Vintage Crown Trifari Coy Fish Brooch
View Similar Items
Vintage Crown Trifari Coy Fish Brooch
About the Item
- Creator:
- Dimensions:Length: 2.5 in (63.5 mm)
- Place of Origin:United States
- Period:1960-1969
- Date of Manufacture:UNKNOWN
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:Seller: SN-91251stDibs: LU3341678773
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.
- 1.11 CTTW Diamond Butterfly Milgrain Pin BroochLocated in Chicago, ILThis pin weighs 9.6 DWT (approx. 14.93 grams). It contains 97 round G color and VS clarity diamonds weighing 1.11 CTTW. Dimensions: 1.5" X 1.5".Category
Late 20th Century Art Deco Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
- Le Vian Black and White Diamond Rose Pin White GoldBy Le VianLocated in Chicago, ILPreviously-owned Levian Black and White Diamond Rose Collection pin. The pin is 3 inches in length, made of 18K white gold, and weighs 12.70 DWT (approx. 19.75 grams). It also has 37...Category
Early 2000s Unknown Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold
- Art Deco 1.20 CTTW Pearl, Ruby, And Emerald Pin Brooch In 14K Yellow GoldLocated in Chicago, ILThis pearl, ruby, and emerald pin is made of 14K yellow gold. It contains a round white pearl , round green emeralds weighing 0.50 CTTW, and round red rubies weighing 0.70 CTTW.Category
Mid-20th Century Art Deco Brooches
MaterialsEmerald, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,056 Sale Price / item20% OffFree Shipping - Diamond, Ruby, Tsavorite And Enamel Flower Pin In Multi Tone GoldLocated in Chicago, ILThis Enamel pin is made of 18k Rose Gold . It contains a round ruby weighing 0.55 CT, round green tsavorites weighing 0.32 CTTW, round multi color, diamonds weighing 0.31 CTTW, round...Category
Late 20th Century Art Nouveau Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Ruby, Tsavorite, Gold, Enamel
$4,640 Sale Price20% OffFree Shipping - Blue And Green Enamel And Diamond Tree Motif Pin In Yellow GoldLocated in Chicago, ILThis tree motif pin weighs 15.20 DWT (approx. 23.64 grams). It contains 9 round G color and VS clarity diamonds weighing 0.60 CTTW.Category
Late 20th Century Art Nouveau Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$5,120 Sale Price20% OffFree Shipping - 1.60 CTTW Antique Sapphire & Diamond Bow Pin In 14K Yellow GoldLocated in Chicago, ILThis antique sapphire and diamond bow pin is made of 14K yellow gold. It contains square sapphires weighing 1.50 CTTW, single cut I-J color and I1 clarity diamonds weighing 0.10 CTTW...Category
Late 20th Century Art Nouveau Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold