David Yurman’s Signature Cable Bracelet:Unraveling the Symbolism Behind the Piece

ARTICLE DATE 08/22/2023

When considering the best luxury jewelry brands on the market, there is no doubt that David Yurman comes to mind. With their uniquely sculptural designs and breathtaking aesthetic, each and every piece within their extensive collections is truly a work of art that is destined to capture the hearts of many.

And when thinking about their iconic designs, there is no piece quite like the Cable Bracelet. Said to be the piece that started it all, this spectacular design has remained an integral part of the David Yurman collection for decades and is often copied amongst competitors, but never replicated. Because it is so iconic within the world of luxury jewelry, a Cable Bracelet, or Renaissance Bracelet, is a fantastic investment piece for the future as well.

If you’re interested in learning more about the origins of this timeless David Yurman bracelet, we’re here to help. Keep reading to discover a brief history of the brand and how the innovative Cable Bracelet first came into the market.

David Yurman Spiritual Bead

A Brief History of David Yurman

Originally founded in 1980 by David and Sybil Yurman, David Yurman has quickly catapulted into popularity, becoming a highly coveted brand within the world of luxury jewelry amongst collectors and casual wearers alike. This popularity was due to the unique designs produced by the brand, which beautifully captured the art of metalwork in combination with luxurious aesthetics and stunning detailing. In other words, each and every piece in the David Yurman collections was a work of art in and of itself.

This power couple first made a name for themselves with the introduction of their earliest collections, many of which featured one-of-a-kind sculptural pieces that were truly spectacular to behold. After this success, they moved into creating pieces adorned with mabé pearls, pulling from a selection of imperfect blister pearls that were purchased from Assael, an international purveyor of rare pearls. Prior to this, blister pearls and other pearls with imperfections were often discarded or used in household goods, thought to not be of high enough aesthetic value to be used in the creation of fine jewelry. Upon the introduction of this unique collection, David Yurman was awarded the much-sought award of ‘Designer of the Year’ in 1981 by the Cultured Pearl Associations of Japan and America.

Following this success, David Yurman introduced their next line, the Starlight Collection, which combined strands of gold adorned with diamonds to create uniquely shaped bracelets and necklaces. This breathtaking collection took home the prestigious ‘Intergold Design Award’ in 1983, further cementing the brand’s place in the archives of the best that luxury jewelry has to offer.

David Yurman Sterling silver cable

The Unveiling of the Cable Bracelet

After the momentous success of their earlier collections, David Yurman expanded upon the idea of combining strands of shimmering gold, effectively creating the Cable jewelry collection. This unique collection took the beautifully parallel lines of gold [from] the Starlight Collection and twisted them into a breathtaking cable silhouette.

The uniquely twisted design of the Cable Bracelet was partly inspired by the Brooklyn Bridge, with Yurman stating, “that strength and simplicity grabbed me.” Yurman also drew inspiration from ancient jewelry and a particular torque necklace design at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibits. In other words, this iconic silhouette combines both classic and modern inspirations to create a single enrapturing design.

This initial design, now known as the Renaissance Bracelet, featured pink tourmaline and emerald endcaps, adding a sophisticated feel to an otherwise architectural piece. Upon its success, the cable design became an iconic motif to the David Yurman brand, being described by its founders as, “the river that runs through all of our designs.”

Subsequent designs that were birthed from the concept of the original Cable bracelet include selections of spectacular rings, necklaces and earrings, all with the signature twisted silhouette. In fact, there are now more than 2,000 iterations of this iconic aesthetic within the David Yurman lines to date. And in 2016, he took a further step in acknowledging the success and importance of this breathtaking design, registering a trademark for the 10mm Renaissance Bracelet.

From wedding rings to choker necklaces, hoop earrings to bangle bracelets, there is no doubt that the iconic aesthetic of the original Cable Bracelet can still be found in the David Yurman collections to this day. This beautiful design will certainly remain an integral part of the brand, and our personal luxury jewelry collections, for many, many years to come.

When it comes to considering iconic luxury jewelry designers, there is no brand quite like David Yurman. Beloved for their unique designs that effortlessly fuse the worlds of fashion, jewelry and art, the house of David Yurman has continued to push the boundaries of luxury jewelry again and again over their relatively short tenure. Their iconic Renaissance Bracelet, also known as the Cable Bracelet, offers a unique look into the success of the brand and the thought and craftsmanship that goes into each and every piece within the David Yurman collection.

Why Trust Gray & Sons

Pre-owned and used David Yurman jewelry makes for a wonderful investment for the present and the future, but only if you are purchasing from a reputable source. At Gray & Sons, we began as a brick-and-mortar shop in 1980 before rapidly expanding digitally through our website, internet platforms, and world-class print and digital catalog. We have worked to build our stellar reputation in the international, nationally and local industry in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beaches, Florida areas, Miami Beach, West Palm Beach, Bal Harbour, Coral Gables, Aventura, Sunny Isles, and more. We take pride in our accomplishments, including being awarded an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and achieving good standing with the International Watch & Jewelry Guild. Our commitment to excellence has made us a world leader in dealing with used-certified pre-owned luxury watches and estate jewelry. If you’re looking for a trustworthy, reputable, and professional source for purchasing pre-owned jewelry, sourcing luxury watches, or servicing your treasured pieces, look no further than Gray & Sons Jewelers.

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