Who is David Yurman?
Behind every successful business is a story
of inspiration, hard work and dedication. Take for example the jewelry empire
of David Yurman. In more than three decades of its existence, the man behind
the iconic cable bracelets continues to lead the company to greater heights
through incorporating the lessons that he had learned from personal experience.
Blessed with a keen eye for jewelry making and a very supportive wife, David
Yurman—the man—indeed deserves to be included among the ranks of the most
successful jewelers in the world.
From Sculpting to Jewelry Making
Born on October 12, 1942, Yurman spent most
of his childhood life living in Long Island, New York. As early as high school,
he had shown an interest in design through little sculptures, which he also sold
in their school cafeteria. This sideline would soon open the doors for the
young talented designer to discover his artistic genes.
Yurman was 16 when he was introduced to
Ernesto Gonzales, a Cuban who makes a living as a welder and a sculptor. It happened
during a visit in Provincetown, Massachusetts where his sister was based. The
artistic flair of Yurman has found an outlet in the form of sculpting, and he
later put it into good use by working as an apprentice for sculpting masters
Jacques Lipshitz and Theodore Rozack. Under their tutelage, Yurman developed
his skills in art.
Yurman attended the prestigious New York University
for one year before leaving college to hitchhike. His journey had brought him
to California, where he immersed himself in the beatnik lifestyle of the
artists’ community in Big Sur.
At the close of the 60’s Yurman left
California to work with a sculptor named Hans Van de Bovenkamp, in his Greenwich
Village studio in Manhattan where artists and bohemians used to thrive.
His
decision to return from his sojourn proved to be the turning point in his life
because it was when he met his future wife, a talented painter named Sybil Kleinrock,
who will eventually inspire him to venture into the glittery world of jewelry
making.
A “Gift” that Started It All
One day while in an art opening, Sybil
bumped into the gallery owner who happened to be fascinated by the jewelry piece
she was wearing. The former asked Sybil if she was selling the piece, with
which the gifted painter answered ‘yes’ despite the disagreeing reply of
Yurman. It turns out that the jewelry piece was actually a gift of Yurman to
his girlfriend Sybil. As a token of love, Yurman values it as something
personal. Hence, recreating and selling the jewelry is far from his plans.
But Sybil knew that it was a rare
opportunity knocking on their doors. Eventually, Yurman was convinced to enter
jewelry making after they moved to the countryside and founded the Putnam Art
Works. It would soon become instrumental in the creation of the eponymous
company and brand, David Yurman Inc, in 1980. The talented couple exchanged
vows a year before its founding.
Involving the Family
New generations of Yurman jewelers are
beginning to follow in the family tradition. As the son of a renowned jeweler
who made a name through the twisted cable pieces, Evan Yurman was introduced to
the jewelry scene through the Tuscon Gem show which he and his father David
regularly attend. Both father and son would sometimes work together on discovering
rare gems and designing jewelry.
Even for the launch of the David Yurman fragrance,
the jeweler has initially consulted with Sybil. This only shows that they regard
each other not only as a spouse, but also as business partner.
