Trifari Jelly Belly Sterling Vermeil Hummingbird Brooch

NWS 11-1347

~ 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 Plexiglas 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!

~ This graceful hummingbird has been plated with a soft, rose gold vermeil; 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.

~ The hummingbird is seen soaring high, her wings spread, showing each individual feather. her wing bars covered in scalloped, rhodium-plated metal. Into this brilliant, platinum like background are set dozens of faceted, faux diamonds

~ The hummingbird's eye is depicted with a faceted, faux ruby.

~ This famous brooch measures 2 1/8" high and 2.75" wide.

~ Signed on the reverse "Trifari", with the crown logo above the "T", and "STERLING" and "Des. Pat. No. 135171" (patent shown above).

c. 1943, in excellent vintage condition

Research: Featured in the book, American Costume Jewelry, by Brunialti & Brunialti, p. 147-148

Price = $595.00 b6, q-z 2

Who was Trifari?