Egyptian revival Trifari 1960’s choker necklace

Founded in 1910 by Italian immigrant Gustavo Trifari, the Trifari company became one of the most influential names in American costume jewellery. Gustavo had trained as a goldsmith in Naples before moving to New York, where he established Trifari & Trifari. By the 1920s and 1930s, the company had gained an international reputation for producing exceptionally high-quality costume jewellery that combined European craftsmanship with Hollywood glamour.

Under the creative direction of celebrated designer Alfred Philippe — formerly of Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier — Trifari elevated costume jewellery to an art form, creating sophisticated designs worn by film stars, socialites and even First Lady Mamie Eisenhower. The famous crown mark, introduced in the 1930s, became a symbol of quality and elegance and remains one of the most recognisable signatures in vintage jewellery today.

This striking late-1960s Trifari necklace captures the glamour and changing tastes of post-war costume jewellery design. Crafted in richly textured gold-tone metal, the necklace is formed from a dramatic fringe of elongated, feather-like plaques which curve elegantly around the neckline, creating movement and a sculptural silhouette. The design has a distinctly exotic influence — echoing Egyptian, East Indian and Asian motifs that became highly fashionable during the 1960s.

34 x2.4 cm

The reverse bears the Trifari signature with the crown mark and copyright symbol, dating the piece to after 1952. By the late 1960s, Trifari was producing jewellery that balanced modern sophistication with the era’s fascination for global and ethnic-inspired design. This necklace reflects that transition beautifully: bold yet refined, architectural yet fluid.

Following the Second World War, Trifari deliberately moved away from sterling silver jewellery, which had become expensive and impractical due to tarnishing. Instead, the company developed innovative proprietary metal finishes(Trifarium)  that mimicked precious metals while remaining durable and accessible. Their highly successful gold-tone alloys helped redefine American costume jewellery and shifted public taste toward polished white and gold metals.

During the 1960s, as ethnic jewellery and handcrafted global styles grew increasingly popular, Trifari responded with textured gold collections that echoed the appearance of fine jewellery while remaining distinctly wearable and modern. Designers drew inspiration from ancient civilisations and world cultures, blending exotic motifs with the clean tailored elegance still favoured by many women of the era. This necklace embodies that moment perfectly , it’s a  a sophisticated statement piece that bridges mid-century glamour and the adventurous spirit of late 1960s fashion.