A New York State Of Mind: Discover The David Yurman Madison Collection
Inspired by the spirit of the Big Apple, David Yurman's Madison collection celebrates rhythmic, sculptural links in polished precious metals. By CHARLIE BOYD
If you ask a jewelry connoisseur in New York City who makes the best sculptural chain links, chances are that David Yurman will be on the tip of their tongue. Founded in 1980, the house has spent the past 45 years distilling its iconic birthplace into each of its classically cool fine jewelry collections, making chains, clasps and charms the protagonist of every piece.
The most iconic of the signature collections? Undoubtedly the Madison collection, named after one of New York City’s most iconic avenues. While the name comes with connotations of ultra-luxe city living, the design of the individual links used to create the chain necklaces, bracelets and earrings within the collection contain deep heritage closely tied to the beating heart of Manhattan.
“In the Madison collection, Cable links are alternated with smooth links to recreate the unexpected rhythm of New York living. Each pillow-shaped link deftly connects to the next, effortlessly capturing chance encounters and inner-city spontaneity with flair
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David and his wife Sybil’s love story is key. David was a sculptor when he first crossed paths with Sybil, a painter and ceramicist, in 1969, and there was an immediate creative synergy between the pair. Both natives of New York City, David and Sybil were carving out their own artistic identities in the vibrant scenes of Greenwich Village, SoHo, and Tribeca, laying the foundation for a lifelong partnership in art, love, and business.
Before long, Yurman had created his first jewel for Sybil, crafting twisted wire into a utilitarian bracelet with gleaming gemstone accents, inadvertently establishing one of the key design codes that would come to define their life’s work; the precursor to the Cable links that still pepper many of the house’s collections today. In the Madison collection, Cable links are alternated with smooth links to recreate the unexpected rhythm of New York living. Each pillow-shaped link deftly connects to the next, effortlessly capturing chance encounters and inner-city spontaneity with flair.
The true beauty of the Madison collection? It’s versatile, easy-to-layer aesthetic, despite its ultra-precious materials. While each piece is meticulously crafted from sterling silver, 18-karat yellow or rose gold, many of these are punctuated with diamond-set beads and striking toggle clasps to add extra intrigue. The collection is designed to be stacked with abandon, making maximalism the mantra for glamorous events, while ensuring it’s still possible to pare back the overall look to exude effortless luxury on off-duty days.
The Madison collection doesn’t just vibe within its own micro-universe, however, as the house’s wider collections can be just as easily mixed and matched with its hero pieces. Often inspired by New York City, David Yurman named its Lexington collection after the Manhattan avenue home to Art Deco architecture and 1930s landmarks such as the Chrysler Building. The collection’s signature chains feature elongated links and toggle closures, a perennial favorite.
The Sculpted Cable collection, meanwhile, takes bas-relief sculpture as its muse, offering sleek curves and feminine contours to add into a shining wrist stack of bold bangles or an ear story composed of shining hoops. When it comes to styling your own layered look within the David Yurman world, there are no rules – and that just about sums up New York style.