Trifari “Jewels of India” clip-on earrings, 1960s.

Trifari is a celebrated name in costume jewelry, with origins that trace back to the 1920s. Originally known as Trifari, Krussman & Fishel (TKF), the company quickly earned a reputation for its exquisite designs and fine craftsmanship. Early pieces, marked “Jewels by Trifari” or “TKF,” have become highly sought after by collectors.

The brand was founded by Italian jeweler Gustavo Trifari, who came from a family of jewelers and emigrated from Naples to New York in 1912. In 1925, Trifari partnered with sales managers Leo Krussman and Carl Fishel to form the hybrid brand KTF. From 1925 to around 1930, all Trifari jewelry, including the popular “fruit salad” line, carried the KTF mark. The “fruit salad” jewelry, recognized for its colorful, vibrant stones, became a signature of the Trifari collection and a defining aspect of the brand’s identity.

Trifari’s evolution continued with the arrival of Alfred Philippe, who served as head designer from 1930 to 1968. Under Philippe’s leadership, the company produced some of its most iconic and collectible pieces, particularly during the 1940s. This era is celebrated for designs like enameled clips, fruit salad parures, and demi-lune flowers, all distinguished by their intricate details, vivid colors, and molded glass gem-tones. These pieces are considered masterpieces in the costume jewelry world.

In the 1970s, Trifari expanded its collection with striking new lines thanks to collaborations with renowned designers like Diane Love and Kunio Matsumoto. By 1994, Trifari became part of the Monet jewelry group, preserving its legacy within a broader range of costume jewelry brands. Despite changes over time, Trifari’s mid-20th-century pieces, especially those from the 1940s, remain highly desirable among collectors. The brand’s unique designs and rich history continue to uphold its lasting popularity and respect in the vintage jewelry market.