Trifari Sterling Vermeil Jelly Belly Turtle Brooch

on Hold

NWS 3-1364

~ This wonderful, whimsical sterling vermeil turtle brooch is famous. No surprise there,... it's adorable!

~ The origin of "Jelly Belly" jewelry lies in the historical archives of Trifari. Trifari produced many brooches for the War effort in the 1940's, but they also converted their factories to produce Lucite windshields and turrets for 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!

~ This little turtle has been plated with a soft 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 use in the war effort.

~ Two faceted, faux rubies have been bezel-set into the eyes, adding just that right spark of color, while the turtle's neck, legs and tail have pavé-set, faux diamond details.

~ This famous turtle measures 2 3/8" from nose to tail and slightly over 1.5" wide.

~ Signed on the reverse "Trifari" with the crown logo above the "T". Also marked "Des. Pat. No. 135170" and "STERLING".

c. 1943, in good condition, some wear/tarnish to the gold wash. Some mellowing of stones.

Research: American Costume Jewelry, by Brunialti & Brunialti, p. 147-148. 20th Century Costume Jewelry, by Angie Gordon, p.119. Fun Jewelry, Nancy Schiffer, p. 17. And countless other books!

Price = $395.00on Hold

1, q-z2