When it comes to designer jewelry, few brands are as well-known and coveted as David Yurman. Famous for its signature cable motif and effortlessly chic designs, David Yurman has been a mainstay in luxury jewelry for over 40 years. But with premium materials and equally premium price tags, you may be wondering: is David Yurman jewelry actually worth it?
In this in-depth review, I‘m taking a close look at the iconic American jewelry brand to help you decide if David Yurman deserves a place in your jewelry box. I‘ll dive into the history of the brand, the quality and craftsmanship, the pros and cons, and lots of specific product reviews. Consider this your ultimate guide to all things David Yurman.
The History of David Yurman
First, let‘s rewind to the early days of the brand. David Yurman launched his namesake jewelry company in 1980 alongside his wife Sybil, a painter. As a sculptor, David‘s artistic eye and Sybil‘s understanding of color made them a perfect match in both love and business. Together, they pioneered the American jewelry aesthetic with their signature twisted cable design and colorful semi-precious stones.
David‘s unique creations combined the worlds of art and fashion in a way that no other jewelry brand was doing at the time. His twisted helix motif was inspired by the calligraphers at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C. He then transformed this artistic idea into what would become the iconic Cable bracelet. This twisted sterling silver and gold bracelet adorned with colorful stones put David Yurman on the map.
Throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s, David Yurman‘s creative, artistic jewelry designs gained a devoted following of fans who appreciated the relaxed luxury of the brand. The Yurmans were at the forefront of the everyday luxury trend, crafting high-end pieces that could seamlessly transition from jeans and a t-shirt to a little black dress.
In the early 2000s, David and Sybil‘s son Evan joined the company and began spearheading the men‘s and wedding collections. Today, David Yurman remains family-owned and operated with a distinctly American style that balances elegance and ease. The brand‘s most beloved collections include the iconic Cable and Crossover lines, along with the sculptural Châtelaine and Stax collections.
Assessing David Yurman Quality & Craftsmanship
Quality is the cornerstone of David Yurman jewelry. Each and every piece is designed and handcrafted at David Yurman‘s New York workshop by a team of skilled artisans. No detail is overlooked in the crafting process, resulting in jewelry that is built to last a lifetime.
So what exactly goes into a piece of David Yurman jewelry? Let‘s break down the key quality elements:
Materials
David Yurman uses only the finest precious metals and ethically-sourced gemstones in their creations. Here‘s the scoop on the core materials:
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Sterling Silver: David Yurman sterling silver is alloyed with copper and plated in 14K gold to enhance the luster and prevent tarnishing. The sterling is nickel-free and hypoallergenic.
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18K Gold: All David Yurman gold is 18K yellow, white, or rose gold. 18K gold is composed of 75% gold and 25% alloy metals to boost strength and durability.
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Pavé Diamonds: David Yurman uses responsibly-sourced micro pavé diamonds, delicately set by expert artisans. Diamonds are conflict-free and range from VS to SI clarity.
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Colored Gemstones: David Yurman features a wide array of semi-precious and precious colored stones including blue topaz, amethyst, citrine, peridot, and more. All stones are hand-selected for superior color and clarity.
Craftsmanship
Exceptional materials are just one half of the quality equation. Equally important is the craftsmanship and attention to detail in each David Yurman design:
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Hand-Twisted Cable: The iconic cable motif is created by meticulously hand-twisting 50 feet of wire and then wrapping it in a helix pattern. No two cables are exactly alike.
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Stone-Setting: Each gemstone is carefully cut and faceted to maximize color and then hand-set by David Yurman artisans. Pavé and micro-pavé stones are delicately set for optimal security and sparkle.
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Hand-Finishing: All David Yurman pieces are finished by hand to ensure a flawless final result. Expect ultra-smooth surfaces, perfect proportions, and refined details.
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Quality Mark: As a sign of authenticity, every David Yurman piece is engraved with the brand‘s signature and the metal purity mark.
When it comes to quality and craftsmanship, David Yurman undoubtedly upholds the highest of jewelry standards. The combination of premium precious metals, responsibly-sourced gemstones, and impeccable craftsmanship results in beautiful, heirloom-worthy pieces you‘ll want to wear every day.
David Yurman Signature Designs
Now that you have the backstory on David Yurman quality, let‘s talk about the brand‘s most iconic designs. David Yurman is renowned for their artistic, modern take on everyday jewelry essentials. While they offer a full range of rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, a few signature motifs define the brand‘s aesthetic.
Cable Collection
The Cable collection is the most well-known and quintessential David Yurman line. Defined by the hand-twisted helix motif, Cable designs wrap fluidly around the neck, wrist, or finger. Cable bracelets are the brand‘s calling card and feature the twisted cable adorned with gold ends and colorful stones. The result is an edgy yet timeless accessory you‘ll reach for over and over again. Must-have Cable pieces include:
- Cable Classic Bracelet with Gold & Pave Diamonds
- Cable Collectibles Bangle Bracelet
- Petite X Crossover Ring with Gold
- Cable Loop Necklace with Gold
- Cable Collectibles Buckle Bracelet
Crossover Collection
In the Crossover collection, David Yurman‘s artistic origins really shine. Featuring sculptural "X" shapes, Crossover jewelry symbolizes the intersection of art and fashion, men and women, and Davids and Sybil‘s unique perspectives. Wrapped in smooth metal and glittering pavé diamonds, the Crossover motif makes a statement on rings, bangles, and pendant necklaces. Bestsellers include:
- Crossover Ring with Diamonds
- Crossover Cuff Bracelet
- Crossover Pendant Necklace
- Crossover Huggie Hoop Earrings
Stax Collection
Stax is one of David Yurman‘s newest collections and offers a modern, minimalist take on the brand‘s signature style. With clean lines and smooth, rounded edges, Stax designs stack seamlessly (hence the name) and make the perfect everyday accessories. Key pieces include:
- Stax Chain Link Bracelet with Diamonds
- Stax Wide Ring with Pavé Diamonds
- Stax Hoop Earrings
- Stax Ring in White Agate
Men‘s Designs
While David Yurman is most famous for their women‘s jewelry, their men‘s designs are equally covetable. From rugged signet rings and dog tag necklaces to sleek cuff bracelets and chain link watches, David Yurman men‘s jewelry exudes relaxed luxury. Must-haves include:
- Meteorite Signet Ring
- Shipwreck Chain Necklace in Bronze
- Hex Band Ring in Black Titanium
- Frontier Feather Amulet
- Maritime Surf Bracelet with Black Onyx
Whether you gravitate towards David Yurman‘s signature Cable designs, sculptural Crossover pieces, or modern Stax styles, you really can‘t go wrong. By putting an artistic spin on everyday essentials, David Yurman has created a range of iconic designs with endless mixing, matching, and stacking potential.
David Yurman Pros and Cons
As with any jewelry purchase, it‘s important to weigh the pros and cons before you buy. To help you decide if David Yurman is the right splurge for you, here‘s my honest take on the advantages and drawbacks of the brand:
Pros
- Exceptional quality precious metals and ethically-sourced stones
- Impeccable craftsmanship with hand-finished details
- Instantly recognizable designs with iconic motifs
- Heirloom-quality pieces designed to last a lifetime
- Relaxed luxury aesthetic that elevates any look
- Extensive range of styles for both men and women
- 2-year warranty and lifetime complimentary repairs
Cons
- High price point with pieces ranging from $300 to $10,000+
- Primarily offers gold and sterling silver, not platinum
- Designer name markup for craftsmanship and brand recognition
- Ubiquitous designs may feel inauthentic to some
- Limited selection of bridal and wedding jewelry
Ultimately, if you appreciate everyday luxury, impeccable craftsmanship, and want an iconic piece of jewelry to pass down for generations, David Yurman is absolutely worth the investment. Their timeless designs and superior quality make them a worthwhile splurge for jewelry lovers.
However, if you‘re looking for something a bit more understated or budget-friendly, David Yurman likely isn‘t the right brand for you, as even their most minimal designs come with a visible logo and hefty price tag. The brand markup is significant, so you are undoubtedly paying a premium for the Yurman name.
What Other Reviewers Are Saying
Of course, you don‘t have to just take my word for it when it comes to David Yurman jewelry. I combed through hundreds of customer reviews from verified buyers to get additional insights on the brand. The vast majority of reviews sing the praises of David Yurman, with a few key themes emerging:
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Versatility: Reviewers rave about how versatile David Yurman pieces are, easily transitioning from everyday wear to special occasions. The Cable bracelets and Crossover rings get top marks for stacking and mixing potential.
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Quality: Unsurprisingly, quality comes up again and again in David Yurman reviews. Customers appreciate the substantial weight and feel of the silver and gold styles along with the superior craftsmanship.
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Durability: Another huge plus is the durability and wearability of David Yurman jewelry. Reviewers note that with proper care, their pieces still look good as new after daily wear for years.
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Gift Potential: Many reviewers also mentioned purchasing David Yurman jewelry as a gift for special occasions. The blue box and elegant packaging make any piece feel extra luxe.
That‘s not to say there are no negative David Yurman reviews. A few critiques that came up include:
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Price: The most common callout is the steep price point for sterling silver and gold vermeil pieces. Some reviewers felt the quality didn‘t justify the high cost.
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Tarnishing: A handful of reviewers experienced their sterling silver pieces tarnishing and taking on a yellowish hue over time. This is a common issue with sterling silver that can be easily remedied with polishing cloths.
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Ubiquity: The popularity of David Yurman pieces like the cable bracelet means you‘re likely to spot them on many other wrists. A few reviewers said this ubiquity made their pieces feel inauthentic or unspecial.
Overall though, the vast majority of reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with customers declaring their David Yurman pieces as forever favorites they‘ll cherish for years to come. The quality, craftsmanship, and timeless style make David Yurman a worthwhile investment in the eyes of most reviewers.
David Yurman Jewelry Care
To get the most out of your David Yurman jewelry, it‘s essential to practice proper care and storage. With the right maintenance, your pieces can truly last a lifetime and even be passed down to future generations. Here are some tips for keeping your David Yurman jewelry in tip-top shape:
- Store jewelry in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box when not in use
- Remove jewelry before swimming, bathing, or exercising
- Avoid contact with perfumes, lotions, and other chemicals
- Clean sterling silver with a soft polishing cloth to remove tarnish
- Bring your pieces in for complimentary professional cleaning and inspection at a David Yurman boutique
By following these simple care tips, you‘ll ensure your David Yurman pieces maintain their luster and quality for many years to come.
Is David Yurman Worth It? The Verdict
So, is David Yurman worth the price tag? Ultimately, only you can decide if David Yurman jewelry is the right splurge for your style, budget, and values. But if you‘re looking for everyday luxury, unparalleled craftsmanship, and want an iconic design to last a lifetime, I believe David Yurman is absolutely worth the investment.
Yes, you‘ll pay a premium for the brand name and recognition. But for many jewelry lovers, slipping on that cable bracelet or crossover ring is more than just adorning themselves with a status symbol – it‘s an act of empowerment and celebrating life‘s special moments. A piece of David Yurman jewelry may very well become the most treasured accessory in your wardrobe; one you look forward to wearing and passing down.
If you are considering taking the plunge, I recommend starting with one of the brand‘s most iconic designs like the cable bracelet or crossover ring. These versatile pieces offer the most bang for your buck and can be easily dressed up or down. From there, you can build out your David Yurman collection and even mix and match with other jewelry brands for a high-low look.
At the end of the day, a piece of David Yurman jewelry is so much more than just an accessory—it‘s a little work of art you get to wear every day. And in my book, that‘s always a worthy investment.
Shop David Yurman Jewelry
Now that you have the full scoop on David Yurman, you may be wondering where to buy these coveted pieces. Luckily, David Yurman jewelry is widely available both online and in-store. Here are the best places to shop for authentic David Yurman jewelry:
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David Yurman Official Website: Shop the full range of David Yurman jewelry on their official website, with free shipping and returns.
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David Yurman Boutiques: Visit one of David Yurman‘s retail boutiques to see the designs in person and consult with a jewelry specialist.
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Department Stores: David Yurman is carried online and in-store at major department stores like Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, and Nordstrom.
Wherever you choose to buy your David Yurman jewelry, just be sure you are purchasing from an authorized retailer to guarantee authenticity. And don‘t forget to keep an eye out for any promotions or sales – even luxury brands go on sale sometimes!
I hope you found this David Yurman jewelry review helpful in your search for the perfect forever piece. While David Yurman may not be for everyone, their commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and enduring style have made them a mainstay in the luxury jewelry space for decades. I have no doubt they‘ll continue to innovate and inspire jewelry lovers for many more decades to come.
