David Yurman Alleges These Two Companies Copied Its Designs
The company has filed complaints against Royal Chain and Samuel B.

In separate complaints filed earlier this week in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, the companies are accused of infringing upon David Yurman’s trade dress, trademarks, and copyrights, as well as engaging in unfair competition.
Royal Chain and Samuel B. called the claims baseless. Both also noted their long histories as respected members of the jewelry industry.
In a statement shared with National Jeweler, Royal Chain said, “We are currently reviewing the complaint. We know David Yurman has a history of being litigious, and we find the claims baseless. Royal Chain has been serving the industry with honesty and integrity since 1978.”
Mathew Behnam, vice president of Samuel B., said, “Samuel B. has a rich legacy in the jewelry industry, known for our dedication to crafting unique and original designs, untouched by any third-party claims.
“We firmly assert that Yurman’s infringement allegations in this lawsuit are baseless and unjustified. We are committed to addressing these claims through the appropriate legal channels.”
In the complaint filed against Royal Chain on Sept. 18, David Yurman described its alleged copying as “calculated and systematic.”
“Defendant’s knock-off products seek to imitate Yurman jewelry pieces across multiple distinct collections, including by copying structure, insignia, and design flourishes that distinguish Yurman jewelry designs,” the company said in court documents.
The complaint includes pictures of David Yurman jewelry from a number of collections, including “Cable Classics,” “Renaissance,” “X,” and “Crossover,” alongside allegedly infringing designs by Royal Chain and its Phillip Gavriel brand.

The complaint against Samuel B. also was filed on Sept. 18.
The company is accused of copying designs from several David Yurman collections, including “Cable Classics,” “Albion,” “Clasped Cable,” and “X.”

David Yurman called the similarities between its jewelry and Samuel B.’s alleged copies “immediately apparent” and “striking.”
In the court documents, David Yurman included findings from an online search that it said is proof that Samuel B. is causing consumer confusion.
On a QVC online forum, a Samuel B. customer said, “I always receive compliments on his pieces. Frequently, I’m asked if they are David Yurman.”
Another comment on a post titled “Wife Wants David Yurman Jewelry,” reads, “Does your wife know about Samuel B. jewelry? It is solid silver with 18-karat gold accents and semi-precious stones and many of the pieces look remarkably like Yurman, (and some don’t) for a fraction of the price.
“While I love my Yurman and [John] Hardy pieces, I love my Samuel B. because of the price. I have worn it in many jewelry stores and they think it is Yurman.”
In both complaints, David Yurman is seeking a permanent injunction ordering Royal Chain and Samuel B. to stop making these alleged copies, as well as monetary damages.
David Yurman has previously filed lawsuits against Mejuri, in which the parties reached a settlement, and Puerto Rico-based brand Zoé del Mar. In that case, David Yurman received a permanent injunction and $1 million in statutory damages.
The Latest

The singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.

The bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.

The heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week.


The Starboard Cruises SVP discusses who is shopping for jewelry on ships, how much they’re spending, and why brands should get on board.

The historic signet ring exceeded its estimate at Noonans Mayfair’s jewelry auction this week.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

To mark the milestone, the brand is introducing new non-bridal fine jewelry designs for the first time in two decades.

The gemstone is the third most valuable ruby to come out of the Montepuez mine, Gemfields said.

Founder and longtime CEO Ben Smithee will stay with the agency, transitioning into the role of founding partner and strategic advisor.

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 of her favorite pieces from the jewelry collections that debuted at Couture.

If you want to attract good salespeople and generate a stream of “sleeping money” for your jewelry store, then you are going to have to pay.

The top lot was a colorless Graff diamond, followed by a Burmese ruby necklace by Marcus & Co.

Following visits to Vegas and New York, Botswana’s minerals minister sat down with Michelle Graff to discuss the state of the diamond market.

The “Your Love Has the Perfect Ring” campaign showcases the strength of love and need for inclusivity and representation, the jeweler said.

The former De Beers executive is the jewelry house’s new director of high jewelry for the Americas.

The New York Liberty forward is the first athlete to represent the Brooklyn-based jewelry brand.

Take a bite out of the 14-karat yellow gold “Fruits of Love Pear” earrings featuring peridots, diamond stems, and tsavorite leaves.

The one-day virtual event will feature speakers from De Beers, GIA, and Gemworld International.

The California-based creative talks jewelry photography in the modern era and tackles FAQs about working with a pro for the first time.

Al Capone’s pocket watch also found a buyer, though it went for less than half of what it did at auction four years ago.

The foundation has also expanded its “Stronger Together” initiative with Jewelers for Children.

Assimon is the auction house’s new chief commercial officer.

The De Beers Group CEO discusses the company’s new “beacon” program, the likelihood diamonds will be exempt from tariffs, and “Origin.”

The Danish jewelry giant hosted its grand opening last weekend, complete with a Pandora pink roulette wheel.

Industry veteran Anoop Mehta is the new chairman and independent director of the IGI board.