Donald Claflin for Tiffany & Co. Giraffe Gold Brooch Gemstones Estate Jewelry
By Donald Claflin for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A spectacular brooch by Donald Claflin, made of 18k gold, featuring colored gemstones and diamonds.
The brooch is designed as two giraffe heads with a neck decorated with a diamond bow. The brooch is entirely strewn with shaped colored gemstones including zircons and sapphires. The eyes are accented with marquise-shaped rubies.
This playful piece clearly represents Claflin's unique style, known for its sculptural and imaginative animal motifs. This exuberant brooch is a head-turner that is stunning and frisky at the same time.
The vintage ring giraffe brooch is made of 18 karat yellow gold. The zircons and sapphires are of various shapes and hues of yellow, brown, yellowish brown, green and brownish green, yellowish greenish brown, eye-clean to slightly included. The diamonds are round brilliant cut, F-G color, VS1 clarity, total weight approximately 2.0 carats).
The brooch measures 2 ½” x 2 1/8" (6.5 x 5.3 centimeters) and weighs 48.0 grams.
The vintage Claflin brooch is stamped with Tiffany & Co. maker's marks.
About Donald Claflin Designs:
Donald Claflin (1935-1979) was a prominent American jewelry designer who was especially celebrated for his imaginative creations for Tiffany & Co. Claflin studied at the Parsons School of Design in New York, where he developed his skills as an illustrator and textile designer. His journey into the world of jewelry began at David Webb. In 1965, Claflin joined Tiffany & Co., where he continued the aesthetic that was successfully established by Jean Schlumberger.
Donald Claflin was a creative force whose animal designs were filled with imagination and whimsy. His artistry turned everyday materials into sculptures that look very realistic. Claflin's talent for providing his creations with joy and character distinguished his work in the art world. By combining detailed craftsmanship with a playful spirit, he created creatures that seemed to come straight from a book. He crafted jewelry inspired by classic children’s stories. Claflin’s designs were characterized by vivid enamel colors and meticulous craftsmanship, hallmarks of the Carvin French firm, which manufactured Claflin's pieces.
He also created several classically styled pieces for Tiffany. In 1969, he designed the first Tiffany collection featuring tanzanite, which was a newly discovered gemstone. In 1976, he re-imagined the classic Tiffany diamond engagement ring...
Category
1970s American Vintage Donald Claflin for Tiffany & Co. Jewelry
MaterialsDiamond, Sapphire, Zircon, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold