Trifari Watches

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 watches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a range of Trifari watches available on 1stDibs. Each of these unique items was designed with extraordinary care, often using gilt metal. We have 1 pieces in this collection as well as a number of other designs by this jeweler. While this collection reflects work that originated over various time periods, most of these items were designed during the 1970s. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider watches by and Marina J.. Prices for Trifari watches can differ depending upon gemstone, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $2,250 and tops out at $2,250, while pieces like these, on average, can sell for $2,250.

Questions About Trifari Watches

What is the difference between Trifari and Crown Trifari?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
The difference between Trifari and Crown Trifari comes down to age. When Gustavo Trifari founded his eponymous jewelry house in 1904, the hallmark he used on pieces was a simple T. Around 1937, Trifari began adding a crown to its hallmarks. As a result, Crown Trifari jewelry tends to include newer vintage pieces, while regular Trifari jewelry includes both vintage and antique pieces. Explore a wide variety of Trifari jewelry on 1stDibs.
How do you identify a Trifari brooch?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
To identify a Trifari brooch, turn it over and look for a maker's mark. Most Trifari jewelry features one of several backstamps. The earliest pieces made by the American jewelry brand usually read "KTF," for Trifari, Krussman, and Fishel. During the early 1930s, the stamp changed to "TRIFARI PAT.PEND.," and in 1937, the company introduced its crown logo. Pieces dating from the mid-1950s to the mid-1980s will bear this logo plus a copyright symbol. Finally, the 1980s brought the addition of a “™” trademark marking. If you can't find a stamp or have difficulty reading it, you may wish to consult a certified appraiser or other knowledgeable expert. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Trifari brooches.
How do you identify a Trifari crown?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
To identify a Trifari crown, one option is to use trusted online resources. Trifari was famous for its crown logo, which it modified many times over the years. You can often determine approximately when your jewelry was made by looking at pictures of the crown logo from different eras. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can also be helpful when completing the identification process. Shop a wide variety of Trifari jewelry on 1stDibs.
How do I identify Trifari jewelry?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
To identify Trifari jewelry, inspect its clasp, reverse, interior and other inconspicuous places for a maker's mark. The vast majority of Trifari jewelry will feature a mark. Prior to the 1930s, the American manufacturer used a "KTF" mark to signify its then-name “KTF," for Trifari, Krussman, and Fishel. The marking changed to "TRIFARI PAT.PEND." during the early 1930s and the company introduced its crown logo to its hallmarks in 1937. Starting in the mid-1950s, Trifari began placing a copyright symbol alongside its markings. Items produced during the 1980s and onwards will also bear a trademark symbol. Should you be unable to locate any maker's markings, consider having a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer evaluate your jewelry. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Trifari jewelry.
Is Trifari real silver?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
Yes, some Trifari jewelry is real silver. However, most silver-toned pieces produced by the American jewelry maker are made from a proprietary tarnish-resistant metal alloy called Trifarium rather than sterling silver. The company’s fashion jewelry was pioneered by Alfred Philippe, who was hired as head designer in 1930, with the pieces that he and other Trifari artisans produced having both the look and feel of fine jewelry. Explore a collection of Trifari jewelry on 1stDibs.
How do you identify Alfred Philippe Trifari?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
To identify Alfred Philippe Trifari, first, you'll need to double-check that the piece is a Trifari and estimate its approximate age using the maker's marks. You can find these marks on clasps, backs and other hidden areas. Alfred Philippe served as the head designer for Trifari from 1930 to 1968. During his tenure, Trifari jewelry typically displayed the brand's crown logo and did not bear a TM trademark symbol. If your piece lacks a crown or has a TM symbol present, it's unlikely to be an Alfred Philippe. Should your piece have the correct markings, the next step is to familiarize yourself with Philippe's designs. One way to do so is to search for his name on trusted patent research websites. You can then review the search results to see if you find a match for your item. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer perform the identification process for you. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Trifari jewelry.
Is Trifari jewelry always marked?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yes, Trifari was always diligent in marking its jewelry, and the mark has evolved over the years. There were a few pieces in the early years that went unmarked, but those pieces are extremely rare. Costume jewelry maker Trifari is widely beloved for its fine craftsmanship and complex designs for necklaces, brooches and other accessories. On 1stDibs, you can find a collection of authentic Trifari jewelry pieces from some of the world’s top sellers.
Is Trifari jewelry real gold?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 5, 2024
Whether Trifari jewelry is real gold depends on its age. Jewelry produced by the brand between 1904 and 1946 usually features genuine gold, but newer pieces typically do not. In 1947, the jewelry maker introduced a patented metal alloy. Its unique properties meant that the alloy would resist tarnishing, and accessories made with the alloy could be plated with other metals to create a gold- or platinum-toned finish. Trifari called this base metal Trifanium. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of vintage Trifari jewelry and other costume jewelry.
How can you tell how old Trifari jewelry is?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024
To tell how old Trifari jewelry is, use the maker's markings. The jewelry maker changed their maker's hallmarks many times over the years, so by comparing the marks present on your jewelry to information shared on trusted online resources, you can roughly calculate its age. For example, a piece marked “KTF” was most likely made in the 1920s or early ’30s, while one bearing a “TRIFARI PAT. PEND.” marking with no crown logo likely dates back to the late 1930s or ’40s. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can also help you date your jewelry. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Trifari jewelry.
When did Trifari stop making jewelry?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
One of the most highly sought after vintage jewelry brands, Trifari was in operation from the 1910s until the year 2000. After a long and colorful history, Trifari continues to make jewelry as a Liz Claiborne subsidiary. On 1stDibs, get the real deal and shop vintage Trifari jewelry from some of the top sellers on 1stDibs.
When did Alfred Philippe design for Trifari?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Designer Alfred Philippe was the head designer for Trifari from 1930 until 1968. Philippe was also a designer for Cartier, Van Cleef and Arples and became very popular and well-known for his creations. One of his big fans was the First Lady of the United States, Mamie Eisenhower. Shop a collection of authentic Trifari jewelry and brooches from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
Is Trifari jewelry still made?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
No, Trifari jewelry is no longer made. In 1994, Liz Claiborne Group purchased the fashion jewelry brand. Over the years that followed, the brand was resold several times, and production of Trifari jewelry gradually declined until its discontinuation in the late 2000s. Shop an assortment of Trifari jewelry on 1stDibs.
Did Trifari ever make real gold jewelry?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
Yes, Trifari did make real gold jewelry. Early pieces made between 1904 and 1946 often feature genuine gold. Trifari also produced a limited-edition genuine gold collection during the early 1970s. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Trifari jewelry from some of the world's top sellers.