Cable Classics Hampton Ring
Decorative Art / Jewelry - Finger Ring • David Yurman
Style & Movement
Contemporary American Jewelry Design; Modernist-Commercial Luxury
Medium & Technique
Sterling silver and 14k or 18k yellow gold; lost-wax casting, cable twisting, and bezel setting with an emerald-cut gemstone (likely clear topaz, quartz, or cubic zirconia).
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st Century (c. 1990-present)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 5-8mm band width; face dimensions roughly 10mm x 12mm. Format is a ring (wearable sculpture).
Subject Description
The ring features the signature David Yurman 'Cable' motif on the sterling silver shank. It is centered by a horizontal emerald-cut faceted clear stone, secured in a yellow gold bezel with gold accents on the shoulders. The work represents the intersection of industrial texture and classical elegance.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. Shows visible atmospheric patina (tarnish) on the silver surfaces and minor surface scratches consistent with use.
Estimated Market Value
$250 - $450 USD (Secondary Market)
Auction Estimate
$150 - $300 USD
Provenance History
Privately owned. Likely acquired through a luxury retail department store (e.g., Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue) or a boutique. The background suggests it is currently part of an estate sale, pawn inventory, or auction lot due to the yellow tag and number stickers.
Art Historical Significance
David Yurman is a seminal figure in American jewelry design, credited with creating the 'Cable' motif in the 1980s that redefined the designer jewelry category. This specific style, blending mixed metals (silver and gold), became a hallmark of late 20th-century luxury fashion, making high-end jewelry more accessible for everyday wear.
Notable Features
Features the iconic 'Cable' twisted helix band; bi-metal construction (sterling silver and gold); emerald-cut stone set in a stepped bezel; visible inventory number '6841' on a yellow tag in the background suggesting commercial transition.
Condition Issues
Significant silver oxidation (tarnish) throughout the cable crevices; minor abrasions to the gold bezel; potential wear to the facet edges of the stone.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional cleaning using a soft silver polishing cloth or ultrasonic cleaner (depending on stone type). Avoid harsh chemicals that could strip intentional oxidation in the cable recesses. Store in a low-humidity environment to prevent further tarnish.