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Details
**A CORAL, DIAMOND AND HYDROGROSSULAR GARNET BROOCH, BY DONALD CLAFLIN, TIFFANY & CO.
The textured gold branch, with pavé-set diamond leaves, extending a cluster of coral and hydrogrossular garnet berries, mounted in 18k gold and platinum, circa 1967-1970, in a Tiffany & Co. blue leather case
By Donald Claflin, signed Tiffany & Co.
The textured gold branch, with pavé-set diamond leaves, extending a cluster of coral and hydrogrossular garnet berries, mounted in 18k gold and platinum, circa 1967-1970, in a Tiffany & Co. blue leather case
By Donald Claflin, signed Tiffany & Co.
Special notice
Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.
Further details
Known as a dynamic American-born jewelry designer, Donald Claflin did not have a formal academic background. In fact, his first design experience was in a fashion house for men's apparel. He spent time at David Webb, Inc., where he learned to design in the style of the master, and in 1965, Henry Platt, Vice President of Tiffany & Co., enticed him to join the jewelry house. During his twelve-year tenure, he introduced a new line of jewelry that combined gemstones and hardstones; conceived a new setting in which the diamond center stone was set in the cross of two intersecting bands of precious metals; created clip-on rings that open and slide over the knuckle; and designed fanciful jewelry based on storybook characters and imaginary creatures.
Claflin encouraged his clients to become adventurous and to adopt a bolder style in jewelry. Along with Jean Schlumberger, he led the way toward a sophisticated style in jewelry that other designers were quick to emulate. Following his highly successful years with Tiffany & Co., Donald Claflin became a major designer for Bulgari. His untimely death in 1979 left a serious gap in the ranks of imaginative and productive American jewelry designers.
Claflin encouraged his clients to become adventurous and to adopt a bolder style in jewelry. Along with Jean Schlumberger, he led the way toward a sophisticated style in jewelry that other designers were quick to emulate. Following his highly successful years with Tiffany & Co., Donald Claflin became a major designer for Bulgari. His untimely death in 1979 left a serious gap in the ranks of imaginative and productive American jewelry designers.