Famous Trifari Jelly Belly Sterling Vermeil Lily of The Valley Brooch

on Hold

NWS 14-1402

~ This is another famous brooch from Trifari! The origin of "Jelly Belly" jewelry lies in the historical archives of Trifari. During World War II, Trifari converted some of their factories to produce Lucite windshields and turrets for US fighter planes. These windshields had to be flawless, so any large plexiglass sheets that were even lightly marred were thrown on a scrap heap, deemed unusable for the Air Force. Trifari's most famous jewelry designer, Alfred Philippe, looked at the growing stack of discarded plexiglass and had a stroke of genius. He had the company jewelers cut up the Lucite windshields into small cabochons, fitted them into some whimsical jewelry designs, and voila!... "Jelly Bellies" were born!

~ Also, during World War II, costume jewelry designers were obliged to use sterling silver for their jewelry, as all other metals had been restricted for the war effort. This graceful lily of the valley brooch has been plated with a soft gold vermeil.

~ Bowing gently in a light summer breeze, the flower's tender stalk is laden with blossoms. The brooch is vermeil, but there are a few areas that have been plated in rhodium in order to provide a gleaming background for the faceted, faux diamonds. These can be seen at the edges of the leaf, where it curls, and also as the flowers of the lily. A few scattered, faux diamonds are sprinkled throughout, as if kissed by morning dew in the glistening sun.

~ This famous Lily measures 3 3/8" high and 1 7/8" wide.

~ Signed on the reverse "Trifari", with the crown logo above the "T", and "STERLING" and "PAT.PEND.", which means that when this brooch was made, the patent had not yet been registered (see Patent No. 139254, filed August 29, 1944, and granted October 24, 1944, shown above).

~ In excellent vintage condition, with very little wear to the vermeil, and spots of normal tarnish (I don't polish vintage jewelry!!). The lucite belly is in near mint condition, no scuffing, dulling, chips, cracks or repairs. This is a famous piece, as precious as can be!

Research: Featured in the book, American Costume Jewelry, by Brunialti & Brunialti, p. 159-160, rated 4 stars! Fun Jewelry, by N. Schiffer, p. 31.

Price = $1,275.00on Hold

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