.: Don Dransfield hails originally from the Long Island area and began his career as a craftsman working with local Stone and Found Object Sculptor Walter Satovski. Along with his interest in art, Don also worked with antiques and soon found himself fascinated with the tools and processes involved in the building of things. This fascination evolved into an apprenticeship working with silversmiths Steve and Harriet Rogers in 1973 when he was 20 years old. From there he set up shop on his own , working primarily with silver, and began selling at galleries in and around the Long Island area. A trip to Virginia then found Don teaching jewelry Making at Christ Church School for two years.
.: Not satisfied with what he already knew, Don returned to New York to attend the State University of New York at New Paltz and earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Gold and Silver Smithing. Upon graduation, Don returned to the Richmond area to marry his Southern Belle Nancy, and began working for The Golden Touch Jewelers in Williamsburg for a brief period and then for Carreras Ltd. Another two years at with the Tudor Gallery and Don was ready for his own venture.
.: In 1991, Don opened Dransfield Jewelers in Richmond's Historic Shockoe Slip area. In the years since Dransfield Jewelers has become a fixture in the Slip, earning a reputation for quality, distinctive work and is recognized as one of the premier custom jewelry shops in the region.
Don has two daughters and has taught at the Hand Workshop for many years. He also persues his interest in painting, sculpture and jewelry at his private studio at Plant Zero Arts Center.
.: You can view some samples of Don's work by clicking here.