Trifari Art Deco Carved Glass Fruit Salad Flower Basket Brooch c 1930s
About the Item
- Creator:
- Metal:Rhodium
- Dimensions:Height: 2 in (50.8 mm)Width: 2 in (50.8 mm)
- Style:Art Deco
- Period:1930-1939
- Date of Manufacture:1930s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Extremely nice vintage condition.
- Seller Location:University City, MO
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU73618266122
Trifari
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: University City, MO
- Return Policy
More From This Seller
View AllVintage 1960s Unknown Modern Brooches
Gilt Metal
1990s American Brooches
Vintage 1940s Mexican Artisan Brooches
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1950s Unknown Native American Brooches
Crystal, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Brooches
Marcasite, Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century American Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Gilt Metal
You May Also Like
Vintage 1910s American Brooches
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modernist Brooches
Shakudo
Antique 1890s French Late Victorian Brooches
Amethyst, 18k Gold, Enamel, Gilt Metal
Antique 1880s British Victorian Brooches
Coral, 15k Gold
Vintage 1980s French Contemporary Brooches
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, Moonstone, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold