Trifari: How Costume Jewelry Became American Glamour

Trifari transformed costume jewelry into one of the defining expressions of American style. From Art Deco glamour and Hollywood elegance to Crown Trifari, Jelly Belly brooches and the sophisticated designs of Alfred Philippe, the company helped erase the visual boundary between precious jewelry and fashionable imitation. This video explores the history of Trifari jewelry and the remarkable rise of one of America’s most influential costume jewelry houses. Founded by Italian immigrant Gustavo Trifari, the company became famous for combining inventive design, technical innovation and extraordinary craftsmanship with jewelry that could be worn by a much wider audience. A crucial figure in this story was Alfred Philippe. Before joining Trifari in the 1930s, Philippe had worked in the world of fine jewelry, and his sophisticated approach transformed the company’s designs. Under his influence, Trifari produced pieces inspired by the techniques and visual language of high jewelry while developing a distinctly American identity. We explore how Trifari used innovative materials and techniques, including rhodium plating and its proprietary Trifanium alloy, to create costume jewelry with the brilliance and precision associated with precious metals. During the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, the company produced elaborate floral brooches, crowns, animals, enamel jewelry, pearls and the famous Jelly Belly designs that are now highly sought after by vintage jewelry collectors. Trifari’s history