The beautiful enameling and striking color combination keeps me coming back for more and more pieces from this rare Trifari Egyptian-motif enamel jewelry group.  Since it dates to the mid-1970's and is "new" by vintage jewelry standards, it is my goal to obtain examples in mint or near mint condition.

I am often asked if I wear the jewelry in my collection.  In this case, the answer is "yes."  This Trifari set coordinates with jeans - my usual attire.  Shown against the background of a white shirt or sweater, the colorful enameling POPS!! 

Close view of the scarab brooch, Trifari signature with the copyright symbol, and rare bird motif pendant.  The dangling cross-style symbol is an Ankh representing immortality or everlasting life. 

Trifari 1943 Rabbit Jelly Belly Pin

Jelly belly jewelry is always welcome in my collection especially sweet little critters like this 1943 Trifari jelly belly rabbit.  This piece is especially precious to me because he was a gift from my brother.

Copy of the 1943 Trifari design patent issued to Alfred Philippe for Trifari on March 2, 1943, back view of the rabbit, close view of the Des.Pat.No. 135169 stamped into the metal, close view of the crown Trifari mark on one ear.  This cutie is also stamped sterling.

 I devote an entire chapter to Takahashi bird pins and the fascinating history of the Takahashi family in Collecting Costume Jewelry 303.  I was privileged to interview Carol Takahashi, granddaughter of Yoneguma and Kiyoka Takahashi, for this chapter.  In an amazing act of generosity, she permitted me to photograph a portion of her private collection for the book.

At the start of World War II, many Japanese-American families were forced to relocate to internment camps.  Yoneguma and Kiyoka Takahashi, and their three young sons, were transported to a camp in Poston, Arizona.  There, they learned to carve and paint wooden bird pins.  Yoneguma and Kiyoka excelled at this craft. 

When finally released from the camp, and unable to find work, the couple continued to produce these beautiful works of art for over thirty years.  Each and every bird was hand-carved and hand-painted by Yoneguma and Kiyoka Takahashi. Only the best birds, the ones Kiyoka Takahashi considered to be the finest, were signed.

I fell in love with the Takahashi bird pins while working on this chapter and could not resist acquiring the Canada goose pin shown here.  It is especially wonderful because the pin is signed, in mint condition, and comes complete with the original identification card.

Back view of the Canada goose pin showing two important features.  First, the pin back is attached with push pins rather than screws.  (Reproductions are often found with screw-style fasteners.)  In addition, this beautiful goose is signed K.T. for Kiyoka Takahashi. 

Notice the detailed painting, including the expressive eye. 

Each pin was originally sold with an identification card like the one shown here.