David Yurman Sterling Silver and 14k/18k Yellow Gold Cable Hoop Earrings
Jewelry (Earrings) · David Yurman. Established in 1980 in New York, Yurman is a premier American luxury jewelry brand famous for its signature cable motif which revolutionized the high-end jewelry market.
Pattern: Cable Classics Collection. The cable pattern was introduced in 1983 with the 'Renaissance' bracelet and remains the brand's iconic signature motif in various iterations.
Type
Jewelry (Earrings)
Maker
David Yurman. Established in 1980 in New York, Yurman is a premier American luxury jewelry brand famous for its signature cable motif which revolutionized the high-end jewelry market.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) cable frame with 14k or 18k Yellow Gold accents. The posts are typically high-purity gold or surgical steel to prevent irritation.
Dimensions
Estimated 20mm to 30mm diameter (Small/Medium size). Weight typically ranges from 6 to 12 grams per pair depending on the solid or hollow nature of the tubing.
Description
A classic pair of David Yurman Cable Hoop earrings featuring the brand’s signature twisted helical motif. Crafted in sterling silver with an oxidized finish that accentuates the texture, the earrings are punctuated by luxurious yellow gold accents on the terminals. This design represents the quintessential Yurman look: a bridge between industrial form and fine jewelry elegance.
Key Features
The signature 'Cable' helix design, the weightiness of the sterling wire, and the contrast of the bright yellow gold against darkened silver.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) cable frame with 14k or 18k Yellow Gold accents. The posts are typically high-purity gold or surgical steel to prevent irritation.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized sterling silver finish highlights the depth of the twisted cable. The decorative end-caps are polished yellow gold featuring a ribbed or 'domed' texture typical of the brand's mixed-metal aesthetic.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expected marks on the interior or post: 'D.Y.', '925', and '585' (for 14k) or '750' (for 18k). Older pieces or specific designs may vary in stamp location.
Construction Details
Features a die-struck or cast core with a tightly coiled sterling silver wire outer layer to create the 'cable' effect. The gold accents are typically soldered or cast elements.
Functional Features
Post and butterfly back (friction back) closures. The hoop is usually a 3/4 circle design allowing for comfortable wear and visible end-caps.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - This is a jewelry item, but the tension of the cable wire provides enough rigidity to maintain the hoop shape without bending.
Craftsmanship Details
The precision of the wire wrapping is a hallmark of quality. On genuine pieces, the transition between the gold cap and the silver cable should be seamless and securely bonded.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic Yurman cable has a specific 'heaviness' and consistent twist spacing. The oxidation is intentional; however, the uneven darkening here suggests natural aging rather than just factory treatment.
Origin & Manufacturing
USA/New York. While designed in NYC, components reflect high-end industrial jewelry manufacturing standards used by Yurman workshops.
Era & Period
Contemporary/Modern (Late 20th Century to Present). This specific style reflects the 'Luxury Casual' movement of the 1990s and early 2000s.
Age Estimate
Circa 1995-2015 based on the patina, the specific style of the gold ribbed caps, and the thickness of the cable wire.
Cultural Significance
David Yurman jewelry became a status symbol of American wealth in the late 20th century, often associated with the 'preppy' or 'old money' aesthetic transitioned into modern fashion.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible heavy tarnish (sulfide buildup) throughout the silver coils. The gold caps show light surface scratches. No visible distortion to the hoop shape.
Value Estimate
$250 - $450 USD. Value varies based on gold karat (14k vs 18k) and current resale market demand for vintage Yurman styles.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a silver polishing cloth on the high points of the cable only; do not use liquid silver dips as they will remove the intentional oxidation in the recessed grooves.
Similar Pieces
John Hardy 'Classic Chain' hoop earrings (Indonesian influence) or Lagos 'Caviar' hoops (beaded rather than cabled). Yurman pieces are heavier and more rigid.
Interesting Facts
The Cable design was inspired by the twisted iron railings found in Greenwich Village and the cables of the Brooklyn Bridge, symbolizing unity and strength.