Behind the Stone: 75 David Yurman Gemstones A–Z | AYW Luxury

September 7, 2025

Behind the Stone: The Ultimate Guide to David Yurman Gemstones

Introduction: More Than Sparkle

David Yurman is celebrated for his sculptural jewelry — the Cable Classics, Albion rings, Renaissance pendants, and Wheaton bracelets. But what truly defines Yurman’s legacy isn’t just the artistry of the metalwork — it’s the gemstones that bring these designs to life.

Every gemstone carries a story — of geology, culture, craftsmanship, and value. In this definitive guide, we explore 75 gemstones David Yurman has featured, uncovering rare facts, design context, and resale insights to help collectors, consignors, and buyers of certified pre-owned David Yurman jewelry make informed choices.

The Stones of David Yurman (Alphabetical A–Z)

Amazonite: The Ancient Beauty

Rare Fact: Despite its name, amazonite doesn’t come from the Amazon. Ancient Egyptians used it in jewelry thousands of years ago.
Yurman Legacy: Seen in bold sterling silver rings and seasonal designs.
Resale Value: Amazonite Yurman jewelry appeals to buyers seeking rare, earthy stones.

Amber: The Ancient Time Capsule

Rare Fact: Fossilized tree resin, sometimes preserving insects or plants millions of years old.
Yurman Legacy: Featured in Renaissance-inspired statement pieces.
Resale Value: Amber Yurman jewelry is niche but collectible, especially with unique inclusions.

Amethyst: The Royal Purple Classic

Rare Fact: Once as valuable as rubies until Brazil’s deposits reduced rarity.
Yurman Legacy: A cornerstone of Albion and Chatelaine designs.
Resale Value: Amethyst Yurman jewelry remains in demand for its vibrant, versatile color.

Andalusite: The Kaleidoscope Gem

Rare Fact: Displays different colors when viewed at various angles (pleochroism).
Yurman Legacy: Rarely used but eye-catching in experimental pieces.
Resale Value: A niche gemstone with unique collector appeal.

Apatite: The Neon Blue Glow

Rare Fact: Known for neon blue hues resembling Paraiba tourmaline.
Yurman Legacy: Adds electric contrast to Albion and Chatelaine rings.
Resale Value: Apatite Yurman jewelry is rare and valued by gemstone enthusiasts.

Aquamarine: The Sailor’s Talisman

Rare Fact: Carried by sailors for protection at sea; a calming member of the beryl family.
Yurman Legacy: Used in Albion and Chatelaine pieces for serene elegance.
Resale Value: Aquamarine Yurman jewelry performs well, especially with diamond accents.

Azurite: The Painter’s Stone

Rare Fact: Historically ground into pigment for Renaissance paintings.
Yurman Legacy: Often paired with malachite in bold silver designs.
Resale Value: Azurite Yurman jewelry attracts collectors of unique, earthy stones.

Beryl (Golden Heliodor): The Sun Gem

Rare Fact: Golden-yellow beryl from the same family as emerald, aquamarine, and morganite.
Yurman Legacy: Featured in warm-toned Albion designs.
Resale Value: Heliodor Yurman pieces are unusual and collectible.

Black Onyx: The Stone of Power and Mystery

Rare Fact: Frequently dyed chalcedony, used in amulets for centuries.
Yurman Legacy: A bold staple in men’s rings, Cable designs, and Albion pieces.
Resale Value: Onyx Yurman jewelry consistently maintains resale demand.

Bloodstone: The Warrior’s Stone

Rare Fact: A green jasper with red flecks, used in ancient talismans for protection.
Yurman Legacy: Found in men’s statement jewelry.
Resale Value: Holds steady niche appeal on the resale market.

Carnelian: The Stone of Vitality

Rare Fact: Worn in signet rings by Romans and Egyptians.
Yurman Legacy: Seen in Renaissance-inspired jewelry.
Resale Value: Affordable but boosted in value by Yurman’s settings.

Chalcedony: The Dreamy Pastel

Rare Fact: A translucent quartz long used in carvings and cameos.
Yurman Legacy: Featured in Albion and enhancer rings.
Resale Value: Chalcedony Yurman pieces offer steady resale appeal.

Chrysoberyl (Cat’s Eye): The Watcher’s Stone

Rare Fact: Displays chatoyancy — a glowing band of light across the stone.
Yurman Legacy: Rarely used but dramatic in custom designs.
Resale Value: Collector’s item when found in Yurman’s settings.

Chrysocolla: The Tranquil Stone

Rare Fact: Often appears with malachite and azurite, creating colorful swirls.
Yurman Legacy: Showcased in bold silver jewelry.
Resale Value: Niche but loved by bohemian-style collectors.

Chrysoprase: The Apple-Green Wonder

Rare Fact: Alexander the Great carried it as a talisman for courage.
Yurman Legacy: Bright centerpiece in Albion rings.
Resale Value: Chrysoprase Yurman jewelry maintains solid resale interest.

Citrine: The Sun Stone of Prosperity

Rare Fact: Often heat-treated quartz; symbol of wealth in ancient cultures.
Yurman Legacy: A bright star in Renaissance and Albion pieces.
Resale Value: Consistently popular on the resale market.

Coral: The Ocean’s Gem

Rare Fact: An organic gem formed by coral reefs, prized in red and pink.
Yurman Legacy: Used in bold summer collections.
Resale Value: Coral Yurman jewelry has collector appeal.

Diamond: The Eternal Classic

Rare Fact: Some diamonds are over 3 billion years old.
Yurman Legacy: Essential to Albion, Chatelaine, pavé designs, and engagement rings.
Resale Value: Diamond Yurman jewelry always commands high resale.

Diopside (Chrome Diopside): The Emerald Alternative

Rare Fact: Brilliant Siberian green stone, affordable emerald look-alike.
Yurman Legacy: Adds fresh vibrancy to Albion rings.
Resale Value: Desirable for buyers seeking affordable green gems.

Emerald: The Stone of Renewal

Rare Fact: Most emeralds include “jardin,” natural inclusions.
Yurman Legacy: Luxury staple in yellow gold Albion rings.
Resale Value: Emerald Yurman jewelry achieves premium resale prices.

Fluorite: The Rainbow Stone

Rare Fact: Fluoresces under UV light, appearing in rainbow colors.
Yurman Legacy: Featured in rare, artistic designs.
Resale Value: Soft but collectible, with niche demand.

Garnet (Traditional Red): The Fiery Classic

Rare Fact: Exists in a full rainbow of colors, not only red.
Yurman Legacy: Boldly featured in Renaissance and Albion collections.
Resale Value: Affordable yet stylish in Yurman’s settings.

Garnet (Rhodolite): The Rosy Garnet

Rare Fact: Pinkish-purple, between ruby and amethyst.
Yurman Legacy: Prominent in Albion and Chatelaine designs.
Resale Value: Higher demand than classic red garnet.

Garnet (Spessartite): The Fiery Orange

Rare Fact: Called “mandarin garnet,” valued for vivid orange.
Yurman Legacy: Featured in warm Albion pieces.
Resale Value: Rare and collectible, higher resale than red garnet.

Garnet (Tsavorite): The Green Garnet

Rare Fact: Rarer than emerald, discovered in the 1960s.
Yurman Legacy: Vibrant centerpiece in Albion settings.
Resale Value: Strong resale demand due to rarity.

Hematite: The Metallic Stone

Rare Fact: Iron-rich with silvery luster, used in Roman jewelry.
Yurman Legacy: Appears in men’s rings and bracelets.
Resale Value: Steady, modest resale interest.

Howlite: The Calming Stone

Rare Fact: Often dyed as turquoise imitation, but elegant in its natural form.
Yurman Legacy: Minimalist silver settings showcase its natural look.
Resale Value: Affordable but stylish resale.

Iolite: The Viking’s Compass

Rare Fact: Used by Vikings to navigate seas due to polarizing light.
Yurman Legacy: Prominent in Albion designs.
Resale Value: Collectible sapphire alternative.

Jade: The Stone of Heaven

Rare Fact: Symbol of health and wealth in Chinese culture.
Yurman Legacy: Used in cabochons and carved pendants.
Resale Value: Strong among jade enthusiasts.

Jet: The Fossil Gem

Rare Fact: Fossilized wood, popular in Victorian mourning jewelry.
Yurman Legacy: Seen in bold, dark designs.
Resale Value: Consistent niche resale.

Kunzite: The Evening Stone

Rare Fact: Fades in sunlight; named after Tiffany’s George Kunz.
Yurman Legacy: Romantic Albion rings highlight its pastel pink.
Resale Value: Collectible with niche resale interest.

Kyanite: The Midnight Blue

Rare Fact: Dual hardness depending on cut direction.
Yurman Legacy: Used in sapphire-like statement rings.
Resale Value: Growing collector appeal.

Labradorite: The Northern Lights Stone

Rare Fact: Displays shimmering flashes called labradorescence.
Yurman Legacy: Featured in bold Albion pieces.
Resale Value: Collectible and visually unique resale appeal.

Lapis Lazuli: The Royal Blue Legacy

Rare Fact: Used for ultramarine pigments in Renaissance art.
Yurman Legacy: Featured in men’s and bohemian jewelry.
Resale Value: Steady, enduring demand.

Malachite: The Gem of Transformation

Rare Fact: Recognized by its rich green banding, malachite was ground into pigment in ancient Egypt.
Yurman Legacy: Used in bold Renaissance and Chatelaine pieces.
Resale Value: Malachite Yurman jewelry performs well in resale thanks to its striking patterns.

Moldavite: The Space Gem

Rare Fact: A green tektite formed from a meteorite impact over 15 million years ago.
Yurman Legacy: Occasionally appears in rare, collectible designs.
Resale Value: Moldavite Yurman pieces are highly collectible among space-gem enthusiasts.

Moonstone: The Gem of Intuition

Rare Fact: Displays adularescence, a shimmering glow that seems to float across the surface.
Yurman Legacy: Seen in Chatelaine rings and pendants.
Resale Value: Moonstone Yurman jewelry appeals to collectors of ethereal designs.

Morganite: The Blush Beauty

Rare Fact: A pink-to-peach beryl, named after J.P. Morgan in 1911.
Yurman Legacy: Often set in rose gold Albion or halo designs.
Resale Value: Morganite Yurman jewelry commands strong resale value in today’s bridal market.

Obsidian: The Volcanic Glass

Rare Fact: Technically not a mineral but volcanic glass, used for tools and amulets since prehistory.
Yurman Legacy: Featured in men’s designs for sleek, dark power.
Resale Value: Obsidian Yurman jewelry has modest but steady resale interest.

Pearl: Nature’s Organic Gem

Rare Fact: Formed inside mollusks; natural pearls are extremely rare, most are cultured.
Yurman Legacy: Yurman modernizes pearls with silver and diamond accents.
Resale Value: Pearl Yurman jewelry holds good resale appeal when paired with designer settings.

Peridot: The Gem of Light

Rare Fact: Found in volcanic rock and even meteorites; always green.
Yurman Legacy: Common in Albion and Cable designs for its lively hue.
Resale Value: Peridot Yurman jewelry resells steadily thanks to its vibrant color.

Pietersite: The Tempest Stone

Rare Fact: Nicknamed “the Storm Stone” for its swirling golden and blue patterns.
Yurman Legacy: Used in statement silver settings.
Resale Value: Pietersite Yurman jewelry attracts niche collectors.

Pink Sapphire: Feminine Strength

Rare Fact: Once rarer than rubies; symbolizes resilience and romance.
Yurman Legacy: Seen in Albion halos and pavé designs.
Resale Value: Pink sapphire Yurman jewelry has strong resale appeal for bridal and collectors.

Pink Tourmaline: The Stone of Love & Creativity

Rare Fact: Tourmaline occurs in many colors; pink is highly prized for its romantic tones.
Yurman Legacy: Featured in Albion rings with diamond halos.
Resale Value: Pink tourmaline Yurman jewelry sells well to collectors of vibrant gems.

Prasiolite: The Green Amethyst That Isn’t

Rare Fact: Most is heat-treated amethyst, since natural prasiolite is rare.
Yurman Legacy: A signature gem in Albion rings and enhancers.
Resale Value: Prasiolite Yurman jewelry commands higher resale than amethyst.

Prehnite: The Dream Stone

Rare Fact: A soft green stone associated with spiritual dreaming.
Yurman Legacy: Appears in Albion rings for a mystical effect.
Resale Value: Prehnite Yurman pieces are niche but collectible.

Pyrite: Fool’s Gold with Sparkle

Rare Fact: Once mistaken for gold, pyrite is iron sulfide with metallic shine.
Yurman Legacy: Used in earthy, rustic-inspired jewelry.
Resale Value: Pyrite Yurman jewelry is uncommon and collectible.

Quartz Crystal: The Master Healer

Rare Fact: One of Earth’s most abundant minerals, valued for clarity.
Yurman Legacy: Often layered as doublets over other stones for unique depth.
Resale Value: Quartz Yurman jewelry resells steadily, with doublets commanding more.

Rhodochrosite: The Pink Banding Gem

Rare Fact: Characterized by pink-and-white bands, Argentina’s national stone.
Yurman Legacy: Bold cabochons set in silver pendants and rings.
Resale Value: Rhodochrosite Yurman jewelry is collectible for unique patterns.

Rhodolite Garnet: The Rosy Garnet

Rare Fact: Pink-purple garnet that bridges ruby and amethyst hues.
Yurman Legacy: Prominent in Chatelaine and Albion designs.
Resale Value: Rhodolite Yurman jewelry resells better than classic red garnet.

Ruby: The Stone of Passion

Rare Fact: Red variety of corundum; historically called the “king of gems.”
Yurman Legacy: Used in Albion rings and pavé accents.
Resale Value: Ruby Yurman jewelry holds excellent resale value, especially natural untreated stones.

Sapphire: The Royal Gem

Rare Fact: Though famed for deep blue, sapphires exist in pink, yellow, green, and even color-changing varieties.
Yurman Legacy: Blue sapphires are staples of Albion and Renaissance collections.
Resale Value: Sapphire Yurman jewelry resells strongly, especially larger cushion-cut designs.

Sardonyx: The Layered Onyx

Rare Fact: Combines brown sard and black onyx in layers, used for cameos since Roman times.
Yurman Legacy: Seen in men’s rings and classical-inspired pieces.
Resale Value: Sardonyx Yurman jewelry is collectible for traditionalists.

Serpentine: The Earth Healer

Rare Fact: Named for its snake-like green veining, often used in carvings.
Yurman Legacy: Featured in bold silver statement pieces.
Resale Value: Serpentine Yurman jewelry appeals to niche collectors.

Shungite: The Carbon Gem

Rare Fact: Nearly pure carbon, over 2 billion years old, believed to have protective properties.
Yurman Legacy: Rarely used but fits Yurman’s bold aesthetic.
Resale Value: Shungite Yurman jewelry has highly niche appeal.

Smoky Quartz: The Earthy Beauty

Rare Fact: Found in Scotland, historically worn in ceremonial jewelry.
Yurman Legacy: A favorite in Albion rings for its versatile, earthy tones.
Resale Value: Affordable yet elevated in Yurman’s designs.

Sodalite: The Dreamy Blue

Rare Fact: Sometimes mistaken for lapis, but lighter with white streaks.
Yurman Legacy: Used in Albion and seasonal pieces.
Resale Value: Sodalite Yurman jewelry offers affordable resale entry points.

Spinel (Black, Red, Cobalt Blue): The Forgotten Royal Gem

Rare Fact: Many “rubies” in crown jewels are actually spinels. Cobalt spinel fluoresces under UV light.
Yurman Legacy: Featured in pavé accents and bold Albion rings.
Resale Value: Spinel Yurman jewelry is gaining collector value as the gem resurfaces in popularity.

Sugilite: The Purple Rarity

Rare Fact: Found mainly in South Africa; prized for its deep purple vibrancy.
Yurman Legacy: Occasionally used in limited-edition silver settings.
Resale Value: Sugilite Yurman jewelry commands strong resale prices.

Sunstone: The Gem of Joy

Rare Fact: Sparkles with aventurescence from copper inclusions.
Yurman Legacy: Rarely used, but dazzling in select Chatelaine designs.
Resale Value: Sunstone Yurman jewelry is uncommon but collectible.

Tanzanite: The One-Generation Gem

Rare Fact: Found only in Tanzania; supply may be exhausted within a generation.
Yurman Legacy: Featured in Albion enhancers and statement rings.
Resale Value: Tanzanite Yurman jewelry has excellent resale due to rarity.

Tiger’s Eye: The Stone of Focus

Rare Fact: Shows chatoyancy, golden flashes that resemble a cat’s eye.
Yurman Legacy: Used in men’s jewelry and Cable bracelets.
Resale Value: Tiger’s Eye Yurman jewelry maintains steady demand.

Topaz (Blue, Imperial): The Modern Icon & Golden Treasure

Rare Fact: Blue topaz is often treated, while rare Imperial topaz glows golden-orange or pink.
Yurman Legacy: Blue topaz is one of Yurman’s signature stones; Imperial topaz is rare but luxurious.
Resale Value: Blue topaz Yurman pieces are among the most traded; Imperial topaz commands premium resale.

Tourmaline (Green, Pink, Watermelon): The Versatile Gem

Rare Fact: Comes in nearly every color, sometimes multiple in one crystal (“watermelon” tourmaline).
Yurman Legacy: Green and pink varieties appear in Albion and Renaissance pieces; rare watermelon in collectors’ pieces.
Resale Value: Tourmaline Yurman jewelry is sought after by collectors for variety and color.

Turquoise: The Sky Stone

Rare Fact: Among the oldest known gemstones, prized by Egyptians and Native Americans.
Yurman Legacy: Featured in summer and bohemian-inspired designs.
Resale Value: Turquoise Yurman jewelry performs well in seasonal resale cycles.

Variscite: The Soothing Green

Rare Fact: Similar to turquoise but lighter green with unique webbing patterns.
Yurman Legacy: Seen in cabochon rings and pendants.
Resale Value: Variscite Yurman pieces attract niche gemstone lovers.

Vesuvianite (Idocrase): The Mountain Gem

Rare Fact: Discovered near Mount Vesuvius in Italy.
Yurman Legacy: Rarely featured but eye-catching in seasonal designs.
Resale Value: Vesuvianite Yurman jewelry appeals to collectors of unusual stones.

Zircon: The Oldest Gemstone on Earth

Rare Fact: Some zircon crystals are over 4 billion years old; known for brilliance.
Yurman Legacy: Occasionally used as diamond-like accent stones.
Resale Value: Zircon Yurman jewelry is niche but valued by collectors.

Zoisite (Ruby-in-Zoisite): The Fusion Stone

Rare Fact: Combines green zoisite with embedded ruby crystals in one stone.
Yurman Legacy: Featured in bold cabochon pendants.
Resale Value: Ruby-in-zoisite Yurman jewelry is prized for its natural dual-tone beauty.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Stones

From Amazonite to Zoisite, David Yurman’s jewelry showcases the full spectrum of nature’s artistry. Each gemstone carries not only geological wonder but also cultural history, emotional meaning, and lasting value.

At AYW Luxury, we curate certified pre-owned David Yurman jewelry so every piece continues its story — authentically, beautifully, and with lasting resale value.

Explore our full David Yurman Collection at AYW Luxury and find the gemstone that speaks to your legacy.

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