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

Roberto Coin is an Italian luxury brand known for timeless, elegant designs in 18k gold with a higher, investment-level price point. In contrast, David Yurman is an American brand celebrated for its modern, sculptural style, particularly the signature cable motif, offering a much more accessible entry point with extensive sterling silver collections.

Let's compare these two jewelry giants to help you decide which brand is the right addition to your collection.

Roberto Coin: The Epitome of Italian Elegance

Roberto Coin is a benchmark for fine Italian jewelry, combining exceptional craftsmanship with sophisticated and often whimsical designs. Founded in Vicenza, Italy, the brand is famous for signing each piece with a small, hidden ruby, intended to bring the wearer good fortune. This detail embodies the brand's focus on intimate luxury, attracting discerning buyers who value classic elegance, narrative, and heirloom-quality construction.

• Product mix: A comprehensive collection of fine jewelry including rings, necklaces, intricate bracelets, and luxe earrings, all crafted in Italy. Notable collections often draw inspiration from nature, mythology, and art.
• Price point: Firmly in the luxury category. Smaller pieces begin around $1,000, while signature necklaces and diamond-heavy designs can easily exceed $20,000.
• Quality & Materials: Exclusively uses high-quality materials like 18k gold and ethically sourced diamonds and gemstones. The hand-finished craftsmanship is evident in every piece's detail and lasting quality.
• Style & Aesthetic: Timeless, refined, and detailed. Roberto Coin's style is for those who prefer understated, sophisticated luxury over bold, trend-driven statements.
• Signature Detail: Every piece contains a single ruby set on the inside surface, a unique and meaningful trademark that connects directly with the wearer.

Roberto Coin is the choice for investment-grade, classic jewelry with a story, backed by generations of Italian goldsmithing tradition.

Shop Roberto Coin: robertocoin.com

David Yurman: The Icon of American Sculptural Design

David Yurman is a powerhouse in American luxury jewelry, founded by sculptor David Yurman and his wife, Sybil, a painter. The brand's identity is built on its artistic roots, expressed through the iconic Cable bracelet - a twisted sterling silver or gold helix. This blend of art and fashion creates bold, versatile pieces that are highly recognizable and perfect for daily wear, appealing to a broad audience that loves statement jewelry.

• Product mix: Extensive offerings include bracelets, rings, earrings, necklaces, and watches for both women and men. They are best known for their Cable Collection, which appears in almost every category.
• Price point: Offers more accessible luxury. Sterling silver and mixed-metal pieces start around $300, with gold and diamond designs ranging from $1,000 to over $10,000.
• Quality & Materials: Known for skillfully working with sterling silver, often pairing it with diamonds, pearls, and gold accents. Higher-end pieces feature 18k yellow, white, and rose gold.
• Style & Aesthetic: Modern, sculptural, and bold. David Yurman’s aesthetic is instantly identifiable and lends itself well to stacking and layering, making it extremely popular for building a personal collection over time.
• Versatility: Designs are made to be worn every day, seamlessly transitioning from casual to formal settings.

David Yurman offers accessible, wearable art that makes a modern statement, ideal for those who want their jewelry to be both stylish and versatile.

Shop David Yurman: davidyurman.com

Roberto Coin vs. David Yurman Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a significant price gap between the two brands. Roberto Coin operates squarely in the high-luxury space, with entry-level pieces starting at approximately $1,000. It's truly investment jewelry crafted from 18k gold. This positions the brand for shoppers marking major milestones or adding to a serious fine jewelry portfolio.

David Yurman provides a much wider and more inviting price range. Thanks to its extensive use of sterling silver, customers can buy an iconic piece for a few hundred dollars. This accessibility makes it a very popular choice for birthday gifts, graduations, and self-purchases. While Yurman also offers expensive solid gold and diamond collections, its core business makes luxury attainable for a broader audience.

Quality & Materials

Both brands produce excellent quality jewelry, but their primary materials differ. Roberto Coin's focus on 18k gold means its pieces are inherently more durable and hold their material value over time. The Italian craftsmanship is flawless, with meticulous attention to detail in settings, finishes, and the signature hidden ruby.

David Yurman is a master of sterling silver, and its quality is excellent for the material. However, sterling silver is softer than gold and can tarnish over time if not cared for properly. Yurman's gold pieces are on par with other luxury brands, but the brand’s identity is more connected to its high-quality silver work. For enduring heirloom quality without maintenance, Roberto Coin has the edge due to its exclusive use of high-karat gold.

Style & Aesthetic

Your choice will likely come down to personal style. Roberto Coin embodies classic, timeless European elegance. The designs are refined, delicate, and sophisticated, making them perfect for formal events or for someone with an understated personal style. The focus is on the beauty of the materials and subtle design flourishes.

David Yurman is known for a bold, artistic, and distinctly American aesthetic. The Cable motif is iconic and functions as a modern status symbol. Its designs are created for layering and making a personal statement. If you want your jewelry to be recognized and prefer a more contemporary, sculptural look, David Yurman is the clear choice.

Shopping Experience

Shopping with Roberto Coin feels exclusive. You can find the brand at high-end department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue or authorized jewelers, where the experience is often personalized and consultative. The official website reflects this prestige, with an elegant, gallery-like feel.

David Yurman offers a more approachable and streamlined shopping experience. Its branded boutiques and user-friendly website are designed for convenience, complete with virtual consultations and easy returns. It has mastered the balance between a luxury feel and modern retail accessibility.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands represent the top of their respective categories, but they are built for different customers and occasions.

Choose Roberto Coin if:

• You are looking for an investment piece or a future heirloom.
• You appreciate classic, understated Italian craftsmanship and elegance.
• You exclusively wear 18k gold and value intricate details.
• The idea of a secret "good luck" ruby appeals to your sentimental side.

Choose David Yurman if:

• You want iconic, stylish jewelry that’s perfect for everyday wear.
• You love a bold, sculptural aesthetic and enjoy stacking and layering your pieces.
• You primarily wear sterling silver or enjoy mixed-metal looks.
• You’re looking for a luxury gift with a more accessible price tag.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Roberto Coin or David Yurman more expensive?

Roberto Coin is significantly more expensive. Its pieces are crafted from 18k gold and start around $1,000, establishing it as a high-luxury brand. David Yurman offers sterling silver pieces starting at around $300, making it much more accessible.

Which brand has better quality?

Both brands exhibit excellent craftsmanship. Roberto Coin’s quality is defined by its masterful Italian goldsmithing and use of 18k gold, which ensures longevity. David Yurman's quality is top-tier for its chosen materials, particularly in its pioneering use of sterling silver in luxury designs. For sheer material durability and investment quality, Roberto Coin has an advantage.

What is the signature of each brand?

Roberto Coin's signature is a small ruby hidden on the inside of every piece, meant as a whispered wish of good fortune. David Yurman's signature is the Cable design - a twisted helix motif that is a central part of the brand's aesthetic.

Does David Yurman jewelry tarnish?

Since many of David Yurman's iconic pieces are made from sterling silver, they can tarnish over time when exposed to air and moisture. This is a natural process for silver, and the original shine can be restored with proper cleaning and care.

Does Roberto Coin jewelry hold its value?

High-quality fine jewelry made from 18k gold and diamonds, like Roberto Coin's, tends to retain its value well compared to fashion jewelry. While resale value depends on market conditions, the intrinsic worth of the metals and gemstones helps it be a better long-term investment.

Which brand is better for an engagement ring?

Roberto Coin offers a broad range of classic and elegant diamond engagement rings, making it a more traditional choice for bridal jewelry. While David Yurman does have unique engagement rings, its aesthetic is more non-traditional and sculptural.

Which brand is better for everyday wear?

David Yurman is generally considered better for everyday wear. The brand's versatile designs, durable construction (especially in sterling silver), and style that encourages layering make it an ideal choice for daily accessorizing.

Are these brands ethically sourced?

Both companies state they are committed to responsible sourcing. Roberto Coin adheres to ethical principles in sourcing gemstones, and David Yurman is transparent about prioritizing recycled metals and ethically sourced stones. However, neither brand heavily advertises specific third-party ethical certifications.