David Yurman vs. Mejuri: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

David Yurman or Mejuri? Discover the allure of luxury versus affordability - compare heirloom-quality designs and chic, minimalist pieces to find your jewelry match.
Spencer Lanoue
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Spencer Lanoue
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David Yurman is a luxury brand known for its artistic, heirloom-quality jewelry and signature cable design, commanding a high price point. In contrast, Mejuri offers minimalist, ethically-sourced fine jewelry directly to consumers, making chic, everyday pieces accessible at a much lower cost.

Let's compare these two jewelry brands to help you decide which is the right fit for your style and budget.

David Yurman: The Art of Luxury & Timeless Design

Founded in 1980 by David and Sybil Yurman, this brand is a fixture in the world of high-end jewelry. David Yurman combines fine art, fashion, and intricate craftsmanship to create pieces that are both timeless and modern. The customer is typically someone seeking investment-quality jewelry for special occasions or to pass down as an heirloom, appreciating the brand's unique artistic vision and prestigious reputation.

  • Product mix: Offers a wide range of rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and watches crafted from precious metals and vibrant gemstones. The iconic "Cable" bracelet is the brand's most recognizable signature piece.
  • Price point: Firmly in the luxury category. A simple sterling silver cable bracelet starts around $350, while gold pieces with gemstones quickly climb into the thousands of dollars.
  • Quality & Materials: Utilizes premium 14k and 18k gold, sterling silver, and ethically sourced gemstones. The emphasis is on superior craftsmanship, durability, and a heavy, substantial feel.
  • Style & Aesthetic: Bold, sculptural, and artistic. The work often features mixed metals, art deco influences, and intricate detailing, making each piece a statement.
  • Sustainability: The company is committed to responsible business practices, including conformity with the Kimberley Process for diamonds and efforts to maintain supply chain integrity.

David Yurman offers distinctive, investment-quality jewelry for those who appreciate fine craftsmanship and a bold, timeless style statement.

Shop David Yurman: davidyurman.com

Mejuri: The Everyday Fine Jewelry Staple

Launched in 2015, Mejuri disrupted the jewelry industry by offering modern, high-quality pieces directly to consumers, cutting out the traditional retail markup. Their philosophy is that fine jewelry should be worn every day, not just saved for special occasions. Mejuri is popular with Millennials and Gen Z who value minimalist design, ethical sourcing, and affordability.

  • Product mix: Focuses on everyday essentials like delicate chains, simple hoops, stackable rings, and understated pendants. The pieces are designed to be mixed, matched, and layered for a personalized look.
  • Price point: Highly accessible, with most items priced between $50 and $500. You can find solid 14k gold rings for under $100 and dainty necklaces for under $200.
  • Quality & Materials: Uses 14k solid gold, gold vermeil, and sterling silver. While more delicate than David Yurman, the pieces are designed for continuous wear and longevity.
  • Style & Aesthetic: Minimalist, sleek, and understated. The designs are modern and versatile, easily transitioning from a casual day look to an elegant evening outfit.
  • Sustainability: A core pillar of the brand. Mejuri uses recycled gold and silver and ensures their pearls are sustainably farmed. They are committed to a transparent and traceable supply chain.

Mejuri delivers affordable, ethically-made jewelry with a modern, minimalist design perfect for daily wear and easy styling.

Shop Mejuri: mejuri.com

David Yurman vs. Mejuri Comparison

Price Comparison

The price difference is the most significant factor between these two brands. David Yurman is a luxury purchase. You are paying for the brand's heritage, complex craftsmanship, precious materials, and artistic design, with prices starting in the mid-hundreds and reaching tens of thousands. Each piece is positioned as a significant investment.

Mejuri positions itself as "everyday fine jewelry," and its prices reflect that. By selling directly to consumers online, they avoid the markups common in traditional jewelry stores. This makes owning genuine gold and gemstone pieces accessible for a much broader audience, with items perfectly priced for self-gifting or building a comprehensive collection over time.

Quality & Materials

David Yurman's quality is undeniable. His pieces are often substantial, using generous amounts of 18k gold, sterling silver, and high-quality pave diamonds and gemstones. The craftsmanship shows in the precisely twisted cables and the secure settings of the stones, designed to last for generations.

Mejuri also provides excellent quality for its price point. It primarily uses 14k solid gold, which is durable and won't tarnish, making it suitable for constant wear. While their pieces are lighter and more delicate by design, the materials are genuine and the construction is solid for everyday use. Mejuri offers a practical balance of affordability and lasting quality.

Style & Aesthetic

Choosing between these brands largely comes down to personal style. David Yurman’s aesthetic is bold, recognizable, and artistic. His signature cable motif is iconic, making his jewelry a statement piece that is easy to identify. It's for someone who wants their jewelry to be noticed and appreciated as a piece of wearable art.

Mejuri’s style is the opposite: minimalist, subtle, and designed for layering. It is for the person who prefers a "less is more" approach or someone who likes to create a unique look by stacking multiple delicate rings, necklaces, and bracelets. The aesthetic is clean, modern, and effortlessly chic.

Shopping Experience

Shopping at David Yurman, whether in one of their elegant boutiques or high-end partner stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, is a luxury experience with expert, personal service. Their website mirrors this refined approach, offering detailed product views and virtual consultations.

The Mejuri experience is built for the modern digital consumer. Their website is easy to navigate, with clean product photography, helpful size guides, and an emphasis on user-generated content showing how real people style the jewelry. They have a few physical showrooms in major cities, but their core business is their seamless online DTC model.

Sustainability & Ethics

While both brands make efforts towards ethical practices, sustainability is a core part of Mejuri’s brand identity. They lead with their commitment to using recycled metals and responsibly sourced materials, making it a key selling point for a customer base that prioritizes conscious consumption.

David Yurman adheres to high industry standards, such as the Kimberley Process for diamonds, ensuring its materials are sourced responsibly. As an established luxury house, its practices are solid, though they are less front-facing in marketing compared to newer, mission-driven brands like Mejuri.

Which One Should You Choose?

While both brands offer beautiful jewelry, they cater to very different needs and priorities.

Choose David Yurman if:

  • You're buying jewelry for a major milestone or as an investment piece.
  • You love a bold, recognizable design with artistic flair, like the signature cable.
  • You are willing to spend over $350 on an accessory that will become a long-term heirloom.
  • You appreciate a high-end, in-person shopping experience at a luxury boutique or department store.

Choose Mejuri if:

  • You want genuine fine jewelry for everyday wear that is stylish and affordable.
  • Your style is more minimalist, and you love stacking delicate rings and layering necklaces.
  • Ethical sourcing and the use of recycled materials are important to you.
  • You want to build a versatile jewelry collection without a massive financial investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is David Yurman or Mejuri cheaper?

Mejuri is significantly cheaper. Mejuri's prices typically range from $50 to $500, positioning them as an accessible, everyday fine jewelry brand. David Yurman is a luxury brand, with pieces starting around $350 and going well into the thousands.

Is David Yurman considered good quality?

Yes, David Yurman is known for exceptional quality and craftsmanship. The brand uses premium materials like 14k and 18k gold, sterling silver, and high-grade gemstones, with a focus on creating durable, heirloom-worthy pieces.

Is Mejuri real gold?

Yes, Mejuri uses genuine materials. Most of their pieces are crafted from 14k solid gold, which does not tarnish or flake. They also offer pieces in gold vermeil (a thick layer of 18k gold over sterling silver) and sterling silver.

Which brand is better for an engagement ring?

David Yurman is the more traditional choice for an engagement ring. As a luxury jeweler, they offer a wider range of designs featuring high-quality diamonds and precious gemstones suitable for such a significant purchase. While Mejuri offers some beautiful rings suitable for modern engagements, their focus is less on bridal and more on everyday pieces.

Does David Yurman sterling silver tarnish?

Like all sterling silver, pieces from David Yurman can oxidize and tarnish over time when exposed to air and moisture. However, the high quality of the silver means it can be easily cleaned and polished to restore its original shine.

Can you shower with Mejuri jewelry?

You can shower in Mejuri's 14k solid gold pieces, as they are non-tarnishing and waterproof. It's recommended to remove gold vermeil and sterling silver jewelry before showering to preserve its finish and longevity.

What is David Yurman's signature style?

The signature style of David Yurman is the "Cable" motif - a twisted helix design inspired by ancient and modernist metalwork. This design is incorporated into the brand's iconic bracelets, rings, and necklaces.

Where can I buy David Yurman jewelry?

You can purchase David Yurman jewelry directly from their boutiques, on their official website, or at authorized high-end department stores like Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.