Trafari History  The company was founded around 1918 as Trifari and Krussman.   Later in the 1920s Carl Fishel joins the company and it becomes known as Trifari Krussman and Fishel. In the early 1930's Alfred Philippe is hired as the head designer and under his leadership the real jewelry look is born. The crown above the T was to become their trademark.  He introduced his famous crown pin in 1941, and the success of the company was almost certain from that time on.  Under the leadership of Alfred Philippe (1930 - 1960's), Trifari became known for its high quality Costume Jewelry. Trifari set standards for most of the high fashion costume jewelry industry. Immediately after production of the jewelry, about 15% became very collectible. With items such as the Crown pin, sword pin, exotic animal figures, and their line of Mogul, (in late 1940s) and Jewels of India (mid 1960s),.   Jewels by Trifari was the trend setting leader in the rhinestone  jewelry industry.  It also became the second largest costume jewelry company, second only to Coro , but the quality of Trifari far surpassed it's competitor .   In 1975 the company was sold to Hallmark Jewelry Co.