Trifari Sterling Vermeil Jelly Belly Sea Lion Brooch

NWS 14-1440

~ Another fantastic, whimsical pin by Trifari's most famous designer, Alfred Philipe, this pin was called "Sea Lion" and was designed in March of 1943.

~ The body of the sea lion is made of clear lucite. 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!

~ During World War II, costume jewelers were forced to use sterling silver for their jewelry, as all other metals had been restricted for use in the war effort. That's why the sea lion's lucite body is set into vermeil.

~ His flippers and tail are covered in pavé-set, faceted, faux diamonds

~ At the tip of his nose, he balances a ball, represented by one large, faceted, faux ruby that has been prong-set, with an open back and no foil. So adorable!

~ The reverse is marked "Trifari", and "STERLING" and "Des.Pat.No.135188" which patent is shown above.

~ The brooch measures 2.25" high and 1.75" wide

c. 1940's, in excellent condition

Research: Featured in the book, American Costume Jewelry, by Brunialti & Brunialti, p. 151 & 152, and many other jewelry books as well. This is a famous brooch!

Price = $825.00 b 4, q-z

Who was Trifari?