David Yurman's New Solari Collection Made in USA, Italy

Image Credit: David Yurman

Country-of-origin-conscious collectors, rejoice! David Yurman's new-for-SS16 Solari Collection, which features wraps and drops of 18K gold and orb-ified stones, is made exclusively in the United States and Italy.

You might wonder why this matters or why anyone cares at all from where DY hails. You see, DY has had some quality-control issues in the recent past... that, and, well, a legacy of manufacturing (they would probably say "crafting") in China. Some see this sudden and dramatic shift in choice of source countries as a response to perception problems.

Solari launched quietly last week. The collection celebrates the orb, its moniker a nod to the sun, and includes bracelets, necklaces, and crossover rings in 18K yellow gold with lapis lazuli, black onyx, carnelian, turquoise, chrysoprase, and cultured pearls. Pieces start at 450 USD.

DY is holding Solari launch events in its boutiques but has yet to release a promotional ad campaign. (Advertising geared toward Mother's Day is, for now, taking precedence.)

Image Credit: @papercitymag (Instagram)

DY Ay: Construction Quality Slipping?

Hey, remember that time my jewelry literally fell off me? I do. It was last Saturday night.

I was out with friends, "boozin', havin' a few laughs" as it's said in Chicago: The Musical. Anyway, I'm dressed sharp, my jewelry game sick. David Yurman on chest, wrist, and fingers. You know how I do. Someone says something that catches me as funny; I toss my head back in laughter... aaaaaand my necklace falls off me. 

Well, sort of. I was wearing a black diamond tag, set in black titanium. Turns out the tag is actually a pendant in two-pieces--an outer shell and an inner plate, the latter the piece on which the diamonds are arrayed. And that is the piece that fell off. Without having been so much as whacked, smacked, or jostled, the plate--clearly not well affixed--just took a soundless tumble out and down to the barroom floor. 

"Brian, your necklace, like, just fell off." 

Here's where I say thank God for friends. (Especially friends who notice stuff.) Here's where I also say what the hell?

David Yurman Celebrates Lunar New Year, and This Sinophile Rejoices

Can I just tell you, dear reader, how absolutely, positively thrilled I was to stumble upon this graphic (below) on the landing page for DavidYurman.com?

Image Credit: David Yurman

The Not-So-Venetian Quatrefoil: The Deep History of the Central Motif of a David Yurman Collection

Image Credit: David Yurman and The Mama Report

So, yes, while David Yurman advertising copy claims that The Venetian Quatrefoil Collection was "inspired by the intricate patterns of Venice's unique stonework, and the harmony of form and structure that is the essence of the city's architecture," let's be real: At the heart of the collection is a singular, fairly ancient motif--the quatrefoil.

What is a quatrefoil, and what is its heritage, you ask? Roman Mars at 99% Invisible has an entire podcast episode devoted to answering those questions, but if you don't have seventeen minutes to invest at the moment in getting answers, here's the gist of it in five fast bullet points:

Review: The David Yurman Bubblegum Pinky Ring

Released to the public on September 2 but teased for weeks previous, the David Yurman Bubblegum Pinky Ring has been called many things. "Limited edition." "Scratch and sniff." "Entry level." "Brilliant." "Bizarre." Allow me now to add another voice--albeit this one very loud--to the cacophony of media buzz. Here is my full review, objective, unbiased, and (in a spirit of full disclosure) written after five days of wear.

Background

The David Yurman Bubblegum Pinky Ring is available in five varieties, each of a different color and fragrance. Yes, that's right. Fragrance. The rings feature inlays of scented resin set in 18K gold. The five flavors are cotton candy (blue set in yellow gold), grape (violet in yellow gold), bubblegum (pink in rose gold), licorice (black in yellow gold), and peppermint (white in rose gold, shown throughout this post). The rings are produced in sizes 3 to 5, are part of a "limited edition" collection (whatever that means), and retail for $875 apiece. They are being sold as Evan Yurman designs. (Remember, dear reader, that David Yurman's son, Evan, was named the company's Chief Design Director in 2013.)

The Aesthetic

No buried lead here: The rings are simple and stunning. A critique commonly lodged against David Yurman is that the company's designs are overwrought, over-designed, if you will. There is too much going on. Not so with the Bubblegum Pinky. It is sleek and straightforward, which is, in this case, a very much winning combination. Do not confuse sleek, simple, and straightforward with "safe," however. There is a definite boldness here--I mean, check out that chevron shank. It is just presented subtly.

The Wearability

The DY Bubblegum Pinky wears rather weightlessly, which is good news because, really, who wants the humble pinky finger pressed under the yoke of some unwieldy behemoth? No, the ring is incredibly light and, per usual with DY, boasts a "comfort-fit" interior, ensuring a snug but low-catch embrace of the digit. The care instructions that come with the ring warn against exposing it to acetone, hair spray, perfume, soap, hand washing, swimming pools, direct sunlight, and intense heat.

Chew on This: David Yurman Releasing Limited-Edition Bubblegum Pinky Rings (Updated)

Image Credit: @ellecanada (Instagram)

Yep, there have been rumblings for a while now, but I am happy to report details!
"I've got details, folks!" Yes, here's the 4-1-1--does anyone even say that anymore?--on the new limited-edition bubblegum pinky rings from David Yurman: