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Trifari Horse Brooch, 1949 'Moghul Jewels' Series NWS 14-1410
~ Queen Victoria was crowned Empress of India in 1876, which event encouraged trade between the two continents. The profusion of Indian imports included exotic woods, brightly colored silks, and gem encrusted "Moghul jewelry", the likes of which the world had never seen. ~ At midnight on Aug. 14, 1947, freedom from the British Empire was proclaimed in India. Perhaps to commemorate this event, and as a salute to the fantastic jeweled creations that had been made in India for centuries, Trifari introduced their new series, the Moghul Jewels, created in the late 1940's by Alfred Philippe. This spectacular collection was inspired by the famous jewels of the maharajas of India during the Moghul period. Opulent jewelry designs of enormous, carved gemstones were often accompanied by pearls and were laden in the purist gold. ~ This Trifari Moghul Horse Brooch is part of the Moghul series. Prancing in all his glory, the horse's saddle and harness are bedecked in tear-drop, faux sapphire and ruby cabochons. Dozens of pavé-set, faceted, faux diamonds cover his feet, tail, girth, mane and forelock. One huge, "melon carved" ruby comprises his saddle. This is not a creation of fantasy. This is actually a depiction of the way the royal horses and elephants were ornamented during the Moghul era in India! Fascinating! ~ One faux ruby denotes the horse's eye. ~ While the body of the horse is gilt, the diamond-studded segments are made with rhodium plated metal, making the stones look as though they were set in platinum. ~ This spectacular brooch measure 2.25" wide (nose to tail) and just under 2" high. ~ Signed on the reverse "Trifari" with the crown logo above the "T". Also marked "PAT.PEND", which means this particular piece was issued before the patent (shown above) was filed. c. 1948, in near mint condition, all stones original! Research: American Costume Jewelry, 1935-1950, Brunialti & Brunialti, p. 133-134, rated 5 stars! Price = $725.00 b 1, q-z 3 Who was Trifari? |
