1938 Crown Trifari Alfred Philippe Bellflower Crystal Pave Clip-Mate Dress Clips

Minimal fine surface scratches or other signs of wear. Rhodium plating is lush and bright. All stones are original and intact, and that is hardly surprising because most of the stones are firmly set. The chatons are a mix of very good to fair, as many small stones have greyed over time. Replacing them will require care and expertise, given the manner in which they are set--they are not simply glued in place but securely bezel set. Note the fine details, such as the milgrain bezel lines, and geometric arrangements. Clasp works well and is secure. Clips are secured onto the frame by sliding the "tracks" of the clips onto the raised rail on the frame.

The frame is marked CLIP-MATES on the middle channel of clasp. It is also partially marked with patent no.

2,050,804, filed by Alfred Philippe in 1936 for Trifari, Krussman, and Fishel, the team that catapulted Trifari to great success. The actual clips contain one of the first Crown Trifari marks with the large crown used by Trifari following the transition from TKF, dating it to sometime after November 1937 (but likely 1938). This set piece not only represents one of the first official Trifari pieces, but also one of the earliest use of bellflower or "campanula" floral motifs seen in jewelry produced by other designers like Coro. A very exciting, important piece, completely intact with original frame.

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