TIFFANY & CO. 1970 Donald Claflin Giraffe Brooch In 18Kt With 73.10 Ctw Gemstones
A giraffe brooch designed by by Donald Claflin for Tiffany & Co.
This is a spectacular and very rare brooch created in New York City by Donald Claflin for Tiffany & Co., back in the 1970. The unusual brooch is part of the Claflin's bestiary collection, crafted in solid yellow gold of 18 karts with high polished finish and fitted at the reverse with a hinge pin bar with a trombone security lock. The brooch is designed as two giraffe heads facing to the sides with a neck decorated with a diamond's bow. The brooch is entirely strewn with a great assortment of one-hundred-fifty-six natural earth mined gemstones, such; natural zircons, green sapphires, white colorless diamonds and intense red rubies. The zircons and sapphires are of various ovals shapes and hues of yellow, brown, yellowish brown, green and brownish green, yellowish greenish to brown, completely eye-clean to slightly included.
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 elegant and frisky at the same time.
Designer: Donald Claflin for Tiffany & Co.
Country: New York City, United States.
Period: Modernism, 1970.
Diamonds: Mount in pave settings, with 52 calibrated round brilliant cut diamonds, with a total weight of about 2.08 carats, white colorless F color, VS clarity.
Rubies: Mounted in bezel settings, with 4 well matched marquise cut of vivid red rubies with a total weight of about 1.02 carat.
Green zircons & sapphires: Mounted in flush prongs settings, with 100 graduated oval faceted cuts of natural greenish zircons and green sapphires, with a combined weight of about 70 carats.
Weight: 48.3 Grams, (30.98 Dwt).
Measurements: 57 mm by 65 mm by 20 mm (2.25 x 2.56 x 0.79 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark, the mark for the assay and warranty of the .750/.999 gold, the Tiffany inventory four-digits numbers and signed in full as follows, "TIFFANY & CO. © 18KT 4541".
Donald Claflin
He 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 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.
Literature:
Collateral: This Tiffany & Co. giraffe brooch by Donald Claflin is accompanied by the designer's presentation jewelry box.
Collateral: This Tiffany & Co. giraffe brooch by Donald Claflin is accompanied by a certificate appraisal prepared by a GIA certified gemologist stating all the characteristics of this piece of jewelry, the exact description of the gemstones and the today's market replacement value.
Condition: The overall condition of this Tiffany & Co. giraffe brooch by Donald Claflin is excellent. Besides the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. The 156 gemstones are secured in the settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: P041925MONNA/1.161
