Gold Animal Totem Charm Necklace By Trifari, 1970s
View Similar Items
Gold Animal Totem Charm Necklace By Trifari, 1970s
About the Item
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.
- Vintage Goldette Gilt & Coral Oversized Sea Life Motif Statement Necklace, 1970sBy GoldetteLocated in McKinney, TX- 27" total length, can be adjusted down using hook clasp - Gold plated - Faux coral beads - 3.5" x 3" medallion with sea life relief motif including mermaid, stingray, seashells, starfish and fish - Dangling seashell and sea life charms...Category
Vintage 1970s American Modern Pendant Necklaces
- Vintage Goldette Etruscan Revival Chain Costume Statement Necklace, 1970sBy GoldetteLocated in McKinney, TX- 19" length - 8.5" drop - Gold and silver tone - Four strand chain - Clasp closure - Unsigned, but attributed to Goldette - circa 1970s - Made in New York CONDITION: Excellent vint...Category
Vintage 1970s American Etruscan Revival Chain Necklaces
- Vintage Goldette Gilt & Turquoise Etruscan Revival Statement Necklace, 1970sBy GoldetteLocated in McKinney, TX- 23" length - 5" x 3" pendant - Gold plated - Faux Turquoise cabochons & beads - 4 strand chain - Clasp closure - By Goldette (signed on verso) - circa 1970s - Made in New York CON...Category
Vintage 1970s American Etruscan Revival Pendant Necklaces
- Vintage Gilt & Black Resin Mod Teardrop Pendant Necklace By Crown Trifari, 1960sBy TrifariLocated in McKinney, TX- Vintage item - 27" length gilded snake chain - 2.5" x 1.6" pendant - Black resin - Gold plated - Clasp closure - By Crown Trifari (signed on verso & hangtag) - Circa 1960s ...Category
Vintage 1960s American Modern Pendant Necklaces
- Vintage 40" Gilt, Enamel & Crystal Necklace by St. John, 1980sLocated in McKinney, TX- Vintage item - 40" length - Gold plated - Black enamel - Faceted crystals - Clasp closure - By St John (signed on coins & logo hangtag) - Circa 1980s - Estate acquired - E...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Chain Necklaces
- Gripoix Glass Multi Strand Medallion Necklace or Belt By Deanna Hamro, 1980sBy Deanna HamroLocated in McKinney, TX- Vintage item - Extremely rare - Measures 33" in length - Each medallion measures 2.75" in diameter - Gold plated - Heavy chunky chain - Gripoix glass cabochons - Faux pearl ...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Chain Necklaces
- 18kt Rose Gold Reverse Necklace "for Ever" with Diamonds and Mother of PearlBy Falcinelli ItalyLocated in Arezzo, ITRomantic and effortlessly chic, this necklace is the perfect complement to an evening attire and will surprise you with its playful design. On one side the pendant features a central...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
- 18kt Rose Gold Reverse Necklace "Heart" with Diamonds and Mother of Pearl InsertBy Falcinelli ItalyLocated in Arezzo, ITVersatile and effortlessly chic, this necklace will surprise you with its playful design. On one side the pendant features a central iridescent heart in mother-of-pearl, framed by pa...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
- 18kt Rose Gold Les Bois Necklace with Green Onix and Pink TopazesBy Falcinelli ItalyLocated in Arezzo, ITDelicate gold necklace characterized by a pendant with a stone wrapped in a pavè of pink topazes that give a touch of freshness to the jewel. The stone seems to blossom like a spring gem. Three diamonds enrich the jewel. 18 kt rose gold necklace...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Chain Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Onyx, Topaz, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
- 18kt Rose and White Gold Les Gemmes Necklace with Green Amethyst and DiamondsBy Falcinelli ItalyLocated in Arezzo, ITA handmade contemporary jewellery piece with a modern design that is bold and sophisticated at the same time. The distinctive asymmetrical setting of the pendant lets the gemstones s...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsAmethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
- Les Petits Bonbons Necklace Square with Green Onyx and DiamondsBy Falcinelli ItalyLocated in Arezzo, ITThe natural onyx's green and the brilliant white of the diamonds elevate this jewel and make it an essential element for a refined and never boring look. Necklace lenght 43 cm with ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Chain Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
- 18kt Rose Gold Les Papillons Necklace with Purple Amethyst and DiamondsBy Falcinelli ItalyLocated in Arezzo, ITFresh and playful like a summer memory, this necklace is sophisticated and efferverscent at the same time. The vibrant purple shade of the amethyst adds a touch of joyful elegance, w...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsAmethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold