Skip to main content Skip to search results Skip to Facets & Filters

Claflin, Donald, 1935-1979

 

Biography

Donald Claflin was born in 1935, in Massachusetts. He began his studies at the Parsons School of Design in New York City. After graduation, he worked as a textile designer. He began his jewelry designs when he joined jeweler David Webb. Claflin also briefly worked for Van Cleef & Arpels. In 1965, Claflin was hired by Tiffany & Co. where he designed the entire Tanzanite collection. In 1970, Claflin designed a new Tiffany setting in which the diamond center stone is set in the cross of two intersecting bands of precious metal. He also became known for designing jewelry based on popular children’s stories, such as Alice in Wonderland, Humpty Dumpty and Chicken Little. Claflin left Tiffany's in 1977 and joined Bulgari. He died suddenly in 1979.

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

Donald Claflin collection of jewelry design drawings

 Collection
Identifier: MS-1327
MS-1327
Date(s): 1965 to 1991
Abstract

Donald Claflin (1935-1979), jewelry designer. The collection contains over 300 watercolor designs for jewelry; including rings, bracelets, pendants, necklaces, brooches and earrings.

Back to top