Trifari - TKF-KTF-Clipmates - Past and Present Jewelry

Trifari - TKF (kTf)-Clipmates

Trifari was started around 1918 by Gustavo Trifari and Leo Krussman, and were later joined by Carl Fishel. TKF was an abbreviation for the last names (Trifari, Krussman, and Fishel) and the first substantiated use of the mark, a large T flanked by a smaller K and F, is about 1935.

Many collectors feel that Trifari jewelry, especially those pieces from the 1930's-1960, are among the finest pieces of costume jewelry ever produced. Though Alfred Philippe was head designer for many years and signed most of the design patents issued to Trifari, a number of top notch designers worked for the company.

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Description: Trifari Star Pin and Earrings Set - Top quality 1960's Trifari from the end of the Alfred Philippe era. All emerald green oval rhinestones are paste set in all pieces with feathery goldtone plumes as accents. Whether this is to represent seaweed growing over a starfish is unknown - we'll let you decide the interpretation. Absolutely flawless pieces, earrings are 7/8" in diameter, typical clip mechanisms for this era. Brooch is 2 5/8" in diameter. The best Trifari pieces are being snapped up by astute collectors; if you love emerald green these are definitely to be prized.

Item: SS6-539

Price: $195.00 US

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Description: Trifari Skinny Navette Necklace and Bracelet Set with All Clear Rhinestones - This 1960's Philippe design is referred to on one well-known site as a "leaves and berries" pattern - whether this was the designer's original concept or not is certainly anyone's opinion, but it is interesting to note that, like most of Trifari's designs, there was a clear version and more than one colored version. I have seen various pieces of this design in autumn colors (brown-orange-topaz) and also in a fuchsia-multi green combination. Here we have the classic all clear version. Beside the long, thin marquises there are also regular marquises, rounds and tiny baguettes. One or two of the skinny marquises have nicked points, and most of the marquises have yellowed slightly. I don't feel this detracts but if you want "brand new" you will either want to consider some stone replacement or skip this set entirely. Plating and every other aspect of this set is in excellent condition. Bracelet is slightly over 7", necklace is adjustable to 16"+. Both pieces about 3/8" wide.

Item: SS7-538

Price: $159.50 US

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Description: Trifari Faux Pearl Cabochon Button Earrings - These glass pearl cabochons were used by Trifari not only by themselves, as in this set of earrings, but also with faux turquoise and faux coral cabochons. These have a goldtone setting and use the substantial clip mechanism also used by Pennino and similar high quality brands. 1 1/4" in diameter. Plating fairly worn on underside but does not show when worn. The center pearl on one earring is a little worn, otherwise the tops are in excellent condition.

Item: SE7-537

Price: $19.50 US

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Description: Trifari Clear Baguette and Round Rhinestone Bracelet & Earring Set - Silver Trifanium setting; these graceful pieces have baguettes surrounded by pave set curves. Earrings are 1" x 3/4", very elegant, with typical Trifari clipback mechanisms of the late 1950's-1960's. Link bracelet is 7" x 1/2" with baguette set foldover clasp and original safety chain. Clasp is marked Copyright (spelled out) By Trifari (with crown over the T). Some baguettes have yellowed very slightly, otherwise excellent condition. Beautiful, sparkly pieces with many, many stones. From 1962, this line was called "Reverie" and these pieces originally sold for $30.00 ($20/bracelet and $10/earrings).

Item: SS7-536

Price: $79.50 US

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Description: Trifari Glass Pearl Rhinestone Goldtone Earrings - Classic 1960's Trifari, cream colored faux pearls with clear rhinestones, all paste set. 1" x 3/4". These look like they were hardly ever worn.

Item: SE7-535

Price: $13.50 US

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Description: Trifari Heliotrope Rhinestone Link Necklace - If you've never seen a heliotrope rhinestone you are in for a treat! These stones are a combination of blue, aqua and purple in one stone, which gives them not only a richness that a regular stone doesn't have, it also makes this piece wearable with many colors of clothing. Gold Trifanium setting with a striated finish, with four navettes (marquises) on each link except the one closest to the clasp, 45 stones in all. IF you could find these stones they would probably justify the cost of the necklace all by themselves. About 15 inches x 1/2", originally may have had more chain on the side opposite the hook; adding additional chain would not be a problem.

Item: SN1-512

Price: $89.50 US

Sorry, SOLD!

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Description: Trifari Fuschia and Black Diamond Rhinestone Brooch - From the most sought after design series of Trifari's later 1950's output; some of the matching pieces can be seen in Deanna Farnetti Cera's "Amazing Gems". Done in several different color combinations as well as clear, the fuchsia/black diamond combination seems to be the most popular. 2 1/2" x 2", dark silvertone setting. Everything is in excellent original condition, with some darkening to the plating on the reverse. Marked Trifari with crown and copyright marking. Exceptional, top quality, and highly desirable piece.

Item: SP1-500

Price: $225.00 US

Sorry, SOLD!

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Description: Trifari Late 1940's Dark Blue/Clear Rhinestone Earrings - Probably a Philippe design, this uses those strange and desirable clip findings that look almost like dress clips. Dark blue prong set oval rhinestones with plenty of clear paste set pave. A few of the clears are replacements. 1" x 3/4". Exquisite.

Item: SE1-301

Price: $87.50 US

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Description: Trifari Jonquil Earrings - This is such a tough color to find. Jonquil (light yellow) rhinestones accented with tiny clear rhinestones, set in goldtone with brushed finish on leaf motif. Clips, about 7/8" in diameter.

Item: SE1-009

Price: $15.00 US

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Description: Trifari Philippe Gold and Clear Rhinestone Swirl Brooch - Though this is only marked "Trifari Pat. Pend." , this design was, indeed, patented in March of 1953 (#169208). It is still so shiny and sparkly that my camera had a hard time focusing. Stones are in beautiful condition with only a mild speckling of the deep goldtone plating. 1 7/8" x 1 1/4" . One of the nicest designs from this era.

Item: SP2-349

Price: $28.00 US

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Description: Trifari Clear Rhinestone Dangle Earrings - These earrings use a clip finding that I don't remember seeing on any other earrings; they predate the more commonly found clip mechanism you see in 1950's and 1960's Trifari.(See smaller picture - the green color you see is a reflection of the sweater I was wearing when I took the picture! and not anything on the earring.) Lovely showy earrings that feature pear shaped and square clear rhinestones. Bottom pears are the largest stones and are foiled and open backed. 1 3/4" long x 7/8" wide and 3/8" deep on the "ruffle". Another elegant Philippe design, this is a smaller version of the patented design 161040 from November of 1950.

Item: SE2-302

Price: $45.00 US

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Description: Trifari "Twinkles" Brooch - Done in clear rhinestones and silvertone (rhodium) plate, this 2 1/2" x 1" brooch is delicate looking but large enough to be seen. Everything looks to be in excellent original condition with very slight yellowing of the baguettes as is typical for these pieces. Leave it to Trifari to make an elegant statement with a relatively simple piece.

Item: SP2-498

Price: $26.50 US

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Description: Trifari Enamel and Rhinestone Brooch and Clip Earring Set - Done in rose pink, peacock blue and white enamel as well as two shades of green enamel on the leaves, and clear rhinestones. Shiney goldtone on the front, matte goldtone on the backs. In very close to mint condition with only a few pinpoint dings in the enamel. I was unable to find the patent for these pieces but I feel they are circa 1955-1960, using the top quality clipback mechanism that pieces of this era had. Pieces are 3 dimensional; brooch measures 3" x 1/3" and the earrings are 1" x 7/8". Top Trifari is escalating in price.

Item: SS2-384

Price: $95.00 US

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Description: Trifari Enamel and Light Sapphire Rhinestone Necklace - This probably dates to the late 1940's-early 1950's. Silvertone with navy enamel, light sapphire ovals and small round and baguette clear rhinestones. Marked Trifari with a crown and Pat. Pend. on the body of the necklace. Snake chain, adjustable hook closure; will fit up to a 15 3/4" neck (could be extended). Excellent condition; minimal wear to enamel and one baguette looks to be a replacement.

Item: SN3-502

Price: $39.50 US

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Description: Trifari Yellow Glass? Floral Necklace and Bracelet Set-I have searched for the patents for this set but have had no luck; it is my belief that this is from the time span between 1945-55. Set is goldtone with a slight rose gold cast, whether this was intentional or whether this is from patina I am not sure. While these appear to be glass rather than plastic I am not really sure, either; they are cold to the touch but am not sure if I am feeling the flowers or the metal. Both pieces are marked "Trifari Pat. Pend." and will come in the box they came in, which appears to be a 1950's Trifari velvet and satin box; interior is in good shape though exterior has some discolored parts. Necklace measures 15 1/4" x 5/8" with flat snake chain and foldover clasp. Bracelet is a link style, 7 1/4" x 5/8". The floral pieces are yellow with a bit of a green cast, not quite chartreuse but not exactly a lemon yellow, either. Excellent condition.

Item: SS2-385

Price: $89.50/set with orig. box US

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Description: Trifari Faux Coral "Dot" Earrings - White enamel is punctuated with faux coral "ballotini" (tiny balls) with goldtone trim. Usual 1960's clip mechanism, domed and about 3/4" in diameter. These use a heavy cast "filigree" to fill in the dome and attach the clip mechanism; I have only seen this used on a few Trifari styles (both very desirable) and would guess this would date these to a few specific years of Trifari's production. I would love to see the matching pieces for these; Trifari did a number of coral/white pieces to reflect a kind of "Palm Beach meets Eastern India" look. (I have seen a beetle brooch with the same design but with turquoise ballotini.) One of the ballotini is slightly worn, otherwise excellent condition.

Item: SE4-497

Price: $15.00 US

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Description: Trifari Goldtone Leaves, Glass Pearl and Clear Rhinestone Brooch - Excellent quality piece, all original. A few pearls show signs of wear but otherwise excellent condition. 2 1/2" x 1 3/8". Always elegant and refined for evening wear, this also makes a nice juxtaposition on the denim jackets that are back in style this fall.

Item: SP3-233

Price: $19.50 US

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Description: Trifari Deep Sapphire Rhinestone Earrings - From another popular 1960's design series that was done in a variety of colors and gold/silvertone, this uses silvertone with excellent quality deep sapphire navettes in various sizes. Metal has been "etched" to create a matte effect. Excellent, almost pristine original condition, about 1" x 3/4".

Item: SE4-501

Price: $19.50 US

Sorry, SOLD!

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Description: TKF Clear Dress Clip - Beautiful clip, possibly one of a pair of Clipmates. Excellent quality, all stones original, one small round missing which I will replace if you wish. 3 marquises, 7 baguettes of various sizes, and small round clear rhinestones, 1 1/2" x 1 3/4".

Item: SD3-028

Price: $60.00 US

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Description: Trifari Double Strand Necklace Bracelet and Earring Demi Parure - Early 1960's summer jewelry. Nested double strand necklace is about 26" long, foldover clasp. Double strand bracelet is 8", also with a foldover clasp. Clip earrings are slightly under 1" in diameter. Goldtone, beads are white; large beads are 3/4" x 5/8". Excellent condition. White is coming back into style, this will look dynamite against darker skin.

Item: SS4-504

Price: $29.50/demi parure US

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Description: Crown Trifari Clear Dress Clip - Again, possibly one of a pair of clipmates, this has the same clip mechanism that the dress clip above has, however, this one is marked Trifari (with the crown) instead of TKF. This has a more floral and foliate motif and is probably a Philippe design. Some of the stones in this piece has yellowed slightly and one has darkened, but all are, as far as I know, original stones. Mechanism works very well and plating is in excellent condition with some signs of wear on the clip finding mechanism but not on the piece itself. 1 1/2" x 1 1/2"

Item: SD3-444

Price: $35.00 US

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Description: Trifari Glass Pearl Rhinestone Goldtone Earrings - Once an easily found vintage item, the Trifari faux pearl pieces in good condition are starting to become more scarce. These are all original except for one rhinestone. Clip mechanisms, 7/8" diameter. A nice "go with" for item SP3-233 at the top of the page.

Item: SE3-250

Price: $8.50 US

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Description: Trifari Silvertone Faux Cream Pearl Earrings - Trifari did a huge business in glass pearl pieces in the 1960's. These earrings are in excellent original condition. Approx. 1" in diameter, clip mechanisms. That wonderful cool-warm combination that is almost impossible to find in contemporary jewelry.

Item: SE3-251

Price: $8.50 US

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Item: SE3-422

Price: $18.50 US

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Description: Trifari Golden Leaves Brooch - Trifari produced goldtone and silvertone pieces with glass pearls and rhinestones in a wide variety of designs and price ranges. This would have been a better quality piece. 2 1/2" x 1 3/4" and slightly domed. A few of the pearls are replacements but match well in color and size.

Item: SP4-206

Price: $22.50 US

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Description: Trifari Phillipe Enamel Floral Fur Clip - Lovely 1940's fur clip in pink, light blue and white (now cream) enamel, with green and brown enamel leaves and clear pave rhinestones. Additional design patent number on reverse side which appears to be 121253. This design was patented by Alfred Phillipe in June of 1940. Some enamel loss on the flowers, otherwise in excellent condition. Seen on other sites for over $200.00

Item: SF5-054

Price: $95.00 US

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Description: Crown Trifari Faux Coral and Faux Pearl Earrings with Original Tag - These clip earrings are probably, judging from the heavy curved clip mechanism used (see picture), from the 1960's, and match one of the more sought after design series from that era. Mint condition. What looks like scratches on the plating on the clip is actually a little residual glue? that I have since removed - plating is in excellent condition. 1 1/4" x 3/4".

Item: SE6-434

Price: $24.50 US

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Description: Trifari Chalk White/Clear Rhinestone Earrings - White is starting to make a fashion comeback and here are some great 1950's earrings to make your "statement". Silvertone with 6 navette cabochons in chalk white and lots of clear rhinestone pave. One or two clears are slightly yellow but otherwise these look good for being 50 years old (wish I did!) 1" in diameter and slightly domed.

Item: SE5-499

Price: $17.50 US

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Description: Trifari Jewels of India Set - I have seen these Trifari pieces with various names - Jewels of India, Moghul, Scherezade, etc., so I am not exactly sure which these are; however, this set is pristine as far as I can tell. The brooch is about 3 1/4" x about 1 1/8" and the clip earrings are about 1 1/8" in diameter. Matte goldtone finish; stones are emerald green rhinestone marquises and ruby colored square cabochons that I have only seen on Trifari pieces. These would appear to be the 1960's re-issue pieces.

Item: SP6-194

Price: $225.00 US

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Description: Trifari Blue Silver Bracelet A well-known Trifari Philippe design, often referred to as the "Thistle", in rhodium plate with dark blue baguettes with clear pave rhinestones. Link style, 7" x .625"; signed Trifari with crown and copyright symbol. Excellent condition.

Item: SB6-065

Price: $45.00 US

Sorry, SOLD!

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Description: Trifari Wide Gold/Clear Bracelet This link bracelet measures 7.5" x 1.5" and has 262 clear rhinestones. Jeweled foldover clasp. Goldtone plating is evenly worn and does not detract, but price reflects. Any missing stones have been replaced.

Item: SB6-068

Price: $48.00 US

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Description: Trifari Earrings with Smarged Royal Blue Pear Cab Beads - This would appear to be a floral theme, with two large unfaceted lampworked beads on each earring shaped like an egg with swirls inside, similar to stones that simulate sapphires that are referred to as smarged or flawed (intentionally). Accented with clear marquises under darker goldtone leaves; these use the wonderful 1950's clip mechanisms. 1" x 1", super original condition. I was unable to locate a patent for these piece, but I am certain that these must match an incredible necklace and brooch.

Item: SE6-425

Price: $59.50 US

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Description: Trifari Curved Clear Baguette and Round Rhinestone Link Necklace-A well known and sought after design, called "Lightning", done in 1961, and probably from the design table of Alfred Philippe, this piece originally sold for $25.00 almost 50 years ago. Ingeniously engineered link design alternates two rows of thin baguettes with rounds in such a way that you have a naturally curved piece. All stones present; heavy rhodium plate and quality hook marked Trifari; the tail is a replacement. About 14 1/2", adjustable. Could easily be made longer if needed.

Item: SN7-392

Price: $82.50 US

Description: Trifari "Tie-Ups" Convertible Clips and Sweater Guard Chatelaine - I think most collectors are fascinated by the idea of jewelry that can be used more than one way, i.e. duettes, bracelets that combine to form necklaces, necklace and bracelets that combine to form longer necklaces, etc. These (dress clips???) have "rings" on the back (see bottom photo) into which spring rings on the ends of this chatelaine can be inserted, connecting the two clips, and the clips can be attached to clothing, such as using it for a sweater guard. I originally thought the clips could be worn as earrings but they have two small prongs to hold on to the fabric better so would not be comfortable for an extended period (though they could probably be bent back or removed if you wanted to use them permanently as earrings)! The clips are in a thistle motif using the creamy glass pearls and clear pave that is ubiquitous for Trifari of the 1950's-60's. Goldtone, excellent condition. These are rare as sweater guards were not popular for a lengthy period. Apparently the chain was meant to be worn as a bracelet by itself, and came with instructions on various ways to wear the pieces.

Item: SM7-258

Price: $27.50 US

Description: Trifari Sterling Tortoise Jelly Belly Brooch - At least I think he's a tortoise. Book piece. Marked Crown Trifari and Sterling and Des. Pat. No. 185170. Produced in 1943. The belly portion is Lucite that has turned yellow-gold, for unknown reasons, presumably age (yes, Lucite can turn yellow, according to plastics expert Karima Parry's book on bakelite bangles.) A few of the missing pave rhinestones were missing and I have replaced them. 2 1/4" x 1 3/8".

Item: SP8-265

Price: $275.00 US

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Description: Trifari Clear Rhinestone Baguette Earrings - These earrings may or may not be the matching earrings for the necklace and bracelet set below, but if they aren't they certainly make an excellent marriage. Done in all clear channel set baguettes, in the same sizes as used on the necklace and bracelet, and features the same plating and workmanship. You won't go wrong with these. 7/8" x 7/16". Silver Trifanium setting, 1950's clipbacks.

Item: SE8-443

Price: $35.00 US

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Description: Trifari Baguette and Round Rhinestone Linked Choker and Bracelet Set - A truly elegant set, probably a Philippe design, made to look like fine jewelry. Nine graduated clear baguette rhinestones are paste set in each full link (and there are 12 in the necklace, 5 full links in the bracelet, plus a divided link with foldover clasp); those links are connected by a single round rhinestone fancy cut dentelle link. Over 180 stones in this set; all set in Trifari's patented rhodium plating. Necklace has djustable hook clasp, will fit up to a 16 1/2" neck; bracelet is 7 1/4". A note to those of you interested in top notich design, the necklace has links that curve on one side to make the necklace fit the curve of the neck, while the bracelet curves outward on both sides so it will lie properly on your wrist. Obviously well thought thru by a master jeweler. The real McCoy would be thousands of dollars; you don't have to tell!

Item: SS8-294

Price: $129.50 US/set

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Description: TKF Trifari Leaf Clipmate - TKF (or KTF) was Trifari's early mark, dating this to circa 1930's. This is marked TKF on one dress clip and "3" on the other. Sliding connecting mechanism is marked on one side "Clip-Mates" and with a patent number for the mechanism on the other side. This has an undetectable solder repair to one clip mechanism, done by John Catalano. Some of the stones have darkened as is typical of the TKF pieces. 3" x 1"

Item: SD10-285

Price: $75.00 US

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Description: Trifari Jointed Silvertone Pendant and Earrings Set - Medallion styles are particularly popular with the babydoll or tunic style tops in fashion. Pendant is in two connected sections; round snake type chain is about 24" and pendant measures 2 1/4 " x 1 3/4". Clip earrings are 3/4" x 3/4". Very slight scratching on front of pendant is NOT noticeable when worn but price reflects. Snake chain by itself probably justifies the price

Item: SS12-411

Price: $12.50/set US

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Description: Trifari Sterling Vermeil Philippe Earrings - Late 1940's ear clips with the unusual clip finding that Trifari used at this point of their production. Sometimes referred to as the "squirrel" design, this features a prong set raspberry glass cabochon topped with a cobalt blue faceted stone. Clear pave at top of the volutes is original, though the stones have darkened. Marked crown Trifari on the clip findings and sterling, pat. design no. 143989, which dates these to 1946.

Item: SE12-357

Price: $79.50 US

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Description: Trifari Philippe Overlapping Heart Brooch - Goldtone, glass cream pearls, and clear rhinestone rounds and baguettes. 2" x 1 1/2". Very good condition, with some wear to the plating and slight scuffing of the pearls, certainly to be expected in a 50+ year old piece. Marked Trifari Pat. Pend.; patent was #169209, registered in March of 1953.

Item: SP12-362

Price: $22.50 US

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Description: Trifari "Fine Jewelry" Look Clear Rhinestone Brooch - Well made 1960's piece with heavy rhodium plate and many many small clear stones. Stylized 3-D floral design. 2 1/4" x 1 1/8". If you want to confuse your friends into thinking you've sprung for the real thing, this might do the trick! From 1961, shown in an advertisement called "The Cool Jewels".

Item: SP12-383

Price: $32.50 US

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Description: Trifari Emerald Green and Clear Long Dangling Earrings - Exactly the same as the fuchsia earrings below but in green. Both pairs came from the same owner, a glamorous woman who had been in a lounge act in the 1960's and bought wonderful costume jewelry to go with her eveningwear. Top of the line Trifari.

Item: SE12-540

Price: $165.00 (green) US

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Description: Trifari Fuchsia Dangle Earrings with Pave Swirls - This is the most impressive pair of circa 1960's Trifari earrings that I have ever seen; these are 3 1/8" long and in perfect original condition. For Trifari collectors fuchsia (magenta, hot pink, shocking pink) is probably the ultimate color find, and I can only imagine the fabulous pieces that these match. Gold Trifanium plating. I rarely feel a pair of earrings is worth this price; these are exceptional. From 1965 - original price was $20.00.

Item: SE12-417

Price: $195.00 US

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Description:Trifari Madiera Topaz and Black Rhinestone Swirl Earrings - This must have been a popular 1960's design as I have seen very nice variations in a number of two-color combinations, and even all metal (no stone) versions. These are as elegant and wearable today as they were 40 years ago. Excellent original condition, about 7/8" in diameter. Perhaps you have matching pieces??

Item: SE12-477

Price: $19.50 US

Sorry, SOLD!

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Description: Trifari Demi Parure in Aurora Borealis/Silver Trifanium - Pristine necklace, bracelet and earring set from the late 1950's. Done with all clear AB marquise rhinestones. Necklace is link style with adjustable hook and tail, 15 12" fully extended, about 1/2" wide. Bracelet is also link style, 6 3/4" x 3/4"; earrings are clip, about 1" x 3/4". Bracelet and earrings marked Trifari with crown and copyright; necklace is marked Trifari and copyright on inside of hook.

Item: SS1-455

Price: $95.00/set US