The David Yurman Lion Amulet is a unique and beautiful piece of jewelry that combines both elegance and strength. This amulet features a intricately carved lion head, expertly crafted from sterling silver or 18k yellow gold. David Yurman, a well-known luxury jewelry brand, is renowned for its craftsmanship and attention to detail. This Lion Amulet is no exception - the lion's mane is intricately textured, adding depth and dimension to the design. The lion symbolizes power, courage, and leadership, and wearing this amulet can serve as a reminder of these qualities. The design of the lion's head is realistic, capturing the fierce yet majestic nature of the animal.
The design of the lion's head is realistic, capturing the fierce yet majestic nature of the animal. The amulet can be worn as a necklace pendant, and it can be paired with a David Yurman chain or leather cord for a complete look. The lion amulet also complements other David Yurman jewelry pieces, such as bracelets and rings, allowing for a coordinated ensemble.
The Yellow Jacket: A brief illustrative history
There are a few important developments in a college’s adolescence: a name, a mission and the institution of some sports teams. Even though Tech had a football team, it lacked a unifying mascot. For years, players were referred to as “Blacksmiths” or one of the other many nicknames that came and went. Nothing stuck — not until 1905.
That’s when the nomer “Yellow Jackets” was first used: during a press conference given by then-coach John Heisman, which was covered by the Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC). The name was bestowed upon the players because of their yellow jerseys.
Photo courtesy of Georgia Tech Archives
A year later, the Jackets saw the first graphic production of their namesake; it was a cartoon in the AJC depicting a cartoon yellow jacket buzzing around a rather ugly University of Georgia football player, who cowers and begs not to be stung. The cartoon, signed by “Brewerton” is accompanied by a caption: “Somebody’s going to get stung.”
For decades thereafter, the mascot was drawn by various artists, cartoonists and illustrators, all with different interpretations.
Some depictions were more popular than others. Most featured an imagined creature that was half man and half insect. A few, according to Director of Living History, Marilyn Somers, were considered offensive because of their allusions to offensive blackface illustrations. The rest, luckily, were inoffensive and the offense intended was towards the Jackets’ rival.
Photo courtesy of Georgia Tech Archives
These illustrations are carefully preserved by the archives department of the Tech library.
Tech produced programs that would feature these illustrations of the yellow jacket. Despite different logos coming into fashion, there was no standardized cartoon of the character.
Photo courtesy of Georgia Tech Archives
In 1979, a student named Richie Bland ran onto the field dressed as a yellow jacket and soon after became the official mascot of Tech, alongside the Reck. This goofy character inspired the drawings that came after.
In 1984, one of those football programs — the Tech vs. Alabama game — featured the yellow jacket that Tech students know and love today.
This illustration was done by Mike Lester, who was a cartoonist for the AJC and eventually became known for his football programs. His piece grew to be the most popular depiction of the yellow jacket, used by the general media, fans and promotional materials from the Institution.
Lester drew about 130 football program covers for Tech’s Athletic Association, and his illustrations were so well-loved that he was presented with a plaque during halftime after 100 illustrations.
Lester, currently a syndicated cartoonist with the Washington Post, still considers this series of drawings one of his greatest accomplishments. He has been a Jackets fan since the start, when he was growing up in Atlanta.
“My dad worked at Capitol Automobile and took me to GT games on [Saturdays]. We walked to The Varsity and then to the game after he got off work. Bobby Dodd was my idol,” said Lester. “Georgia Tech has always been very good to me and my family — and I’m a UGA grad. Go Jackets.”
Photo courtesy of Georgia Tech Archives
The yellow jacket, who became known as Buzz, faced a few bumps in the road. In 1998, Tech officials filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Salt Lake Buzz, the mascot for a minor league baseball team. After some back and forth, Tech won the legal battle — the team now goes by the Salt Lake Stingers. Tech students remain the only Jackets.
In 2002, Tech officially bought the copyright to Buzz from Lester. The image and name of the Yellow Jacket has remained safely guarded by the students of the Tech community.
“I think every time someone sees the caricature or the image … you look at it and it’s familiar,” Somers said. “It’s something you’re proud of. I think he’s for fun. He’s not to be taken seriously, not for one second.”
The Lion Amulet by David Yurman is a statement piece that exudes elegance and sophistication. It is a symbol of strength and courage, meant to empower the wearer. Whether worn for a special occasion or incorporated into everyday wear, this amulet is sure to make a lasting impression..
Reviews for "The David Yurman Lion Amulet: A Symbolic Accessory for the Modern Man"
1. John - 1/5: I was extremely disappointed with the David Yurman Lion Amulet. The craftsmanship was lacking, with the lion's features appearing very poorly defined. The pendant also had a cheap and plastic-like feel to it, which was not what I expected from a high-end brand like David Yurman. Additionally, the chain that accompanied the pendant was flimsy and felt like it would break easily. Overall, I would not recommend this product to anyone looking for a stylish and well-made jewelry piece.
2. Sarah - 2/5: The David Yurman Lion Amulet fell short of my expectations. While the design looked promising in the pictures, in person, the pendant appeared much smaller and less detailed. The gold color also looked somewhat fake and lacked the luster I was hoping for. The chain was also a disappointment, as it felt too thin and fragile, making me doubt its durability. For the price I paid, I expected a higher quality piece, so I cannot say I am satisfied with this lion amulet.
3. Alex - 1/5: I regret purchasing the David Yurman Lion Amulet. The overall quality of the pendant was subpar, with visible imperfections in the lion's engraving. The chain seemed cheaply made, and I had concerns about its longevity even after wearing it for a short period. I expected better craftsmanship from a renowned brand like David Yurman. Needless to say, I will not be recommending this product to anyone who is looking for a high-quality lion amulet.