Vintage 1940's Trifari Alfred Philippe Sterling Vermeil Jelly Belly Large Fly Brooch

Crown Trifari

Trifari's commitment to quality is encapsulated in its motto: “If it isn’t signed, it isn’t Trifari.” This dedication is evident in every piece of Trifari costume jewelry, each of which bears a Trifari mark.

For over a century, Trifari has been a beloved name in the world of jewelry, with its roots tracing back to 1910 to Gustavo Trifari. Born into a family of goldsmiths in Naples, Italy, Gustavo brought his heritage to the United States, setting up shop in New York. He initially partnered with his uncle, creating beautiful pieces under the name Trifari and Trifari. Even after his uncle's departure, Gustavo continued to honor their shared name, crafting jewelry that would soon become synonymous with elegance and quality.

By 1925, the company evolved into Trifari, Krussman, and Fishel, marking a new partnership with Leo Krussman and Carl Fishel. This was a time when the costume jewelry industry was dominated by big, bold statement pieces, inspired by designers like Coco Chanel. Yet, Trifari chose a different path. Their designs, though made with materials like rhinestones, coral, enamel, jade, and colored stones, echoed the understated beauty and craftsmanship of fine jewelry.

The company's success was significantly influenced by the hiring of French designer Alfred Philippe as head designer in 1930. Philippe, who had previously worked with elite jewelry firms like Cartier and Van Cleef and Arpels, bringing a new level of craftsmanship to the costume jewelry line, by introducing techniques usually reserved for fine jewelry, such as invisible settings.

One of Trifari's most innovative and revered designs was the Jelly Belly pin, named for the solid Lucite pearl belly placed in figural animal and insect pieces. These charming animal and insects quickly became collector's items, and are still highly sought after for the unique design and craftsmanship that went into each piece.

In 2000, a significant change occurred when Trifari was sold to Liz Claiborne, a well-known fashion company. This transition led to a shift in Trifari's production process, with the jewelry now being made overseas. This move was driven by various economic factors and represented a new chapter in Trifari's story. Despite these changes, the company's legacy of creating high-quality, beautifully designed costume jewelry has endured. Today, Trifari's pieces, marked by their distinctive design and craftsmanship, remain highly sought after by collectors and fashion enthusiasts around the world.