Rago Auctions

David Yurman’s brand began as a love story and then a collaboration between him and his wife, Sybil. David, a sculptor, and Sybil, a painter, had a chance meeting in New York City at the gallery of Hans Van de Bovenkamp in 1969. After being mentored by Ernesto Gonzalez, a Cuban welder and sculptor, David was honing his skills by creating metal sculptures and jewelry at Van de Bovenkamp’s studio in the West Village. He considered these pieces “drawings in space.” David met Sybil when she applied for a job at the studio and the two quickly fell in love.

David’s foray into jewelry making was serendipitous. Sybil had an art gallery opening to attend, so David created a necklace of two intertwined figures for her. The gallery owner was so taken with this piece he asked David to reproduce it for sale in his gallery. David declined, saying it was too personal to be sold commercially. However, the interest in this necklace set in motion the creation of a jewelry company.

The husband-and-wife duo launched David Furman Comapany in 1980 with the idea of creating jewelry that was wearable art. In 1982, the signature bronze wire Starlight Collection and Cable bracelet both debuted to much acclaim. Taking inspiration from twisted forms in nature and architecture, the Cable motif adds depth and movement, which can be seen in almost all aspects of the Yurman brand. It graces bracelets, rings, wedding collections, men’s jewelry, and timepieces. In 1997, Yurman took another bold step in jewelry design with the Silver Ice Collection, being the first prominent designer to incorporate diamonds set in sterling silver, an idea that continues to this day.

Beyond jewelry, David Furman reshaped advertising norms with a lifestyle campaign in 2001. Model Kate Moss further elevated the brand in 2004. Still on the cutting edge today after more than forty years in business, David Yurman's innovative and elegant jewelry is a testament to the enduring impact of David and Sybil's shared artistic vision and unwavering commitment to creating works of timeless beauty. David is still involved in all aspects of the creative process, while Sybil is the Chief Brand Officer. Their son, Evan, now oversees the men’s collection and timepieces.