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Trifari Sterling Vermeil Jelly Belly Pig NWS 9-1414 ~ 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 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 Plexiglas 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 piggie has been plated with a soft gold vermeil. ~ Our fat, little piggie has "spots" on her face and snout. These markings are shaped like wild clovers, and are filled with pavé-set, faceted, faux diamonds to make her look as though she's been poking around in the garden! One faux sapphire cabochon marks her eye. ~ Her ears are lined with more faux diamonds, as are her 2 front legs and hind quarters. ~ This famous brooch measures 2.5" high and 2 1/8" wide from her oinky nose to her corkscrew tail. ~ Signed on the reverse "Trifari", with the crown logo above the "T", and "STERLING" and "PAT.PEND.", which means that when this brooch was made, the patent had not yet been filed (see Patent shown above). c. 1943, in excellent vintage condition, with very little wear (almost none) to the vermeil, and spots of normal tarnish (I don't polish vintage jewelry!!). The Lucite belly is in near mint 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. 149-150, rated 4 stars! Absolutely adorable. Price = $965.00 Safe Shopping Guarantee b 4, q-z 3 Who was Trifari? |
