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.
NAPIER signed vintage gold tone designer chain necklace
By Napier
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed NAPIER • gold tone • vintage designer necklace MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku 60 ❤️❤️ VINTAGE...
SARAH COVENTRY signed vintage gold tone chain necklace
By Sarah Coventry
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed SARAH COVENTRY • gold tone • vintage designer necklace MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku 61 ❤️❤️ ...
ANNE KLEIN signed vintage gold tone designer chain necklace
By Anne Klein
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed ANNE KLEIN • gold tone • vintage designer necklace MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku 60 ❤️❤️ VIN...
PIERRE CARDIN vintage gold chain designer runway necklace
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed PIERRE CARDIN tag • gold tone • vintage designer runway necklace MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • excellent vintage condition with minimal signs of wear ❤️❤️ VIN...
KJL KENNETH JAY LANE signed vintage gold tone designer chain necklace
By KJL
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed KJL KENNETH JAY LANE • gold tone • vintage designer necklace MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku 61 ❤...
NAPIER signed vintage gold tone designer chain necklace
By Napier
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed NAPIER • gold tone • vintage designer necklace MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku 60 ❤️❤️ VINTAGE...
Antique Long and Heavy Gold Chain Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
This elaborate Victorian era yellow 18K gold chain necklace was made in the 19th century, circa 1850s-1870s. Length is 124 cm (48 in.) Width is 5 mm (3/16 in.) Weight is 75 grams....
Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 9 Carat Gold Chain Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This beautiful vintage 9ct gold necklace is a classic. It is fastened using a simple clasp. Length: 51cm Widest Point: 3mm Weight: 10.5g
Gold
Gold Curb Chain Necklace 24 Inch Chunky Link Gold Plated Silver
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gold Curb Chain Necklace 24 Inch Chunky Link Gold Plated Silver Designer: J DAUPHIN A chunky curb chain handcrafted in solid silver with 14k gold plating, featuring clean, substantial links modeled after nineteenth-century French chainwork. Designed with balanced proportions for a unisex silhouette, this 24-inch chain sits comfortably at the collarbone and carries enough presence to be worn on its own or layered. The chain serves as an ancient symbol of continuity and connection, each link holding the one before it and passing strength to the next. Worn over the chest, it acts as a reminder that strength comes from alignment and continuity, carrying enduring energy throughout the day. J Dauphin was founded in 2006 by the Swedish-French designer Johanna Dauphin. She built her foundation as a designer at Fendi and Tod's in Italy, then worked across Paris, New York, and Los Angeles, and her collections have been carried by luxury department stores worldwide. She has made custom pieces for musicians and royalty such as Keith Richards, Def Leppard, Brandi Carlile, Uma Thurman and more. Every piece is made entirely by hand using old-school artisanal methods. The work draws on Victorian iconography and ancient symbols, treating jewelry as a modern talisman for spiritual protection and alignment. Materials: Solid silver with 14k gold plating Color: Gold Design: Nineteenth-century French curb link chain with heavy, unornamented links Size: 24 inches (61 cm) Style: Chunky curb chain, Gold plated silver necklace, Mens gold chain...
14k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
Vintage 10K Gold Bismark Chain Necklace
Located in Venice, CA
The Bismark chain dates back to 19th century Germany and consists of flat, woven, interlocking links braided together to form a fluid and versatile chain. This older design has a tim...
10k Gold
Vintage 9 Carat Gold Link Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This necklace is modelled in 9 Carat gold. Length: 61.5cm Width: 4mm Weight: 9.9g
Gold
Gilded Gold Vermeil European-Style Chain-Link Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Gilded gold vermeil finish European-style chain-link necklace measures 18" in length, 5/16" in width, and 2/8" in depth.
