A BRIEF HISTORY
Trifari
The Trifari Jewelry Company was founded by Gustavo Trifari, an Italian immigrant, in 1904 when he was only 20 years old. He then started the company 'Trifari and Trifari' with his Uncle in 1910. After a few years, Gustavo's uncle left the company to just Gustavo.
Trifari created its own gold-tone alloy. This non-tarnishing metal was known as Trifanium
Trifari worked with 1930s-era Broadway and Hollywood producers to fabricate custom jewellery pieces for famous actor
Alfred Philippe introduced many high-profile jewellery designs.
Crown Trifari jewellery became so popular that Trifari added a crown to its signature mark, sometime around 1937. Today, vintage Crown Trifari is a sought-after treasure.
NAPIER
The Napier Company got its start in North Attleboro, Massachusetts 1878, under the name of The E. A. Bliss Co., manufacturing gilt men's watch chains. In 1882, the company became incorporated as The E. A. Bliss Company with the word "The" as part of its legal name. The company relocated to Meriden, Connecticut in 1890, after the company sustained rapid growth in the previous decade. During World War I (and again in World War II), they ceased production of jewelry, and instead focused on producing war-related items, such as medallions and medals. James H. Napier became president of the company in 1920, and the company was renamed, The Napier-Bliss Co. In 1922, the company again changed its name to The Napier Co.
MONET
The company was established by brothers Michael and Jay Chernow and was initially known as the Monocraft Products Company, which manufactured gold- and silver- plated monogram plaques for use in women’s handbags. Monocraft bags were highly sought-after and well-known for their quality.
However, it was only in the late 1930s that Monocraft began to focus on jewelery.
Many women couldn’t afford fine jewelery and costume jewelery became an excellent alternative. The company saw this as an opportunity to capitalize on.
In 1937, the company’s name was changed to Monet and began producing high-quality costume jewelry. Led by Edmond Granville, a former Cartier fine jewelry designer, the company transformed into a leading fashion brand.
Since then, Monet Jewelry has changed hands many times, and was purchased in 2000 by Liz Claiborne. Today the brand remains a favorite for vintage costume jewelry collectors and is still sought-after by those who love vintage designs.
SARAH COVENTRY
The Sarah Coventry jewelry line was established by Charles H Stuart of Emmons home fashion in November 1949. He christened the brand after his granddaughter Sarah and his ancestral hometown of Coventry, England.
The company operating headquarters was in New York City. Later, the brand expanded its offices and commenced sales in other cities like the United Kingdom, Australia, and Belgium in Europe.
JOAN RIVERS
Joan Rivers, America's iconic comedian, was also a leading force in the popularity of costume jewelry through her association with QVC. She began her enterprise in 1990 during the early days of the television shopping network's existence. The timing is interesting in that her beloved husband Edgar Rosenberg had recently died.
The Joan Rivers Classics Collection offered more than 6,000 products over the course of a 24 year relationship with QVC. In addition to jewelry, Rivers offered clothing and beauty products. Since her death in 2014, daughter Melissa provides leadership for the company.