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 Cadoro Gold Tone With Faux Turquoise Dangling Earrings Circa 1980s
By Cadoro
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Cadoro Gold Tone with Faux Turquoise Dangling Earrings Circa 1980s. These are in a front-facing mogul-inspired design of gold, faux turquoise, ...
Mixed Metal
Vintage Gold Tone Clip-On Earrings with Faux Turquoise, 1980s
By Capri
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Gold Tone With Faux Turquoise and Diamante Earrings Circa 1980s. These are well-made and substantial earrings. The earrings feature a dome of faux turquoise in the center, s...
Mixed Metal
Vintage Panetta Gold Tone Faux Turquoise Clip-On Dangle Earrings
By Panetta
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Panetta Faux Turquoise Dangling Earrings Circa 1980s. These small and delicate earrings have a fine jewelry look. They are shown in gold metal...
Mixed Metal
Vintage Oscar De La Renta Gold-Tone Faux Turquoise Dangle Earrings
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Oscar De La Renta Gold-Tone Faux Turquoise Dangle Earrings, circa 2000s. These earrings are so bold and smart-looking. They look like branches, with faux turquoise placed he...
Mixed Metal
1970s Vintage deLillo Faux Turquoise Gold Tone Clip-On Dangle Earrings
By deLillo
Located in New York, NY
Vintage deLillo Faux Turquoise and Gold Tone Dangling Earrings Circa 1970s. These are the perfect length. Clip on. William deLillo was only in business from 1968 to 1977, so when y...
Mixed Metal
Vintage Napier Gold Tone Dangle Earrings with Faux Turquoise, 1970s
By Napier
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Napier Gold Tone with Faux Turquoise Dangling Beads. Four rows of dangling beads are attached to an Asian motif. Clip on. This was a highly sought-after collection and remai...
Mixed Metal
18 Karat Gold Cabochon Turquoise and Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
A striking pair of 18 karat yellow gold turquoise and diamond drop earrings, beautifully composed with bold geometric lines and vibrant natural turquoise cabochons. Each earring beg...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Turquoise Earrings, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful set of earrings are crafted from 18 carat yellow gold and feature four turquoise on each earring. The larger turquoise are 8mm and have three smaller turquoise of 4.5m...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Natural Turquoise Drop Earring, Artisan Design, Italy
Located in Marcianise, IT
These stunning dangle earrings are a true tribute to timeless elegance and the refined craftsmanship of traditional goldsmithing. Made from 14 karat yellow gold, they stand out for t...
Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Vintage 1.10 Carat Turquoise and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Earrings
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive pair of 1.10 carat turquoise and 18 karat yellow gold drop earrings; part of our vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections. These fine and impressive vintage earrings are crafted in 18k yellow gold. These vintage stud earrings are ornamented with articulated drops, each featuring a four-claw set cabochon cut turquoise to the terminal. The upper portion of each earring is comprised of a textured gold abstract floral design, incorporating a further claw set turquoise to the center. These impressive turquoise earrings for pierced ears secure via a hinged latch and post style fastening. The vintage earrings are hallmarked to the interior of the fastening with the Portuguese maker's mark and domestic gold mark (cat's head, minimum 800 standard). The earrings have been independently tested using state of the art technology (Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as 18k gold. These turquoise and gold drop earrings...
Turquoise, Yellow Gold
Italian Turquoise Diamond Drop Earrings in 18K Gold
Located in Miami, FL
An elegant expression of Italian craftsmanship, these handcrafted drop earrings are beautifully executed in 18 karat yellow gold and showcase the timeless pairing of vivid natural tu...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Antique Turquoise Chandelier Earrings
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1880s, 18k. These Baroque Revival earrings have the chic style and delightful color that define so many things Victorian. Decorated with foliate scrolls and vibrant Persian tu...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
