s
By Trifari
Located in McKinney, TX
Gorgeous rare gold-plated and white enamel flower choker necklace with crystal rhinestone accents by Trifari, circa 1960s. Trifari is a highly c...
Crown Trifari Gilded Choker Necklace with Rhinestones, Signed, circa 1955
By Trifari
Located in McKinney, TX
This rare and exquisite gilded choker necklace by Trifari, circa 1955, is one of the best examples of the brand's incredibly high-end craftsmanship we've ever seen. Trifari is a high...
Trifari Silver Plated April Birthday Rhinestone Ribbon Necklace
By Trifari
Located in London, GB
Trifari brushed silver plated ribbon design necklace. Length 41cm, 16 inches, including the extension, by max. width 8mm, .3 inch. The hook is signed Trifari, and there is also the o...
Trifari Silver Tone Black Lucite and Rhinestone Pendant Necklace circa 1970s
By Trifari
Located in London, GB
Vintage silver tone necklace, featuring a beautiful black lucite and rhinestone pendant, circa 1970s. Stamped Trifari on the reverse of the pendant and the clasp. The Art Deco style ...
Alfred Philippe for Trifari Retro 1940s Crystal Bow Necklace
By Trifari
Located in Montreal, QC
Beautiful and rare signed 1940s Trifari necklace encrusted with sparkly clear, citrine and topaz crystals, encompassing baguettes, teardrops and rounds....
Gilt Metal
Jeweled Collar by Trifari
By Trifari
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Beautiful and striking collar consisting of "pearls" and "gemstones" in deep pink and blue with a cabochon surface.
**SALE** TRIFARI gilt modernist collar Was $250 NOW $95
By Trifari
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Dramatic rigid gilt necklace from Trifari dating to the 1980's. Fits a small to medium sized neck. Clasp closure at back. Signed. Excellent condition.