Trifari brand рistory 1910-1994
Twenty-year-old Gustav Trifari leaves Naples by ferry, crosses the Atlantic and ends up in New York State in 1904, and in 1910 he and his uncle decided to open a jewelry company called Trifariand Trifari. Gustav’s dream comes true, as his grandfather taught him the art of jewelry. His uncle quickly loses interest in the business, leaving Gustav alone with his ideas. He, in turn, shortens the brand name to the memorable “Trifari” and soon finds himself new business partners in the person of Leo Krussmann and Karl Fishel. Thus, the brand Trifari, Krussman & Fishel is born (abbreviated K.T.F with an enlarged T in the center). These days, Trifari jewelry marked “K.T.F” is very rare and highly sought after by collectors.
Alfred Philip and Trifari
In 1930, Trifari was hired as lead designer Alfred Philippe, who once played a leading role in legendary brands such as Cartier and Van Cleef and Arples. Alfred, possessing a unique sense of style, elevates Trifari to a pedestal for many years to come, making it virtually unreachable for competitors.
In the 30s and 40s, the Trifari was popularly nicknamed the “Diamond Kings”. Alfred Philippe begins to actively use diamond-cut Swarovski crystals, high-quality rhinestones, sterling silver and gold plating to create jewelry. The so-called “dress clips” – exquisite brooches – transformers, which can be worn both together and dividing them into two separate elements, come into fashion. And they are becoming more and more like works of high jewelry made of precious stones.
The jewelry created by Alfred was striking in its lightness, unique style and originality. Despite the difficult times and the Great Depression, Trifari is actively developing its brand. So there are several more episodes that have become legendary.
Among them are the famous crown brooches, which, since the second half of the 30s, have become the brand’s trademark. These Trifari brooches were so popular that a miniature crown appeared in the brand’s logo around 1937. They were created with both bright, eye-catching cabochons and transparent rhinestones for a monochrome effect.
Bright series of brooches with flowers and animals
The vibrant Indian series Moghul, which captivated connoisseurs, was inspired by the treasures of the princes of Maharaja and oriental themes. Today it is considered one of the rarest.
In the 40s, Jelly Belly from Trifari (English jelly tummy) was created – a series depicting adorable animals, the belly of each of which consists of a solid lucite “pearl”, framed by a sterling silver and gilding base. Jelly Belly poodles are of special value.
Trifari also actively create in different periods jewelry with the image of flowers, playful brooches in the form of bright vegetables and fruits, and also use patriotic themes in their works, creating miniature American flags and tricolor eagles.
The brand was so successful in the post-war years that in 1953 Mamie Eisenhower –
The first lady of the United States, the wife of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, made a real fashion statement
revolution, breaking all traditions. She, in a set to her pink dress studded with rhinestones, wears to the ball after the inauguration of Trifari costume jewelry – a brilliant set of pearl pendant necklaces, bracelet and voluminous earrings, created by Alfred Philippe especially for the First Lady. Mrs. Eisenhower was so pleased with her choice that she subsequently made an order for her second inaugural ball in 1957.
Company reorganization
Since the 70s, a difficult period has come for famous jewelry brands, many of which are forced to close. Trifari, however, manages to maintain its brand. They changed the logo several times until they switched to a logo with a simple text signature and a trademark in the 90s.
In 1994, the brand was bought by MonetGroup, and at the turn of the 21st century, the company was taken over by LizClaibor.
