David Yurman, From Cable to Starburst: Where to Start

Founded in New York City in 1980, David Yurman grew from the collaboration of sculptor David and painter Sybil Yurman, whose shared interest was making beautifully designed objects to wear. Their son Evan joined the company in 2003.

 

Each grid below is one David Yurman collection, so you can go straight to the line you care about. I begin with the twisted Cable helix, then move through gemstones, chains and sculpted forms.

David Yurman says the first Cable bracelet began in 1982, when he twisted 50 feet of wire by hand. I like this line as a starting point because its helix is both the house’s origin story and a shape that can travel across scale and finish.

 

I picked eight bracelets: the Classic Cable 7mm in sterling silver and 14K yellow gold, the 4mm Classic in silver and gold, the heart station bracelet, Cable Flex styles in silver, a buckle version, two Micro Cable Flex designs and a diamond station bracelet. A practical tip: start with the width you will wear most days, then add a lighter Flex style. I would skip stacking several widths at once until you know which feels right.

Albion centers large gemstones in the house’s cushion shape, with checkerboard facets. I chose four sterling silver pieces: Petite Albion black onyx studs with diamonds, lagoon orchid drop earrings, a white topaz pendant necklace and an 11mm ring with diamonds. The shape keeps the stone at the center, with each silhouette giving it a different scale.

 

A practical tip: choose scale first, since a 5mm stud, 7mm pendant and 10mm drop read differently at the face. I would skip pairing the ring with the drop earrings if you want the colored center stone to stay in focus.

Chatelaine pairs cushion shaped gemstones with faceting that brings out their depth and color. I chose four pieces: a champagne citrine bracelet in 18K yellow gold, blue topaz stud earrings in sterling silver with diamonds, a pink tourmaline pendant in 18K yellow gold and an amethyst ring in sterling silver with diamonds. Together, they give the gem centered form four different jobs.

 

A practical tip: a small bracelet or pendant is the easiest way to bring in a colored stone, while the ring makes a clearer focal point. I would skip matching every stone color at once.

Infinity draws on the ancient symbol for the eternal, pairing a smooth link with a Cabled link. I picked four Petite Infinity pieces: a bracelet, huggie hoops, a diamond pendant necklace and a band ring. The bracelet, hoops and ring combine sterling silver with 14K yellow gold, while the pendant is sterling silver with diamonds.

 

A practical tip: the pendant is a simple first piece if you want the motif near the face. I would skip wearing the bracelet and ring together until you decide whether their mixed metal contrast suits your everyday stack.

David Yurman describes the Pavé collection as custom cut gemstones matched for color and set into sculptural forms. I kept this edit close to the wrist with four bracelets: an emerald bar in 18K yellow gold, a diamond tapered bar chain, a pink sapphire mini tennis bracelet and a diamond micro bracelet.

 

A practical tip: the colored stones bring in a distinct accent, while the diamond designs sit quietly beneath a sleeve. I would skip stacking all four together so each setting has room.

The Chain collection describes hand finished links, textural surfaces and subtle Cable details. Its Thoroughbred designs reinterpret the Buckle motif in the clasp. I picked four sterling silver pieces: a Hampton blue topaz curb bracelet, two curb necklaces with blue topaz or green onyx, and a blue topaz lariat necklace.

 

A practical tip: check the necklace length and clasp scale before choosing, because the curb links make this a noticeable chain. I would skip wearing the bracelet with a coordinating necklace if you prefer one clear focal piece.

The Sculpted Cable collection takes the original Cable form and reimagines it as a carved shape, with wavelike fluting. I picked four sterling silver pieces: the 8mm chain bracelet, 14.4mm hoops, a linked necklace and a 6mm band ring. The curved grooves turn the familiar helix into a surface story.

 

A practical tip: the ring and earrings make an easy pair when you want the texture close to the face. I would skip adding a second substantial chain until you have tried the bracelet on its own.

David Yurman traces Starburst to a night of fireworks over the Eiffel Tower, which David and Sybil watched in Paris. The collection turns that moment into diamonds arranged as radiant constellations in gold. I picked eight pieces: two bracelets, drop earrings, a petite station necklace, a Y necklace and three rings, one in sterling silver with diamonds and two in sterling silver with 18K yellow gold and diamonds.

 

A practical tip: the petite station pieces keep the motif small, while the Y necklace and larger rings make a brighter focal point. I would skip mixing every ring scale on one hand unless you want a deliberately layered look.

If I were choosing one piece, I would start with the Classic Cable bracelet. From there, I would add a different silhouette, perhaps Petite Infinity for a clean loop or Starburst for a radiating detail. For a gift, I would lean toward the Albion pendant or petite Starburst earrings because neither asks you to guess a ring size.

 

I would keep care simple: store pieces separately, wipe them with a soft cloth after wear and follow the care advice for their metals and stones. For more everyday inspiration, I have also written about Cable jewelry and David Yurman necklace ideas.