John Hardy vs. David Yurman: Which brand is better? [2026]

John Hardy is known for its handcrafted, artisanal jewelry with a focus on sustainable practices and Balinese-inspired designs, giving it an earthy, bohemian feel. In contrast, David Yurman is a global luxury powerhouse famous for its iconic cable bracelet, offering a more contemporary, sophisticated, and versatile aesthetic that blends classic and modern styles.

Let's compare these two beloved jewelry brands to help you decide which is the right investment for your collection.

John Hardy: The Artisanal and Sustainable Jeweler

John Hardy is a luxury brand celebrated for its intricate, handcrafted jewelry made by artisans in Bali. The brand's identity is deeply rooted in Balinese culture, nature, and sustainable values. Their customer is someone who seeks unique, meaningful jewelry with a story, appreciates visible craftsmanship, and prioritizes ethical production.

• Product mix: Known for bold bracelets, rings, necklaces, and earrings that feature the brand's signature woven chain and nature-inspired motifs. The collections have an organic, textured feel that makes each piece feel distinct.
• Price point: Bracelets start around $300, with more substantial pieces reaching into the thousands. Rings and necklaces typically fall between $200 and $2,500, offering accessible luxury.
• Quality &, Materials: Uses ethically sourced sterling silver, 18k gold, and gemstones. Many designs have a bold, textured finish that highlights the hand-hammered and woven techniques of their artisans. The brand emphasizes its use of recycled metals.
• Sustainability & Ethics: This is a core part of the brand. John Hardy is committed to fair-trade practices, using 100% reclaimed silver and gold, and supporting the artisan community in Bali. This transparency is a key differentiator for eco-conscious shoppers.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers a range of standard ring and bracelet sizes, with some designs having adjustable features for a more customized fit.

John Hardy is the ideal choice for someone who values unique, eco-conscious jewelry where the artistry and cultural story are as important as the piece itself.

Shop John Hardy: johnhardy.com

David Yurman: The Iconic and Timeless Designer

Founded in 1980 by David and Sybil Yurman, this American luxury brand became famous for its signature cable bracelet - a twisted helix design that mixes classic form with modern style. David Yurman appeals to a broad audience that wants sophisticated, recognizable, and highly wearable jewelry that can be worn every day or for special occasions. It's a go-to for graduation gifts, anniversary presents, and milestone celebrations.

• Product mix: The collection revolves around the cabled motif and includes bracelets, rings, necklaces, earrings, and watches. Designs often incorporate mixed metals, pavé diamonds, and vibrant gemstones.
• Price point: Prices tend to be slightly higher than John Hardy's. The iconic cable bracelets start around $400 and can go up to $5,000+ for versions with gold and diamonds. Rings and necklaces typically start around $300.
• Quality & Materials: Utilizes high-quality sterling silver, gold, and platinum with an emphasis on polished, flawless finishes. The craftsmanship is precise, creating durable pieces designed to become lasting heirlooms.
• Sizing/Fit: A wide range of sizes is available for all pieces, supported by detailed online sizing guides to help customers find a perfect fit.

David Yurman stands for timeless luxury and refined style, making it the perfect choice for those seeking iconic, versatile jewelry from a globally recognized brand.

Shop David Yurman: davidyurman.com

John Hardy vs. David Yurman Comparison

Price Comparison

While both are luxury brands, their pricing reflects their different market positions. John Hardy's entry-level pieces are generally more accessible, with sterling silver rings and bracelets starting around the $200-$300 mark. This makes it a great option for those new to luxury jewelry or seeking an artisanal piece without a significant investment.

David Yurman's starting prices are slightly higher, with its signature cable bracelets beginning closer to $400. The brand's extensive use of diamonds and gold in its collections also pushes the average price higher. A classic David Yurman Cable Bracelet is often seen as an investment piece, valued for its timeless design and strong brand recognition, making its higher price feel justified to many buyers.

Quality & Materials

Both brands produce exceptional quality jewelry, but their finishing styles differ. John Hardy deliberately embraces a textured, hand-finished aesthetic. You can see the hammer marks and woven patterns, which add character and an organic feel. Their commitment to using recycled metals and ethically sourced gemstones is a significant part of their quality promise.

David Yurman focuses on a highly polished, refined finish. The craftsmanship is meticulous, with clean lines, secure stone settings, and flawless polishing that gives each piece a sophisticated and modern look. The brand's cable design requires advanced metalworking techniques to ensure its durability and consistent form, making them suitable for everyday wear.

Style & Aesthetic

This is the most critical difference between the two. John Hardy's aesthetic is bohemian-luxe. The designs are inspired by nature, mythology, and Balinese art, resulting in bold, intricate, and often statement-making pieces. It appeals to a customer with an artistic, unconventional style who wants their jewelry to tell a story.

David Yurman’s style is best described as classic with a contemporary twist. The signature cable motif is instantly recognizable and versatile, easily dressed up or down. Their designs are sleek, sophisticated, and fit seamlessly into a modern wardrobe. Yurman is for the wearer who values timeless elegance and brand recognition over artistic embellishment.

Sustainability & Ethics

John Hardy places sustainability and ethics at the very center of its brand identity. The company is transparent about its "Greener is Better" philosophy, highlighting its use of 100% reclaimed precious metals, ethically sourced gemstones, and its "Jobs for Life" program that supports its Balinese artisan community. For Conscious Consumers, John Hardy is the definitive winner in this category.

David Yurman operates within industry standards for responsible sourcing and is a member of the Responsible Jewellery Council. While they ensure their materials come from audited suppliers, it is not a central component of their public-facing brand story in the way that it is for John Hardy.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice comes down to personal style and what you value most in a piece of jewelry.

Choose John Hardy if:

• You prioritize sustainable and ethically made products.
• You have a bohemian or artistic style and prefer bold, textured designs.
• You want a unique piece of jewelry that feels handcrafted and special.
• You appreciate when a brand has a deep cultural story and heritage.

Choose David Yurman if:

• You want an iconic, instantly recognizable piece of luxury jewelry.
• Your style is classic, sophisticated, and modern.
• You prefer accessories that are versatile enough for daily wear and formal occasions.
• You're looking for an investment piece or a milestone gift from a world-renowned brand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is John Hardy or David Yurman more expensive?

Generally, David Yurman is slightly more expensive, particularly for its iconic entry-level pieces. A classic sterling silver David Yurman cable bracelet starts around $400, while many of John Hardy's sterling silver bracelets start closer to $300.

Which brand has better quality?

Both brands offer exceptional quality, but with different aesthetics. John Hardy focuses on authentic, handcrafted quality with visible artistry and texture. David Yurman offers pristine, polished quality with a focus on flawless finish and modern durability.

What is John Hardy famous for?

John Hardy is famous for its artisanal jewelry handcrafted in Bali, using traditional techniques. Its signature looks include the Classic Chain, woven patterns, and nature-inspired motifs.

What is David Yurman famous for?

David Yurman is most famous for its Cable Bracelet, a twisted helix design that has become a globally recognized symbol of modern luxury.

Is John Hardy a sustainable jewelry brand?

Yes, sustainability is a core value for John Hardy. The brand uses 100% reclaimed gold and silver, ethically sourced gemstones, and is committed to preserving the Balinese artisan community and environment.

Which brand is better for everyday wear?

While both are durable, David Yurman's polished finishes and classic designs are often considered more versatile and practical for everyday wear, easily transitioning from the office to an evening out.

Is David Yurman an actual person?

Yes, David Yurman is a sculptor who founded the brand with his wife, Sybil, a painter, in New York City in 1980.

Where is John Hardy jewelry made?

Virtually all John Hardy jewelry is made by hand in its workshop in Bali, Indonesia. The brand employs hundreds of local artisans, preserving traditional Balinese craft techniques.

Will sterling silver from these brands tarnish?

Yes, all sterling silver will naturally tarnish over time when exposed to air and moisture. However, both brands use high-quality silver, and tarnish can be easily removed with a polishing cloth provided with your purchase.