Majors

David Yurman’s legal row with Sam’s Club could grow

MajorsSep 08, 2014

David Yurman’s legal row with Sam’s Club could grow

David Yurman has filed a federal lawsuit accusing Sam’s Club of selling its jewelry without authorization and it might take legal action against the retailers that provided the jewelry to Sam’s Club as well, the company said Tuesday. 

090914_SamsClub-article.jpg
David Yurman jewelry is sold via a “carefully selected network of authorized retailers, consisting of specialty stores and high-end department stores” that doesn’t include Sam’s Club’s warehouse-style locations, the brand says in a lawsuit.

Houston--David Yurman has filed a federal lawsuit accusing Sam’s Club of selling its jewelry without authorization and it might take legal action against the retailers that provided the jewelry to Sam’s Club as well, the company said Tuesday.  

In the lawsuit, filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Houston, David Yurman Enterprises LLC and David Yurman IP LLC accuses Sam’s Club East Inc. and Sam’s Club West Inc. of trademark infringement as well as unfair competition, false designation of origin and tortious interference.  

The suit alleges that Sam’s Club “intentionally sought out, directly or indirectly, and purchased David Yurman jewelry products from one or more of Yurman’s authorized retailers” and is advertising, promoting and selling the jewelry in its warehouse-style stores using the David Yurman trademark and point-of-sale materials even though it is not an authorized Yurman retailer, court papers state. 

Phillips Nazro, vice president and general counsel for David Yurman, said the company first learned its jewelry was being sold at Sam’s Club in June--the lawsuit notes that several authorized Yurman retailers complained to the company about Sam’s Club carrying the brand--and began an investigation that led to last week’s filing. 

The jewelry brand has asked Sam’s Club to stop carrying its pieces and identify the retailer, or retailers, from which it obtained the jewelry, but Sam’s Club “has refused to do so,” court papers state. Retailers that are authorized to carry David Yurman sign an agreement stating that they will only sell the brand’s jewelry at the location, or locations, designated in the agreement. It also prohibits the transshipment, diversion or transfer of David Yurman products to any other party.

When asked if David Yurman intends to take legal action against these retailers when it learns their identities, Nazro said, “David Yurman takes these issues very seriously, and will pursue any unauthorized sales of its products in order to protect the integrity of the David Yurman brand.” 

Most of the alleged unauthorized selling is taking place at Sam’s Club stores in the Houston area including five stores in Harris County, one in Fort Bend County and one in Montgomery County, as well as online, according to the lawsuit. 

Though Sam’s Club did not respond to request for comment on the lawsuit by press time, the search function of SamsClub.com did not yield any results for “David Yurman” Monday, and it is not among the

jewelry brands listed on the site. 

David Yurman states in the suit that it seeks monetary damages in the case as well as a court order permanently banning Sam’s Club from acquiring, advertising and selling its jewelry. 

“Our company very carefully controls the retail distribution of our merchandise to ensure that David Yurman jewelry and timepieces are available at only the finest jewelry and department stores, consistent with the image and goodwill of the David Yurman brand that our founders, the Yurman’s, have worked so hard over the years to build,” Nazro said in a statement provided by the company. 

RELATED CONTENT: Alex and Ani’s fraud suit allowed to proceed

This is the second such suit leveled against a wholesale club-type retailer recently. Jewelry brand Alex and Ani has accused BJ’s Wholesale Club of unlawfully obtaining its bangle bracelets through a web of distributors and selling them without authorization. In July, a federal judge in Rhode Island ruled that suit could move forward, overriding the defendants’ attempts to have the case dismissed. 

Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Lionheart Cactus Pendant
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White Metals

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.

Oscar Heyman ruby ring
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby Prices

Its app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.

Boulle family in hard hats
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas Flagship

The revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.

DCA-NJ-article-1872x1052-060826.jpg
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce Solutions

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

G Shock Coca Cola
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired Watch

The special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.

Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Buddha Mama earrings
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are Trending

Here are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.

16th century flower cluster hogback diamond ring
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in London

Found by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.

PG-05-SHOT-2-LUCIDA.033 1.png
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in Vegas

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

Chouette Designs Margaux Ring
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of Love

Our Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.

CBG logo
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix Show

The group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.

A selection of animal jewelry
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas

From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.

Grandview Klein diamonds
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat Rough

The big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.

Marie-Laure Cérède
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation Studio

Marie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.

Smiling Rocks booth at JCK Las Vegas 2026
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas

At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.

Ilana McCabe
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good Board

Ilana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.

Azure blue diamond and 5.04-carat fancy vivid blue diamond
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’s

It was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.

Saks Fifth Avenue New York City storefront
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for Reorganization

The approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.

Jalen Javon Davis and Leslie La Vun Jones II
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store Robbery

The men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.

Sylvie Levine wearing engagement ring
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s Ring

The bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.

De Beers Group CEO Al Cook
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply

The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.

Russ Whitehouse
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse Retires

The industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.

Pride in the Industry LGBTQ+ Voices in Jewelry panel
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry Voices

The panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.

Marie Lichtenberg Smash Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, Literally

Inspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.

Katherine Whitacre
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for Southeast

The company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.

Collage of new Stuller items
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine Jewelry

The jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.

De Beers Group’s Sally Morrison
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer

Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”

Lauren K Gemma pendant
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone Trio

Those born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy