1960s Crown Trifari Gold Tone Textured Openwork Swirl Brooch 2.75"

DESCRIPTION

A wonderfully sculptural circa-1960s Crown Trifari brooch, formed from a sweeping arrangement of openwork golden scrolls that curl inward and around one another in an almost architectural composition.

Each broad ribbon alternates between finely stippled texture and smooth polished edges, creating remarkable depth without relying upon a single rhinestone. The open spaces between the scrolls allow the fabric beneath to become part of the design, while the generous approximately 2.75-inch scale gives the brooch the presence expected of good mid-century costume jewelry.

The effect is somewhere between a stylized flower, a curling ribbon and an abstract modernist flourish—precisely the sort of confident gold jewelry that Trifari did exceptionally well during the mid-twentieth century.

WORTH NOTING

Signed Crown Trifari on the reverse, with the characteristic crown above the T.

The combination of textured and polished gold-tone surfaces, dimensional openwork construction and Crown Trifari signature is consistent with the company's mid-century designs. Closely related Crown Trifari swirl brooches are documented to the 1950s–1960s.

We conservatively date this example to circa 1960s.

MEASUREMENTS

Approximately 2.75" across.

Measurements are approximate.

CONDITION

Pre-owned vintage condition with age-appropriate evidence of previous wear.

Please review photographs closely for the condition of the gold-tone finish, textured surfaces, polished edges, openwork elements, pin stem, rollover clasp and Crown Trifari signature.

FROM THE HOUSE

Trifari didn't need stones to make jewelry dramatic.

Here, great golden scrolls curl around one another like ribbons caught mid-turn, their stippled interiors contrasting beautifully against polished edges. At nearly three inches across, it has all the scale of proper mid-century costume jewelry without becoming heavy with ornament.

Exactly the sort of brooch a good lapel was invented to carry.

~ Genevieve