David Yurman is both a person and a brand. The brand’s namesake was born in New York, just miles (and days!) apart from Sybil Kleinrock, who would eventually become David’s wife, inspiration and business partner. When the pair eventually crossed paths, love blossomed quickly as they began creating art together. Sybil was a painter, whilst David turned his hands to sculpture. He lived by the motto, “Life is art”.

In keeping with his motto, David leaned on his art to mark milestones in his and Sybil’s life together. Fittingly, David’s gifts were often hand-crafted, such as the necklace he gifted to his beloved wife, which became the cornerstone of their business together. The two combined their talents and outstanding skills to create unique yet undeniably identifiable pieces. Their collections are firmly based on the concept of life’s journeys, with the couple being quoted as saying, it was never about the money; their jewellery-making has always been an emotional, explorative and collaborative process that allows them to bond together and quickly became the art form they enjoyed creating the most together.

Another motif that is a staple feature throughout the Yurman brand is the use of cushion cut gems and diamonds. David Yurman patented a special technique called the DY Signature Cut. This cut combines the best elements of a cushion cut and round brilliant cut, creating noticeably sharper corners and a more defined external slope than a traditional cushion cut. This technique is central in many popular Yurman designs, such as the Petite Albion Ring and the Petite Albion Pendant Necklace. In the U.S., it is not uncommon for the Petite Albion and Chatelaine rings to be purchased in school colours and used as alternative class rings. The coloured gemstones also make great options to represent birthstones, or wedding gifts.