Vintage Trifari Gold Plated Earrings, 1980s

Name: Vintage Trifari Gold Plated Earrings, 1980s
Brand: Trifari
Price: 116.93 USD
Availability: InStock

About the Item

The epitome of timeless elegance, these stunning drop earrings, made in the USA from gold-plated metal, are a great find from one of the world's most collectible costume jewellery brands, Trifari. Founded in 1918 by Italian immigrant Gustavo Trifari, the company is known for producing high-quality and affordable jewellery that imitates fine jewellery. Their designs are bold, elegant and timeless, and were often worn by Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe. Trifari used a variety of materials in their jewellery, such as rhinestones, enamel, and faux pearls, and their pieces are highly sought after by collectors and fashion lovers alike. -Made in the USA in the 1980s -Classic drop design - perfect for adding a touch of glamour to any outfit Signs of age add to the unique appeal and story of your precious pieces, but to minimise unwanted damage try to avoid liquids, make up and hair products and where possible try to store flat in packaging to avoid storage wear and tear. Additional Information: Metal: Gold Plated Dimensions: L 2 in Condition: Excellent

Creator:

Trifari

Metal:

Gold Plate

Weight:

5 g

Dimensions:

Width: 1 in (25.4 mm)Length: 2 in (50.8 mm)

Place of Origin:

United States

Period:

1980-1989

Date of Manufacture:

1980s

Condition:

Seller Location:

London, GB

Reference Number:

Seller: 22.AH1stDibs: LU2060218939242

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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.