In 2016, David Yurman Women's Soars, Men's Stumbles

Ah, it was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

It is 2016, and the women's collections from David Yurman are imaginative, inspired, iconic, and the men's are... well, they are there. Here are some visuals to help:

clockwise from top left: women's Chatelaine ring,
women's Solari bracelets and earrings,
men's Maritime Shackle ring,
men's Forged Carbon tag

Image Credit: David Yurman

It's been a good year for the David Yurman women's collections. Early in 2016, the Chatelaine Collection, named and inspired by "the mistress of the Chateau," swept onto the scene with offerings equal parts elegant and vivacious. This summer, the collection will expand to include additional offerings, including this jaw-droppingly glamorous cocktail ring (a variation of which is also pictured above):

David Yurman Releases New S/S '13 Men's Catalog

You have the right (and privilege) to be awed by DY's latest men's collection catalog, which is presently on its way to stores, boutiques, and customers' homes nationwide and also available for online viewing. In this booklet the viewer is treated to another a showcase of dazzling product, more poignant in-line-with-the-DY-lifestyle quotations, and another series of shots featuring Ben Hill, the face of David Yurman Men for two campaigns now. (He was preceded by Jon Kortajarena). See below for screen captures of the digital catalog and profiles of fresh-from-the-studio DY men's product with, of course, my own original commentary (because, yes, I just can't help myself).

The shot on the left is, in my opinion, the most outstanding and memorable from the forty-page booklet. (I'm indifferent to the array of tags and necklaces on the adjacent page.)

Yes, of course the Griffin Collection is featured, and no, it has yet really to grow on me. I do, however, love the Armory cross ring displayed in the shot on the left. Retailing for $395, it is one of the most affordable pieces of Yurman out there.

I had to include this spread. These are the offerings from the catalog I love most of all. Just my luck, though: They are Signature Collection high-jewelry offerings, which means their high style is paired with an equally high price tag. Ah well. The signet piece on the left page with the lines of green color--the stone is opalized wood--will be mine in my dreams, if nowhere else.

Maritime rope design? Check.
1.29 carats of diamonds? Check.
The price? A fair $3900.

This new arrival to DY.com practically
demands to be rocked as a men's
pinky ring. It retails for $295.

What's Next for David Yurman Men: the Mythical

Instagrammer @gregmaczko posted this series of shots (see left) to the social media portal yesterday, showcasing what he claims are new and soon-to-be-available David Yurman Men's Collection amulets and tags. Given the geotag on the upload and the fact that four of the items pictured have already been previewed by DY, it is reasonably safe to assume that, indeed, these are all legitimate brand product.

I am not sure how I feel about the direction in which Yurman seems to be going here. DY designs tend to exhibit a timelessness, which these pieces do not, I feel, possess. What is more, there seems a shift in target market. I do not see the typical sophisticated urbanite--to whom I feel the brand regularly caters--being drawn to these enhancers. They exude a certain roughness, a coarseness that is not characteristic of David Yurman pieces.

But tell me: What are your thoughts on these offerings? Is there one you especially like or do not like? Sound off; post a comment or shoot me an E-mail.

UPDATE: Many of these enhancers went live on DavidYurman.com today. It appears all are authentic DY designs.

DY Ay!

That's quite the pointy griffin there.

So either this David Yurman design (see left) is beyond abstract (does that look like a griffin to you?) or there is a image-descriptor correspondence issue with this particular product. What? An inventory data input error on DavidYurman.com?! OK, so stranger things have happened, and yet, curiosity has gotten the best of me. I mean, what do you think one receives if he or she were to order this mysterious item number DYS13_N22D3--the item pictured or the one described in words? Perhaps a smelted hybrid of the two? Heh, I kid. I kid. All the same, why don't you, dear reader, order me one of whatever it is, and I'll report back. ;)

UPDATE: DY has since revised the item's designation to read "North Star Cut-out Amulet" so evidently the wait continues for the emergence of the griffin piece. (I was privately hoping it was the image that was wrong and not the descriptor.)

Briefs: New Arrivals, New Catalog, and DY Goes into Mom Mode

What's new and now in the world of Yurman? Much, actually. Here's a rundown of recent developments.

A slew of new product offerings for men are now available at DavidYurman.com, including leather wrap bracelets, a Maritime star amulet, Waves Collection skull pinky rings, and several Swiss Army knives (see below). Check out all the latest additions here.

Second, those on David Yurman's mailing list received late last week a new S/S '13 catalog from the company whose theme is Design Is in the Details. Pieces and quotations from the catalog can be viewed here.

Lastly, let it be known that DY is in full Mother's Day mode (see below) and that the line with which Yurman is leading this April-May is that of the Starburst with pieces ranging from $750 to $24000.

Does anything say love like the glint of a $1600 diamond pendant? ;)

And with that, what do you know? You are officially caught up on your DY news. Now go forth, and be vibrant. 

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).