Trifari Jelly Belly Sailfish Clip Brooch, Norman Bel Geddes
About the Item
- Creator:
- Metal:Gilt Metal
- Dimensions:Width: 2.45 in (62.24 mm)Length: 3.25 in (82.55 mm)
- Style:Art Deco
- Place of Origin:United States
- Period:1940-1949
- Date of Manufacture:1941
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Slight metal discolorations.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU462517433
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...Ships From: New York, NY
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Victorian Bird Gothic Arch BroochLocated in New York, NYVictorian parcel gilt brooch with game birds, butterflies and vines set onto a lush oxblood silk velour base. Extremely unusual and possibly made to accent hunting garb. Realistic a...Category
Antique 1860s French Victorian Brooches
MaterialsGilt Metal
- 19th Century "Secret Lover" BroochLocated in New York, NYExtraordinarily cool 19th Century "Secret Lover" Brooch with locket fitting. Most likely French in manufacture, this exquisitely crafted brooch is the work of a master jeweler of the period. The detailing is extraordinary and can only be appreciated with the aid of a loupe. A photo or ivory miniature of a loved one (possibly secret) was inserted into the locket from the back. A mechanical fan...Category
Antique 1870s French Brooches
MaterialsFreshwater Pearl, Turquoise, 14k Gold
- Celine Logo Scarf ClipBy CelineLocated in New York, NYCeline Logo Scarf/Lapel Clip from the late 1980's. Made in Italy for Celine, Paris. 2" x 2". 1989 France. Excellent condition.Category
Vintage 1980s French Brooches
MaterialsGilt Metal
- French Bulldog Dress CilpLocated in New York, NYFrench Bulldog dress clip of hand carved , tinted and stained bakelite . Further detailed by glass taxidermy eyes . Fitted with a brass dress clip ...Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Brooches
- Massive Etruscan Framed Victorian Shell CameoLocated in New York, NYMassive Etruscan Framed Victorian Shell Cameo from the mid 19th Century. Beautifully carved cameo of young maiden with ornate Etruscan work borde...Category
Antique 1850s American Victorian Brooches
Materials14k Gold
- Arts and Crafts Gecko FobLocated in New York, NYArts and Crafts unusual gecko fob from the early 20th Century. Charming men's fob with a "trapped" gecko motif in the Arts and Crafts Style. Art glass cabochons are set into the body...Category
Vintage 1910s American Arts and Crafts Brooches
MaterialsGilt Metal
- Ladybug-Shaped Pendant and Brooch with Enamel of Various ColorsLocated in Rome, ITThe pendant in the shape of a ladybug with open wings, can be worn both as a pendant and as a brooch. The ladybug is decorated with transparent enamels of various colors. Its manufa...Category
Antique 19th Century Retro Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsEnamel
- Otto Strandman Art Nouveau 1914 Bacchus Silver Brooch, Stockholm SwedenLocated in Skanninge, SEBacchus the wine god by Otto Strandman (1871-1960), Stockholm 1914. Wonderful Swedish Art Nouveau silver brooch. Great condition, no issues. With full s...Category
Vintage 1910s Swedish Art Nouveau Brooches
MaterialsSilver
- Atelier Borgila Stockholm 1944, Modernist Brooch in Gilt Sterling SilverBy Atelier BorgilaLocated in Skanninge, SEVery nice modernist brooch depicting a bird in flight. Gilded sterling silver with maker marks. Fine vintage condition, only some minor scratches. Atelier Borgila was founded by de...Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Modernist Brooches
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Harald Nielsen for Georg Jensen Denmark BroochBy Harald NielsenLocated in Skanninge, SEA fine brooch by Harald Nielsen for Georg Jensen. Made during world war II. It is made in silver and patinated steel. This was something they did because of the war. Marked "HN GEOR...Category
Vintage 1940s Danish Modernist Brooches
MaterialsSterling Silver, Stainless Steel
- Matti J Hyvarinen a Set of Necklace, Earrings and a Brooch, Sterling, FinlandBy Matti J. HyvärinenLocated in Skanninge, SEA set of necklace, a pair of earrings, and a Brooch in sterling silver by Matti J Hyvarinen Finland. All parts marked "MJH 925". Made in the 1970s. V...Category
Vintage 1970s Finnish Modernist Brooches
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Erik Fleming for Borgila 18k Gold Brooch, Stockholm Sweden, 1944By Atelier BorgilaLocated in Skanninge, SEWonderful 18k gold brooch depicting a flower. Made by Erik Fleming (1894-1954) for Borgila. 18k gold together with one pearl. Great condition, no issues. Diameter 4.5cm (in 1.78)Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Modernist Brooches
Materials18k Gold