At Last, a David Yurman F/W '13-14 Men's Collection Preview (Now with Tag Necklaces!)

Late last night Instagram user @burniebear shared these (see below) images, which were captured, it seems, at a DY fall preview event at/for Nordstrom Perimeter in Atlanta, Georgia. Revealed are three bracelets and several rings, mostly band-style, from David Yurman's F/W '13-14 Men's Collection. Revel in the artistry. (My impressions are posted as image captions.)

Of the three designs showcased here,
my initial preference is for the middle one,
though I suppose I should see all in their full glory
before making any verdicts.

New Additions to Yurman's Armory and Waves Collections for Men

Just Arrived
This Armory collection band ring (see right), whose official name is--get ready for this--"Armory Band Ring," is now available for purchase on DavidYurman.com. The piece, which is presently available only in a size 10, boasts intriguing weave designs, not to mention a black-diamond carat weight of 2.77. While the product image shown here suffices, I'm sure it very much pales in comparison to the actual ring itself (the retail price of which is $3200). Yurman's pave-set black diamonds sparkle brilliantly, whereas the stones here appear dull and unpolished. Rest assured the piece would be degrees more stunning on your hand. (You have my word on that.)

On Their Way?

I'm still waiting for the newest two rings from the men's Waves collection to make their digital debut, one of which is pictured here (see, again, right). Cut layered agate comprises the surface detailing on the piece. Its brother, of which I don't have an image, boasts the same exact design, only its surface is host not to agate but polished black onyx. Both are presently available in DY boutiques and come in at price points not exceeding $1000. Just for reference, the number at which the David Yurman Townhouse on Madison Avenue can be reached is 212.752.4255.  ;) And on that note, I'm out. Have, for me, a question or a comment? Sound off by posting your remark (or query) or by shooting me an E-mail.

Why There's No Comparing Tiffany & Co. to David Yurman (with pictures to prove it)

So a female colleague at my day job, knowing my adoration of David Yurman, remarked last week that DY is "great and all" but--and I quote--"we need to get you some Tiffany in your life." Knowing it was unwise to speak what I was thinking (i.e., Are you kidding me?!), I just blinked at her. But, really, are you kidding me? I mean, have you seen the men's collection at Tiffany & Co.? A glance at their offerings, and two words come to mind. Kay Jewelers. OK, so maybe that's not entirely fair. Glorified Kay Jewelers. (And that's entirely fair.)

You see, the offerings at Tiffany's for men are, to me, kind of sad. The line is just... kind of there. I get a sense there is very little corporate investment related to its development. While the pieces offered are sleak and clean in design, they are, in a word, boring. Or maybe "safe" is a better word. Or maybe "unremarkable." They certainly aren't cut to impress, to draw the eye. Still, I suppose that's OK. I mean, goodness knows not everyone wants his or her jewelry to make a statement. One should know, though, that in wanting not one's jewelry to make a statement, a person makes a very loud statement.

But that's enough dithering. My argument, dear reader, is, essentially, this: David Yurman is artistry. Tiffany & Co. produces (for men) accessories. If jewelry is, as Grace Kelly's character contends in Rear Window, "basic equipment," don't you want or, to use the D-word, deserve equipment in its highest form? If you're going to drop $600 on a ring, don't you want to buy the most elegantly-crafted available? That's all I'm saying. DY is on another level, a higher plane than is Tiffany's when it comes to men's collection design. So--what do you say--can we stop comparing apples to oranges?

Now having said that, allow me to present to you a slew of side-by-side product comparison shots. :)

The Basic Cuff

David Yurman, $450

Tiffany & Co., $425

The Classic Band

David Yurman, $425

Tiffany & Co., $2250

The Cross Necklace

David Yurman, $785

Tiffany & Co., $225

The Trend Ring

David Yurman, $975

Tiffany & Co., $475

Do those help to elucidate my argument? See left for original, masterful designs. See right for those that suffice but call to mind pieces found at large-chain jewelry stores (or appear straight from the Armani Exchange catalog).