Catching up with Tracey Rodgers, owner of The Style Academy Model Agency.

Massive thank you to the Directors of Lunns The Jewellers for inviting me along to The merchant Hotel's Fabulous Fashion Teas and to Adrian Quinn Photography for all photography!

People often ask me why I love luxury so much……… well for me the answer is simple, I love the artistry behind it! From the initial design process right through to the production of each piece by artisans using only the finest materials is something I inherently admire! In a world obsessed with fast fashion, the art of design, skilled workmanship and attention to details is a dying practice which should be both admired and celebrated!

For me one such brand is David Yurman, founded in 1980 by husband and wife David and Sybil, their jewellery seamlessly blends the line between fashion and art, creating pieces which not only create a bold fashion statement but are equally works of art on their own.

Both David and Sybil are extremely protective of their brand, and only the best retailers in the world stock their jewellery. One such retailer is Lunns the Jewellers based here in Belfast and it was my absolute pleasure to be invited by the Directors of Lunns to attend their showcase at the Five Star, Merchant Hotel’s Fabulous Fashion Teas!


The event itself was a perfect match to both David Yurman and to Lunns too, as it consisted of an indulgent afternoon sipping Veuve Clicquot whilst enjoying a sumptuous afternoon tea and fashion and/or accessory show feat. models from The Style Academy Model Agency.



I had so much fun catching up with my fashion friends Cathy, Rebecca, Emily, Nuala, Anna and Denise at our table and it was such a pleasure to once again see Suzie Lunn who is so passionate and knowledgable on fine jewellery! Jewellery for me has always been about the creators, the artistic inspiration and craftsmanship behind these wearable works of art, and I share these core beliefs with the Lunn family too who have spent years building up personal relationships with all of their fine jewellery suppliers including David and Sybil Yurman. Jewellery is as much a personal passion for the Lunn family as it is a business, sourcing from the world's best jewellery designers and watch specialists.

As always the Merchant Hotel Fashion Tea’s were a delight, with delicious sweet and savoury bites on offer accompanied with Veuve Clicquot Champagne! I have been lucky enough to attend the Fashion Tea’s numerous times and it is always such a fun event, afterall it combines all those things us girlies love: luxury, food, bubbly and of course fashion!!

I have always been a massive fan of David Yurman (click HERE to read my post from last year’s David Yurman Fashion Tea) and I couldn't wait to return to view his latest designs in the majestic surroundings of the Merchant Hotel!

As always Yurman’s iconic classic cable bracelets featured strongly, and as someone who loves a good arm stack, I love how effortlessly they stack together! They also work equally as well with the Albion bracelets which look like jewelled rocks surrounded with precious pavé set diamonds on the wrist! Major swoon!


For those who prefer a more delicate feel to their bracelets, the Solari bead bracelets feature a delicate cable twist with semi precious beads such as lapis lazuli, turquoise, pearl and chrysoprase which provide a vibrant pop of colour on the wrist!


Two of my favourite Yurman collections would be the Châtelaine and the Albion, purely due to the fact that they contain the most fabulous checkerboard faceted gemstones! If you are a bit of a magpie and love anything with sparkle you will love both collections as they are truly heirloom pieces for a modern age.


One of the more contemporary collections from the brand is the Continuance, new for 2017 it has taken the basis of the iconic cable design; the helix shape and created a fluid take on the concept! From long line necklaces to earrings and bracelets it’s a beautifully conceived collection which feels youthful and modern, perfect for both new and existing Yurman fans!




However the stand out collection for me had to be Starburst for one simple reason, and that’s the story behind it’s inspiration. Crafted as a reminder of a fireworks display over Paris for David’s wife Sybil, it is a beautiful explosion of pavé set diamonds, creating a symbolic design that evokes personal and cherished memories for the couple. I don't know about you but I love the idea that even after 36 years David’s ideas are inspired by such personal memories!


The Mustique collection is full of colour, with semi precious beads and bejewelled tassels providing a playful touch to the chic and stylish Yurman brand! The tassels in particular really are true works of art! The overall look is finished off with  this stunning Châtelaine pavé bezel multi row bracelet, which is red carpet glamour at it’s very best!


If your prefer jewellery without stones, the the Stax collection might be better suited to your taste, from Egyptian style fringe pendants to graphic circles with contrasting textures it is a beautiful, modern reinterpretation of Yurman’s design aesthetic, perfect for stacking and for those who love movement to their jewellery!


For a luxury lover like myself I was in my element at the event, and once again was reminded of just how iconic and beautiful David Yurman jewellery really is! A massive thank you to the Directors at Lunns for inviting me along as one of their guests and for making me feel so welcome! Having the opportunity to talk all things jewellery related with people who are as passionate as I am about fine jewellery was amazing, in fact I enjoyed catching up with the Lunns team so much that I was last to leave their pop up shop! Hehe! Seriously though there is nothing I enjoy more than blogging about the things I love, and I hope you have enjoyed reading my review of David Yurman’s beautiful collection!


All photography by Adrian Quinn.