Trifari Jelly Belly Sterling Vermeil Rabbit Brooch

NWS 3-1510

~ Thief! He has gotten into your vegetable garden again and is munching on something that was supposed to be in your dinner tonight! Does he nibble on your carrots? Leeks? I don't know, but his cheeks are puffed - he has a big mouthful of something with leafy green tips! How adorable is he!? Wait a minute! It may be the Easter Bunny,... in which case, we had better not disturb his snacking in the morning sun.

~ 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 adorable rabbit has been plated with a soft gold vermeil.

~ The front edges of the rabbit's ears, a few of the leaves, and his puffy white, cotton tail have all been plated in rhodium metal. Into this brilliant, platinum-like background are set dozens of faceted, faux diamonds.

~ The rabbit's eye is a faux ruby cabochon, surrounded by black enamel "fur".

~ The leaves are depicted with 3 faceted, faux sapphire navettes.

~ This famous rabbit measures 1 5/8" from nose to tail, and almost 2" high.

~ Signed on the reverse "Trifari", with the crown logo above the "T", and "STERLING" and "Des. Pat. No. 135169" (original patent filing shown above).

c. 1943, in excellent vintage condition, with very little wear to the vermeil (looks like it was never worn). A few of the tiny clear stones have mellowed with time. The lucite belly is in fantastic 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. 147-148, rated 4 stars! Fun Jewelry, by N. Schiffer, p. 82.

Price = $585.00 b 5, q-z 2

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