Surfing Instagram, something unusual caught my eye and I had to stop scrolling: A series of ancient symbols from a steatite scarab to a lapis Eye of Horus.
While they were decidedly modern photos on the David Yurman Instagram page, these pieces weren’t the classic stylized versions of these well-known icons. Rather, they read as something you might see during an archeological dig.
Reaching out to the company, I found out that these were EY Signature Amulets, a specialty collection of ancient coins and symbols from Evan Yurman’s personal collection. He has collected ancient symbols of healing and renewal for years, and these one-of-a-kind pieces are from his certified antiques. Each piece is handcrafted and available only by special order.
Evan Yurman likely has one of the most recognizable names in jewelry, thanks to the success of the company his parents founded and that he has worked toward growing since he joined the family business in 2002. Before he became president in November 2021, Evan Yurman served as the brand’s chief creative officer, focusing on store design, wedding, high, and men’s jewelry collections.
Men’s jewelry accounts for more than 25% of David Yurman’s total sales as a company, Evan Yurman has said in previous interviews. He has said that he wants the brand to make “real wearable art,” noting that the Yurman name comes with an “artistic, design-led philosophy.”
David Yurman let me quiz Angelo Todaro, David Yurman’s vice president of men’s design, about the Evan Yurman Signature Amulets collection.
Todaro says the EY Signature Amulets are a keen blend of the brand’s legacy as a family-owned jewelry company and timeless design.
“We’re constantly inspired by different time periods and civilizations,” Todaro says. “Our Amulets collection gives us the freedom to explore meaningful designs that feel personal to our consumers. Our Roman-inspired designs merge centuries-old influences with David Yurman innovation, precision, and craftsmanship.”
These amulets balance what the symbols meant in the past with how men choose to wear jewelry today, Todaro says. For some, they’re looking for the meaning in astrological symbols. Others want to ward off future trouble with a hand-wrought Greek Medusa coin.
“Men have long worn amulets for protection,” Todaro says. “We honor this tradition by creating modern talismans inspired by… pieces including Roman and Spanish coins.”
These pieces are found within David Yurman’s larger inspirations and collections, particularly its recently introduced men’s Cairo collection, which includes motifs from ancient Egypt such as the gold mask of legendary pharaoh Tutankhamen or the beloved scarab, which has long represented protection to those who wear it.
The EY Signature Amulets are part of those larger design ideas behind men’s jewelry at David Yurman, which are innovative in new and exciting ways, Todaro says.
“In the past five years, men have evolved to be much more interested in design, style, and have developed a deep appreciation for quality,” Todaro says. “The modern male consumer is just as savvy and discerning as the modern female consumer, and we’re discovering both groups are equally interested in wearing and styling our men’s designs in unique, personal, and diverse manners.
“Our men’s collections are constantly pushing the boundaries of traditional jewelry design,” Todaro says. “We challenge accepted concepts and explore innovative materials to create more unique pieces.”
Top: This Eye of Horus pendant is part of the EY Signature Amulets, and the symbol is said to represent well-being, healing, and protection. Prices for this collection are available upon request (photos courtesy of David Yurman).
Follow me on Instagram and Twitter
Follow JCK on Instagram: @jckmagazineFollow JCK on Twitter: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine
