This ancient color combination makes a dramatic statement. The design palette evokes the grandeur of Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Napoleonic Empires. For Egyptians the union of black and gold symbolized the sun and the underworld, where they believed the light retreated into blackness each night to be regenerated anew each day. Napoleon made these colors synonymous with French Empire Style. David Yurman believes these necklaces and bracelets make the most powerful color statement in jewelry today.