Iconic American costume jewelry brand known for its fine jewelry aesthetic and high-quality, collectible mid-century designs.
ORIGIN
United States
PRICE TIER
contemporary
Founded in 1910 by Gustavo Trifari, an Italian immigrant from a family of goldsmiths, Trifari became a defining name in American costume jewelry. The brand’s golden age began in 1930 with the hiring of head designer Alfred Philippe, who came from the fine jewelry world of Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels. Philippe translated high jewelry techniques, such as invisible stone settings, into accessible yet glamorous designs, establishing Trifari's reputation for superior craftsmanship and innovative style. The company produced a wide range of sought-after pieces, including ornate floral brooches, whimsical "Jelly Belly" animal figurals with Lucite centers, and intricate "fruit salad" jewelry using colorful glass stones. Many designs were crafted with Trifanium, a proprietary non-tarnishing metal that ensured the pieces' longevity.