Handcrafted Fine Jewelry Collections:

About the Jewelry

John S. Brana's collections of handmade copper jewelry include beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces that are renowned for fine craftsmanship and artistic design.  Whether classic or contemporary, each piece is unique, meticulously handcrafted, made from top-quality materials, and designed to set the wearer apart from the crowd. John creates all of his copper jewelry in his San Francisco studio and works using various hammering, chasing, and etching techniques.  Each piece consists of a basic geometric theory of repeating shapes and though some may be embellished with splashes of colored gemstones, meticulous attention to the metal’s textured detail steals the show.  His work is featured in numerous fashion magazines, jewelry trade publications, and attracts a loyal following.

"As an extension of my very popular couture collection "SoMa," I launched www.HandmadeCopperJewelry.com in 2009 to provide my customers with a broader selection of affordable contemporary jewelry.  Handmade Copper Jewelry still incorporates the original spirit and a creativity of SoMa, but is further enhanced by the sleek and stylish characteristics that only copper can provide."

"My aesthetics and philosophy have been shaped by my family, world travel, and the cultural diversity of Northern California.  As a child, I had the rare opportunity to travel extensively with my parents. We always returned home enriched from our travels -- with an appreciation and respect for the uniqueness of different cultures. I was also fortunate to grow up in a home where art and craft were encouraged. My father, an accomplished artist and teacher, was my first and most important mentor. I observed him closely as he perfected his techniques in metal and resin casting, fabrication, and woodworking. After taking a few art classes, I found that I also loved working with my hands and expanded my interests into ceramics and stained glass. While attending college at the University of Michigan, I helped my father develop a successful fused stained glass sculpture business.

I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1990, where I worked in the legal and banking professions...most recently as vice president of finance for The Charles Schwab Corporation. After my father's death in 2003, I re-evaluated my priorities and resolved to rekindle my childhood passion for artisan crafts.  I realized that what makes me happy is to help people celebrate special moments life through wearable art jewelry rather than pursuing a cold corporate agenda like I was at Schwab.  I launched JohnSBrana.com in 2006 and never looked back.  

The philosophy that has guided my life and work ever since is: Do what you love and explore what you are passionate about."

John S. Brana, Designer

 To find out more about John S. Brana's handcrafted couture jewelry, visit John's Handmade Designer Jewelry BLOG