David Yurman store open at South Coast Plaza

Pia Jones

David Yurman, an American phenomenon in fine jewelry and

watchmaking, is now located in South Coast Plaza with a brand-new

showcase boutique.

The recently opened location is only the second David Yurman

retail store in the world, the other being the original New York

store.

“It was time for us to venture to the West Coast,” says David

Yurman. “This store provides a showplace for us to offer our loyal

customers a chance to experience our exclusive one-of-a-kind pieces

as well as our classic designs, which have become the recognized

hallmarks of the brand.”

The interior of the 1,200-square-foot store is designed with

handcrafted details to showcase the jewelry and watch collections.

When customers walk in they see a store designed with a variety of

textures and colors. The glass display cases on the wall feature

cherry mahogany wood and the drawer pulls of black oxidized steel

with a leather strap were handmade in the Yurman shop. The light

fixtures, made out of anthracite, are also out of the ordinary. As

customers gaze throughout the store, they’ll notice the floors made

of imported limestone handpicked in France by Yurman himself.

Similar to the Madison Avenue boutique, the storefront has five

individual columns. Just as with the New York City store, this

location is intended to reflect Yurman’s signature style of relaxed

American luxury. David Yurman is based in New York, where he

established his company in 1979. This South Coast Plaza location will

be a prototype for future free-standing stores.

The David Yurman name has become well known among fine jewelry

customers. The line offers classic styles in 18-karat gold and

sterling silver accented with gemstones and diamonds. His first

signature Cable Collection bracelet -- a twisted helix of sterling

silver and 18-karat gold with gemstones on its finial ends -- was

created in 1984. That bracelet became a cornerstone of the collection

that has grown to include limited editions and special groupings in

18-karat gold and sterling silver with diamonds and magnificent

gemstones that are popular collectors’ items.

The collections of jewelry are continually updated. Always

essential is the element of classic beauty that has become a

trademark. David Yurman became the first living American jewelry

designer to create a luxury watch when he launched the Thoroughbred

Watch Collection of timepieces in 1999.

More styles are always being added. Some of the newest additions

include a bold cuff bracelet and sleek stick earrings as part of the

Crossover Collection. The Albion Collection is another option. Color

doesn’t always have to be dramatic, as indicated by the use of smoky

quartz combined with pave diamonds in some of the Albion pieces.

The new Cable Kids collection from David Yurman features

delicately scaled-down cable jewelry for children and teens.

Bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings and pendants are included. For

babies, there are whimsical rattles, teething rings, spoons, cups,

hair combs and brushes. The pieces are available in sterling silver

and accented with 18-karat gold.

It’s not just about jewelry for Yurman. He and his wife founded

the David & Sybil Yurman Humanitarian and Arts Foundation last year.

The foundation has created the David Yurman Thoroughbred and Angel

Awards to honor individuals who give the gift of time and it also

funds charities and the arts. Proceeds of Angel Pin sales have gone

to Project A.L.S., Elton John AIDS Foundation and the Silver Shield

Fund for the families of the firefighters and police of New York

City.

And when looking for the new boutique at South Coast Plaza, head

straight to the luxury district. The David Yurman store is nestled

between Cartier and Frette on the second level.

* This article was provided by South Coast Plaza officials.