David Yurman Inspired Cable Classics Bypass Bracelet with Gold-Tone Terminals
Jewelry - Bracelet (Bangle/Cuff) · Likely a contemporary boutique or mass-market fashion brand. While the design is iconic to David Yurman, the lack of visible high-end finishing and its retail context suggest a 'style-of' or 'inspired-by' piece rather than an original designer hallmarked item.
Pattern: Cable Classic / Twisted Helical Pattern
Type
Jewelry - Bracelet (Bangle/Cuff)
Maker
Likely a contemporary boutique or mass-market fashion brand. While the design is iconic to David Yurman, the lack of visible high-end finishing and its retail context suggest a 'style-of' or 'inspired-by' piece rather than an original designer hallmarked item.
Material
Likely Silver-Plated Base Metal or Stainless Steel with gold-tone (possibly brass or gold-plated) ball terminals. Unlike authentic Sterling pieces, this item shows a high-gloss chrome-like luster common in plated goods. Total lack of visible oxidation (tarnish) on the silver-colored portion further suggests a non-silver metal like stainless steel.
Dimensions
Approximately 6-7 inches in circumference; standard medium ladies' wrist size. Estimated weight: 35-50 grams depending on whether the core is solid or hollow.
Description
This eye-catching piece is a classic representation of the 'Cable' aesthetic. It features a dual-strand twisted wire design that achieves a rhythmic, helical texture, terminated by three polished gold-colored spheres. It is a designer-inspired fashion accessory intended to provide a high-end luxury look for everyday wear.
Key Features
Twisted cable texture, tiered bypass design, contrasting mixed-metal color palette (silver and gold tones), and spherical terminal caps.
Material & Composition
Likely Silver-Plated Base Metal or Stainless Steel with gold-tone (possibly brass or gold-plated) ball terminals. Unlike authentic Sterling pieces, this item shows a high-gloss chrome-like luster common in plated goods. Total lack of visible oxidation (tarnish) on the silver-colored portion further suggests a non-silver metal like stainless steel.
Finish & Decoration
Polished twisted cable wire design with smooth spherical ball terminals. The 'bypass' style allows for flexibility and ease of wear. The finish is consistent with contemporary mass-production electroplating.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible hallmarks in the image. High-end designer pieces from Yurman or similar brands would feature 'D.Y.', '925', and '585' (for 14k gold) or '750' (for 18k gold) stamps inside the cable or near the terminals.
Construction Details
Machine-twisted metal wire coils formed into a circular shape. The spherical end-caps are typically soldered or glued onto the terminal ends. The flexibility suggests a spring-tempered metal core.
Functional Features
Bypass opening allows the bracelet to be gently pulled apart to slip over the wrist and then snap back into shape.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - This is a wearable jewelry item.
Craftsmanship Details
Functional but utilitarian. The winding of the cable is uniform, suggesting machine production. The finishing on the back side of the balls (hidden from view) is likely where cost-cutting measures are most visible.
Authentication Indicators
Red Flags for authenticity: The retail tag 'Glam' suggests a generic fashion brand. The luster is overly bright and 'cold,' characteristic of rhodium-plated base metal rather than the deep, warm glow of aged .925 Sterling. The solder points where the balls meet the cable appear slightly messy compared to high-jewelry standards.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely mass-manufactured in China or Thailand for a commercial 'Glam' fashion line (as indicated by the retail tag), utilizing industrial twisting and plating machinery.
Era & Period
Contemporary (Late 20th Century to Present); Modernist/Industrial style. This specific look became a staple of American luxury fashion in the 1980s.
Age Estimate
Produced within the last 10-15 years based on the 'Glam' branding and modern Goodwill tagging system.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'democratization of luxury,' where iconic designer motifs are adapted into affordable costume jewelry for the mass market. It reflects the enduring popularity of the 'preppy' or 'New York socialite' aesthetic.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. The gold-tone plating on the central small sphere appears slightly worn or dulled. The cable strands show no signs of 'stretching' or permanent deformation. Generally clean with minor surface abrasions.
Value Estimate
Market value: $10 - $25. As a 'fashion' or 'costume' piece without precious metal hallmarks, its value is based on aesthetic appeal rather than scrap metal content. Authentic versions retail for $400-$900.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft damp cloth. Avoid silver-polishing dips or abrasive creams as they may strip the gold-tone plating. Store away from moisture to prevent 'pitting' of the base metal.
Similar Pieces
Authentic David Yurman Cable Classics (which would feature solid 14k/18k gold and sterling silver), Lagos 'Caviar' jewelry (utilizing beaded rather than twisted textures), and various 'inspired' pieces from retailers like Ross-Simons or department store house brands.
Interesting Facts
The twisted cable design was originally inspired by the cables of the Brooklyn Bridge and ancient Renaissance motifs, popularized by David Yurman starting in 1983. It has since become one of the most replicated jewelry designs in the world.