Perhaps the ultimate artistic couple, sculptor David Yurman (b. 1942) and his wife, painter Sybil Kleinrock (b. 1942), couldn’t have imagined they’d build an internationally renowned fine jewelry empire when they met in 1969 at a sculpture studio in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village.
Eleven years later, in 1980, the duo established the David Yurman brand and it boomed almost instantly, a by-product of the pair’s love for and commitment to making art. (They’ve been known to call their business as well as their relationship “one big art project.”) In fact, Yurman’s most recognizable piece, the Cable bracelet, was inspired by his background in metalworking and direct welding, skills he learned when he was just a teenager. It is a marvelously modern accessory rooted in everything from jewelry motifs of ancient Syria to the natural formations of tree branches that would yield the Cable ring, earrings and other items.
When Long Island, New York–born Yurman was in high school, he spent a summer visiting his sister in Provincetown, Massachusetts, where he met Cuban sculptor Ernesto González, who taught him how to heat and fuse metals. After that fateful summer, Yurman experimented feverishly with bronze sculpture and, eventually, minimalist jewelry design.
Yurman studied briefly at New York University, opting to drop out after a year to hitchhike across the United States, ending up in an artist colony on California’s Big Sur coastline. The bustling artists’ scene in New York during the 1960s eventually drew him back to the East Coast. There, he trained under Cubist sculptor Jacques Lipchitz, and, by 1969, he was a foreman in sculptor Hans Van de Bovenkamp’s Greenwich Village studio. It was in the studio that he met Kleinrock.
Kleinrock and Yurman began a romantic relationship, and he designed her a sculptural welded bronze necklace to wear to an art gallery opening. The gallery owner was so enchanted by the design — Yurman called it the Dante — that she wanted to buy it on the spot. Yurman refused because he considered the gift too personal, but his partner left it with the dealer. Within hours, four necklaces were sold and a brand was born.
A year after the two married in 1979 — the ceremony included simple gold rings Yurman had soldered from gold in his workshop — they officially launched David Yurman. Three years later, one of his most popular designs, the Cable bracelet, hit the market.
Today, David Yurman engagement rings, bracelets, rings, necklaces and earrings are widely treasured, distinctive works of American jewelry design.
Vintage David Yurman Sterling Silver and 14k Yellow Gold Cable Ring
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
This vintage David Yurman ring is crafted in sterling silver with 14k yellow gold accents and features the brand’s iconic cable design. The ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
David Yurman 18k Yellow Gold 1.75ct Garnet and Ruby Cable Ring
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
This David Yurman ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features the brand’s signature cable design accented with a vibrant 1.75 carat garnet and rich ruby details. The warm tones o...
Garnet, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Yurman Citrine & Diamond Cable Wrap Ring, 18k Yellow Gold, Ring Size 5.5
By David Yurman
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: citrine, 1 hexagonal 10 mm diamond, 13 round brilliant cut .8 - .9 mm .04 ctw GH color/ SI1-2 clarity Ring Size 5.5 Rise Off Of Finger: 7.6 mm Length: 11.3 mm Weight: 3.4...
Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Yurman Turquoise and Diamond Ring Size 8.5 Silver Estate
By David Yurman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic David Yurman Turquoise and Diamond Ring Size 8.5 Sterling Silver Estate DY750 TRUSTED SELLER SINCE 2002 PLEASE SEE OUR HUNDREDS OF POSITIVE FEEDBACKS FROM OUR CLIENTS!! ...
Diamond, Turquoise, Silver
David Yurman Amethyst Ring Size 7 Silver Estate
By David Yurman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic David Yurman Amethyst Ring Size 7 Sterling Silver Estate DY744 TRUSTED SELLER SINCE 2002 PLEASE SEE OUR HUNDREDS OF POSITIVE FEEDBACK...
Amethyst, Silver
David Yurman Sterling Silver & 14k Yellow Gold Blue Topaz Albion Ring
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
Stunning David Yurman Albion Collection ring featuring a bold cushion-cut blue topaz gemstone, beautifully bezel-set in 14K yellow gold. The radiant blue topaz displays exceptional b...
Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
David Yurman Crossover Capri Cushion 2.00 Carat Halo Ring Platinum GIA
By David Yurman
Located in San Diego, CA
David Yurman Crossover Capri Engagement Ring Just as two lives unite in marriage, two signature Cable bands merge in this DY Crossover® design. Where they meet, a single, magnificent diamond is set, sealing love’s promise...
Diamond, Platinum
David Yurman Sterling Silver Diamond Ring
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
Brand David Yurman Material: Sterling Silver Condition: Pre-Owned Ring Dimension: Size: 5,75 Width: 13,4mm Thickness: 2.5mm Weight: 7,3grm Comes with David Yurman Pouch Retail Pric...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
David Yurman 18k Yellow Gold 12mm Pearl Ring size 8.25 12.9g Cable Split Open
By David Yurman
Located in Northbrook, IL
This exquisite David Yurman ring features a captivating design centered around a lustrous pearl. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, the ring showcases a harmonious blend of smooth and twist...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Yurman Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring Infinity GIA Cushion 1.16 I SI1
By David Yurman
Located in Northbrook, IL
Here is a stunning David Yurman Infinity full-pave halo engagement ring, crafted in platinum, featuring a cushion-cut diamond at its center. The diamond, weighing 1.16 carats, is sur...
Diamond, Platinum
David Yurman Sterling Silver Cushion on Point 20mm Lemon Citrine
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
Brand David Yurman Material: Sterling Silver 925 Condition: Pre-Owned Diamonds: 0.30ctw Clarity: VS1 Color: F Ring Dimension: Ring Size: 5.25 Length: 29mm Width: 22.1mm - 22.1mm We...
Citrine, Sterling Silver
David Yurman 18K Yellow Gold and 925 Sterling Silver Two Tone Cable Ring
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your style with this authentic David Yurman ring, a perfect fusion of luxury and modern elegance. Expertly crafted from solid 925 sterling silver with the brand’s signature t...
18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Waves Skull Ring Sterling Silver with Black Diamonds
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
Brand: David Yurman Waves Collection For Men Material: Sterling Silver925 Pave-set black diamonds, 0.15 tcw Ring Size: 10.25 Available Sizes: 10 /9 /12 /8 /11 Ring Measures: 20.8m X...
Black Diamond, Sterling Silver
Chatelaine Ring 18K Yellow Gold with Citrine and Diamonds, 14mm
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
18-karat yellow gold Citrine, 9.30 total carat weight Pave-set diamonds, 0.09 total carat weight Ring, 14mm Ring Size 6 Condition New, never worn Comes with David Yurman Ring Box Ret...
Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Yurman Yellow Gold Chatelaine Ring Citrine 14mm
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
Mint condition 18k Yellow Gold Ring size: 4.5 Citrine: 14mm Ring wide 11.2X 11.2mm Comes with David Yurman box
Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Yurman Sterling Silver Citrine Oval Ring Size 7.75
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
Brand David Yurman Citrine Oval Ring Ring Size 7.75 Material Sterling Silver 925 Citrine: 12x17mm Ring Weight 13.2 gr Gender Women Condition New, never worn Comes with David Yurm...
Citrine, Sterling Silver
Petrvs Wolf Signet Ring Sterling Silver, 21.5mm
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
Brand: David Yurman Petrvs Collection For Men Material: Sterling Silver925 Ring Measures: 21.5mm Ring Face:20mm X 16.5mm Ring Weight: 21 gm Ring Size: 7.75 Condition new Comes with D...
Sterling Silver
David Yurman 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Quatrefoil Ring
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
This David Yurman ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features the brand’s iconic quatrefoil motif accented with approximately 0.50 total carats of diamonds. The diamonds add refi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Yurman Sterling Silver Amethyst Oval Ring Size 7.75
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
Brand David Yurman Amethyst Oval Ring Amethyst: 12.7mm X 17mm Material Sterling Silver Ring Size 7.75 Ring Weight 12.8 gr Condition New, never worn Comes with David Yurman Pouch
Amethyst, Sterling Silver
David Yurman Onyx Ring Size 7 Silver Estate
By David Yurman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic David Yurman Onyx Ring Size 7 Sterling Silver Estate DY752 TRUSTED SELLER SINCE 2002 PLEASE SEE OUR HUNDREDS OF POSITIVE FEEDBACKS F...
Onyx, Silver
David Yurman Barrel Maritime Ring 18k Yellow Gold Cable Bar 13.8g ~sz 10.5
By David Yurman
Located in Northbrook, IL
This David Yurman Maritime Barrel ring is a striking piece of fine jewelry that commands attention. The design features a twisted rope band, showcasing the brand's signature style. A...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Yurman Infinity Prasiolite Ring Size 6.5 Sterling Silver
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
Brand: David Yurman Prasiolite Infinity Ring Material: Sterling Silver925 Ring Size: 6.5 Prasiolite Measures: 10.9mm Ring Width:18mm X 17.2mm Condition: Pre-owned *DY Pouch Included
Sterling Silver
Petite Starburst Station Ring 18K Yellow Gold with Diamonds
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
Brand David Yurman Starburst Collection For Women Pave-set diamonds, 0.06 total carat weight Material 18K Yellow Gold Ring Thickness 1.6mm Ring Size 6.5 Gender Women Condition New Co...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Yurman Black Spinel Tempo Ring
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
Brand David Yurman Material: Sterling Silver Condition: Pre-Owned Ring Dimension: Size: 7 Width: 19mm Thickness: 2.9mm Weight: 18.3gr Comes with David Yurman Pouch Retail Price: $2...
Onyx, Spinel, Black Spinel, Sterling Silver
David Yurman Petite Wheaton Ring with Lapis Lazuli and Diamonds
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
The Wheaton(R) Collection A study in light and movement, the Wheaton(R) Collection was originally inspired by the, warm golden hues, fluid rhythm and graceful line of unharvested whe...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Sterling Silver
David Yurman Sterling Silver & 14k Yellow Gold Lemon Quartz Capri Ring
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
David Yurman Capri ring showcasing a faceted lemon quartz at its center. The gemstone is framed in smooth 14K yellow gold, adding warmth and contrast to the cool sterling silver. The...
Quartz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
David Yurman Noblesse Diamond Ring Size 6
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
- D.Y. Noblesse Diamond Ring -Material 925 & 18K YG -Diamonds Approx: 0.68ct -Ring Size: 6 -Ring Face: 16.1mm X 15mm -Base of Shank: 5.5mm -Condition Pre-Owned, like new -Comes with ...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
DAVID YURMAN Estate 18k Diamond Thoroughbred Loop Ring
By David Yurman
Located in Narberth, PA
A striking Thoroughbred ring from renowned jewelry designer David Yurman! This fabulous ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and incorporates an equestrian-hardware design similar to t...
Diamond
David Yurman Chatelaine Ring in 18k Yellow Gold with Full Pavé Diamonds
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
David Yurman Mint condition 18k Yellow gold Ring width: 11mm Ring size: 7.5 Weight 6.5gr Comes with David Yurman pouch. Retail: $3600
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Yurman Petite Wheaton Sterling Silver with Citrine and Diamonds Ring
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
Inspired by the fluid rhythm and graceful line of unharvested wheat, the Wheaton® Collection accentuates slender strands of David Yurman’s signature Cable motif with uniquely faceted...
Citrine, Diamond, Sterling Silver
David Yurman Thoroughbred Loop Ring in 18K Yellow Gold with Full Pavé Diamonds
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
-18k Yellow Gold -Diamonds: 0.44 total carat weight -Ring, 4mm -Ring size: 6.5 -Comes with David Yurman Ring Box -Retail: $3300
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Yurman, 1.24 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Crossover Cable Engagement Ring
By David Yurman
Located in Chicago, IL
Elevate your jewelry collection with this exceptional David Yurman Crossover Cable diamond ring, featuring a stunning 1.24 carat round brilliant cut center diamond, GIA certified wit...
Diamond, Platinum
David Yurman Buckle Ring In Sterling Silver With Diamonds
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
New, no tags Sterling silver Pave Diamond Ring size: 5 Ring width: 6-16mm Comes with David Yurman pouch
Diamond, Sterling Silver
David Yurman Metro Cable Ring Size 6.75 Pave Diamond 8mm Wide Band 18K Gold
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
Brand David Yurman Material: 18K Yellow Gold Pave Diamond Type Ring Ring Size: 6.75 Ring Width: 8mm Ring Hight: 3.5mm Shank of the ring is 6mm Ring weight: 10.7gr Total carat weig...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Yurman Yellow Gold Chatelaine Ring Morganite 14mm
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
Mint condition 18k Yellow Gold Ring size: 5.5 Morganite: 14mm Comes with David Yurman box Retail: $5800
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Yurman 1.62 ct Signature Cushion Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring
By David Yurman
Located in Chicago, IL
David Yurman 1.62 ct Signature Cushion Brilliant Cut Diamond Rope Platinum Engagement Ring. The ring weighs 10.2 grams, size 6, the center is a DY Signature Natural 1.62 Cushion B...
Diamond, White Diamond, Padparadscha Sapphire , Platinum
David Yurman SS Men Sign Pink SAPPHIRES Ring Size 9
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
Brand David Yurman Brand new, never worn Gender Men Type Ring 925 Sterling Silver Ring Size 9 Main stone Sapphires Stone Color Pink Weight 9.6gr Comes with David Yurman pouch
Diamond, Pink Diamond, Sterling Silver
David Yurman Citrine Infinity Ring Size 6.75 Sterling Silver
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
Brand: David Yurman Citrine Infinity Ring Material: Sterling Silver925 Ring Size: 6.75 Citrine Measures: 10.9mm Ring Width:18mm X 17.2mm Condition: Pre-owned Comes With David Yurman ...
Citrine, Sterling Silver
David Yurman, 1.22 Carat Diamond Infinity Half Pave Halo Engagement Ring
By David Yurman
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant engagement ring contains a 1.22 carat cushion brilliant cut diamond, E color and SI1 clarity, this diamond is a stunner! The band, in a twisted infinity design symbolizi...
Diamond, Platinum
Sterling Silver Diamond Wheaton Smoky Quartz Ring
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
Brand David Yurman Wheaton Smoky Quartz Ring Material Sterling Silver925 Ring Size 6.25 Faceted Smoky Quartz :16mm X 11.8mm Pave diamonds, 0.08 total carat weight Condition New ...
Diamond, Quartz, Sterling Silver
David Yurman 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Quatrefoil Ring
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
This David Yurman ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features the brand’s signature quatrefoil motif accented with 0.48tcw of diamonds. The diamonds are carefully set to add bala...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Yurman Sterling Silver Black Orchid Albion Ring
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
-Brand David Yurman -Black Albion Ring -Material Sterling Silver 925 -Ring Size: 6.75 -Ring Face Dimension :18.8mm -Ring Width: 22.3mm X 22.7mm -Albion Dimension:15.5mm -Gender Wom...
Sterling Silver
DAVID YURMAN SS MENS SIGN BLACK SAPPHIRES RING Size 9.75
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
Brand David Yurman Condition Never worn Gender Men 925 Sterling Silver Type ring Ring size 9.75 Main Stone Sapphires Weight 10gr Retail price $1.400 Comes with David Yurman pouch
Diamond, Sterling Silver
Shopping for the right antique, new or vintage engagement ring can prove daunting. Whether you’re looking for that perfect Art Deco engagement ring, an antique Edwardian period engagement ring or a fashionable contemporary alternative, it’s important to choose a style that speaks to you.
Rings have long been signifiers of marriage and committed relationships. The modern diamond engagement ring can be traced back to 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria commissioned an expensive diamond ring for his betrothed. Diamond rings subsequently became extremely popular among the European aristocracy. Later, during the Victorian era, the popularity of diamond engagement rings had filtered down to the middle class, owing to the increasing accessibility — and affordability — of gold and diamonds.
Authentic antique Victorian-era engagement rings were frequently set in rose or yellow gold and they are highly collectible. Designs for Victorian engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal. Diamonds were likely to be small rose- or old-mine-cut (the ancestor of today’s cushion-cut) stones. The former are often associated with antique styles like Victorian or Georgian, as rose-cut diamonds are uncommon in modern jewelry. The diamonds were typically set in a group of five in a band or as a solitaire.
Victorian-era engagement rings also saw other gemstones accompanying diamonds. Small seed pearls and moonstones were popular. Other sentimental and romantic motifs such as hearts and stars took hold as well. When Prince Albert became engaged to Queen Victoria, he gave her a serpent ring with emerald eyes, her birthstone. This initiated a widespread craze for snake jewelry.
In 1886, esteemed American luxury firm Tiffany & Co. introduced its solitaire diamond design, which is still among the most popular styles of engagement rings. The Tiffany Setting raises the stone above the band on six prongs, allowing its facets to catch the light and reflect through the stone.
French jewelry house Cartier, which pioneered the use of platinum in fine jewelry and helped define Art Deco, sought to render the diamonds in their engagement rings and other rings as brilliantly as possible. The brand’s timeless Solitaire 1895 engagement ring gave the impression of delicate lace.
Edwardian and, afterward, Art Deco engagement rings that followed in the wake of Queen Victoria’s death in 1901 would be characterized by complex geometric designs and platinum settings. Owing to the Art Nouveau movement, nature was a major theme for Edwardian jewelry, while the diamond ring designs of the Art Deco period were inspired by Cubism as well as ancient Egypt. Art Deco engagement rings are bold and colorful and feature gems cut in nontraditional ways.
Engagement rings designed during World War II were made from two-toned metals and smaller stones. Large stones were scarce, and platinum was reserved for the military. Postwar engagement rings were intended to be simpler and focused on the beauty of the diamond. In 1947, De Beers Consolidated Mines, with the support of Philadelphia ad agency N.W. Ayer & Son, introduced the slogan “A diamond is forever” in a marketing campaign that emphasized a connection between diamonds and romance. Diamond sales skyrocketed, and diamond engagement rings became intertwined with the post–World War II marriage boom, which coincided with the ascension of specific diamond cuts.
The round brilliant cut, which consists of an astounding 58 facets, continues to be the most popular cut to this day. Jewelers such as Harry Winston had already gained a reputation for his talents by the time the De Beers campaign debuted, and he is said to have favored emerald-cut diamonds.
For everything from understanding the 4Cs to choosing between antique, vintage, contemporary and custom styles, get expert tips to help you find just the right ring.
When you’re ready to mark your momentous occasion, find a vast collection of engagement rings on 1stDibs.