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

Lagos specializes in modern, versatile jewelry at an accessible luxury price point, making it perfect for everyday wear and layering. In contrast, David Yurman is an iconic luxury brand known for its signature cable motif and artisanal craftsmanship, with pieces that are typically viewed as investment or special occasion jewelry at a higher price.

Let's compare these two jewelers to help you decide which one best suits your style and budget.

Lagos: The Modern Everyday Luxury

Lagos is a contemporary jewelry brand that creates stylish, meaningful pieces perfect for the modern wearer. Known for stackable rings and layered necklaces, the brand combines high-quality materials like 14k gold and sterling silver with a trend-forward aesthetic. Lagos appeals to a wide audience seeking well-crafted, versatile jewelry that can be worn daily without an intimidating luxury price tag.

• Product mix: The collection focuses heavily on versatile pieces designed for personalization and building a collection over time. Their lineup includes stackable rings, layered necklaces, charm bracelets, and stud earrings.
• Price point: Most pieces fall within the $100 to $1,000 range. For example, their popular stacking rings are typically priced between $150 and $300, while necklaces start around $200.
• Quality & Materials: Lagos uses durable and high-quality materials like 14k gold, sterling silver, and ethically sourced semi-precious stones. The craftsmanship is solid, with a focus on creating pieces robust enough for everyday use.
• Style & Aesthetic: The overall feel is modern, often minimalist, and highly versatile. Designs feature clean lines and subtle details, making them easy to mix, match, and incorporate into any wardrobe.
• Sizing/Fit: Most pieces come in standard sizes or offer some adjustability, reflecting their design philosophy of easy layering and stacking with other jewelry.
• Sustainability: The brand is committed to responsible sourcing, frequently using recycled gold and sterling silver in its designs and maintaining transparency in its ethical practices.

Lagos offers stylish and high-quality contemporary jewelry that is perfect for building a versatile, personal collection meant to be worn daily.

Shop Lagos: lagos.com

David Yurman: The Iconic Artisanal Jeweler

Founded in 1980, David Yurman is a legendary American luxury brand celebrated for its timeless elegance and masterful craftsmanship. Best known for the iconic cable motif that appears throughout its collections, the brand offers a wide range of investment-quality jewelry and watches. Combining precious metals and vibrant gemstones, a David Yurman piece is often considered an heirloom, purchased for major milestones and special occasions.

• Product mix: Known for their signature Cable Bracelets, they also offer an extensive collection of rings, statement necklaces, earrings, and luxury watches, often featuring mixed metals and brilliant gemstones.
• Price point: Positioned in the high-end luxury market. Prices start around $300 for smaller pieces and can exceed $5,000 for more elaborate designs. A signature cable bracelet typically costs between $400 and $700.
• Quality & Materials: The brand is known for exceptional artisanal quality, using 18k gold, platinum, conflict-free diamonds, and other precious gemstones. Many pieces are hand-finished, ensuring longevity and meticulous detail.
• Style & Aesthetic: The aesthetic is classic-luxury, blending timeless sophistication with bold, contemporary design elements. Yurman pieces are recognizable and often serve as the focal point of an outfit.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing is precise and follows industry standards, particularly for rings and fitted bracelets. Detailed size guides are provided, as items are crafted to be worn as individual statement pieces rather than being highly adjustable.
• Sustainability: Prioritizes responsible business practices, including the use of conflict-free gemstones and a commitment to environmental transparency throughout its more complex global supply chain.

David Yurman is a symbol of timeless American luxury, offering heirloom-quality, statement pieces defined by artisanal craftsmanship.

Shop David Yurman: davidyurman.com

Lagos vs. David Yurman Comparison

Price Comparison

The most significant difference between the two brands is the price. Lagos operates in the "accessible luxury" space, with the majority of its collection ranging from $100 to $1,000. This pricing encourages building a collection and wearing pieces daily. It’s an excellent choice for a first fine jewelry purchase or for those who want to accessorize frequently without making a massive investment in a single item.

David Yurman occupies a true luxury tier, where pricing reflects its heritage, labor-intensive craftsmanship, and use of more valuable materials. With pieces starting at $300 and quickly rising into the thousands, a Yurman purchase is typically more considered. It provides better long-term value as an investment or heirloom piece, but Lagos offers more immediate value for everyday style.

Quality & Materials

Both brands deliver excellent quality, but their focus differs. Lagos uses durable materials like 14k gold and sterling silver, engineered for the wear and tear of daily life. The construction is solid and reliable, ideal for a "put on and forget about it" approach to jewelry.

David Yurman raises the bar with 18k gold, platinum, and a wider variety of high-grade precious gems. The artisanal detail, from the precise twisting of the cable bracelet to the setting of a diamond, is meant for longevity and has a weight and finish that clearly communicate luxury. While you can certainly wear Yurman daily, its materials and construction place it firmly in the heirloom-quality category.

Style & Aesthetic

Choosing between these brands largely comes down to personal style. Lagos is defined by its modern, minimalist, and versatile aesthetic. Its pieces are designed to complement one another, inviting wearers to stack, layer, and create their own unique combinations. The look is chic and understated, fitting seamlessly into a professional or casual wardrobe.

David Yurman is known for its bold, iconic, and timeless designs. The cable motif is instantly recognizable and acts as a signature element. A David Yurman piece is less about blending in and more about making a confident statement. The aesthetic balances classicism with a distinctly American sense of modern luxury, making it suitable for both formal events and elevated daily wear.

Shopping Experience

Both brands offer high-end shopping experiences, online and in-store. Lagos provides a clean, user-friendly website focused on easy exploration and styling ideas. Their customer service is known for being responsive and helpful.

David Yurman provides a more opulent browsing experience, with luxurious packaging, detailed product stories, and premium customer support. Their boutiques further enhance the luxury feel, offering personal consultations and a chance to experience the brand's heritage firsthand.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both brands prioritize ethical sourcing, but they highlight different aspects. Lagos places a strong emphasis on using recycled metals like gold and sterling silver, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers. David Yurman focuses on ensuring its supply chain is responsible, especially concerning conflict-free diamonds and gemstones. Both are reputable choices for a conscious shopper, though Lagos is more vocal about its recycled material initiatives.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice between these two excellent jewelers depends entirely on your needs, budget, and personal style. Both brands offer beautiful, well-made products.

Choose Lagos If:

• You're looking for versatile, high-quality jewelry for everyday wear.
• You love a modern, trend-aware look and enjoy stacking and layering pieces.
• Your budget is in the accessible luxury range (under $1,000).
• You want to build a coordinated jewelry collection over time.

Choose David Yurman If:

• You are marking a special occasion or looking for an investment-worthy piece.
• You prefer timeless, classic designs with a bold, recognizable aesthetic.
• You appreciate artisanal craftsmanship and the luxurious feel of precious metals like 18k gold.
• Your budget is higher, and you view jewelry as a long-term heirloom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lagos or David Yurman more expensive?

David Yurman is significantly more expensive. Most Lagos pieces are priced between $100 and $1,000, while David Yurman pieces typically start at $300 and can easily exceed $5,000.

Which brand is better for everyday wear?

Lagos is designed with everyday wear in mind. Its use of durable materials and versatile, stackable designs makes it the better choice for daily use, while David Yurman pieces are often saved for more special occasions.

What is David Yurman's signature style?

The brand's signature is the cable motif - a twisted helix design that is incorporated into a majority of their bracelets, rings, and necklaces. It is often crafted in sterling silver and contrasted with 18k gold accents.

Which brand has better quality?

Both brands offer high quality. However, they serve different purposes. Lagos provides excellent quality for daily contemporary jewelry. David Yurman's quality is positioned at an heirloom level, often using higher-karat gold, platinum, and precious gemstones with masterful hand-finishing.

Is David Yurman worth the money?

For many collectors, yes. A David Yurman piece is an investment in timeless design, artisanal quality, and brand heritage. The pieces hold their value reasonably well and are considered classic staples that will not go out of style.

Can I stack David Yurman bracelets?

Yes, many people stack David Yurman bracelets. However, because they are typically bolder and more substantial than Lagos pieces, a stack of two or three Yurman bracelets can create a very powerful statement look.

Are Lagos and David Yurman sustainable?

Both brands have strong commitments to ethical and sustainable practices. Lagos highlights its use of recycled gold and silver, while David Yurman focuses heavily on conflict-free gems and supply chain transparency.

Which is a better gift?

The choice depends on the occasion. Lagos is an excellent gift for birthdays, holidays, or "just because" moments. David Yurman's heirloom quality and higher price point make it a perfect gift for major milestones like anniversaries, graduations, or significant professional achievements.