Donald Claflin for Tiffany & Co Giraffe Gold Brooch Gemstone

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 reimagined the classic Tiffany diamond engagement ring by setting the center diamond at the intersection of two crossing metal bands.
After spending eleven years at Tiffany, Claflin joined the New York branch of the Italian jewelry company Bulgari in 1976. Collaborating with Carvin French, he continued to produce innovative jewelry during his three-year tenure at Bulgari. His designs were created to appeal to the contemporary woman following the trend for jewelry that transitioned from day to evening wear.

About Tiffany & Co. Brand

 Tiffany & Co. is a symbol of refined taste and superlative quality all over the world. The brand has a reputation as a leader in luxury goods and diamond jewelry.
Everything about this high-end jewelry maker, including Tiffany Blue color, is iconic. During its long history, Tiffany collaborated with the best jewelry designers such as Jean Schlumberger, Elsa Peretti, Angela Cummings, and Paloma Picasso.

About Vintage Jewelry

 Vintage jewelry is a broad topic with multiple aspects to discuss. We decided to answer a few basic questions to provide a broad introduction to this captivating subject. So, what defines vintage jewelry? Why is it so appealing? And how does one navigate the optimal way to buy vintage jewelry online?

In the industry, different sellers and makers have different opinions regarding the specific time frames characterizing the creation of vintage jewels. Here at Nadine Krakov, our definition places vintage within the bracket of anything produced between 50 and 100 years ago. Consequently, we label all jewelry crafted from 1930 to 1980 as vintage.

This time frame comprises Art Deco, Retro and Mid-Century styles. Why do we love vintage jewelry so much? It's all about the quality of making and, of course, the aesthetic.

Vintage pieces were mostly made by hand or at least hand-finished while modern jewels are mainly cast. As the lifestyle back in the days was much slower, jewelry makers literally had more time in their hands. Skilled craftsmen honed their craft and reputation. They couldn’t allow a flimsy, poorly done piece to ruin that. Mass market jewelry didn’t exist at that time. Each little detail of a piece was executed thoughtfully and with high quality in mind.

All the above is especially important when you are looking for a vintage engagement ring. If you want to find a special, one-of-a-kind engagement ring, look no further because we’ve got you covered. Either it's a perfect diamond ring or a stunning color gemstone ring, we have a great variety to choose from.

How to shop for your vintage jewelry online? Ask questions about the maker's marks and hallmarks, request a video of the piece, and show it to your jeweler. The easiest way to be confident with your purchase is to find a trustworthy, reputable seller. And if you happen to be in the Beverly Hills area, just google “vintage jewelry near me”, find Nadine Krakov Collection store and stop by for a good chat with a sip of champagne.