Trifari, early 20th century costume jewellery

The House of Trifari was founded in 1910 by Gustavo Trifari, a goldsmith from Naples, Italy. Trifari immigrated to the United States in 1904 and settled in New York City. He began his career as a jewellery designer for other companies, but he soon decided to start his own business. His early designs were influenced by the Art Nouveau movement and was characterized by its use of delicate filigree work and intricate details. Trifari's jewellery was also made with high-quality materials, such as gold, silver, and gemstones.

In the 1920s, Trifari began to experiment with new materials and techniques. He was one of the first jewellery designers to use Diamante, a type of glass that mimics the appearance of diamonds and he also began to use new metals, such as rhodium and palladium, in his jewellery. Trifari's jewellery became popular among fashionable women and his designs were more... worn by celebrities such as Coco Chanel, Greta Garbo, and Marlene Dietrich. Trifari's jewellery was also featured in major fashion magazines such as Vogue and Harper's Bazaar.

In 1930, Trifari hired Alfred Philippe, a talented French jewelry designer who had previously worked for prestigious jewelry houses such as Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier. Philippe's influence led to the creation of some of Trifari's most iconic pieces. Also in the 1930s, Trifari patented a new metal alloy he named Trifanium, which was resistant to tarnish and corrosion. Trifanium jewellery was also very affordable, which made it popular during the Great Depression of the 1930s. Trifari continued to produce high-quality costume jewellery throughout the 20th century. His designs were always ahead of the curve, and he was one of the most influential jewellery designers of his time.