March 18-23, 2010 - Visit Handmade Jewelry by John S. Brana at LA March Market in the Cooper Design Building #321 from Thursday, 3/18 – Tuesday, 3/23. Altitude Promotions will be showcasing the latest Fall 2010 and Summer 2010 designer jewelry collections by John S. Brana.
View the collections in person in The Great Room Showroom, #321 – The Cooper Building Showroom, 860 South Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014. Book your appointment by emailing
karriann@altitudepromotion.com or calling 415.738.6298.
February 2010 – Issue #34 – “Copper in the Arts,” on Copper.org features contemporary copper jewelry designs by jewelry designer John S. Brana. Contributing writer Rebecca Troutman discusses the allure of John S. Brana’s copper jewelry designs…
Handmade Texturized Anticlastic Copper Bracelet
“Brana loves to feature nontraditional metals, his most recent collection thrusting copper and aluminum in the spotlight. His designs are flirtatious and intricate, often with elegant geometric textural elements and clean curves. His new line, named after the South of Market district, “SoMa,” is inspired by the curved angles of the architecture and the “opulent gold rush period” of its heyday.
Not many other jewelry designers value the unique abilities of copper the way Brana does. In a contemporary jewelry industry founded on the classic value of semi-precious metals and gemstones, his choice of materials like copper, bronze and aluminum is giving a new sheen to the high end jewelry industry. “ Read the entire story on Copper.org
Starting March 2010, www.johnsbrana.com will be running a monthly drawing for one featured piece of jewelry. For March, win these light-catching Hammered Fine Silver Tear Drop Earrings by entering your email address on any pop-up hang-tag that appears on www.johnsbrana.com Your entry carries over month to month, so there’s no need to re-enter every month.
Each month will feature a different piece of jewelry, so enter now!
Amethyst is considered one of the most beautiful varieties of quartz, if not the most beautiful. Known as the spirituality gemstone, amethyst expresses the connection between the divine and spiritual side, stimulating clairvoyance. It has a very strong protective role. Amethyst is found mainly in Brazil.
This gemstone is considered a symbol of success, because it stimulates and amplifies intellectual abilities, intuition, self confidence, concentration and spiritual capacities. At the same time, it reduces anger, impatience, nightmares, stress, nervousness, depression, improving communication between people.
Known as a gemstone of power, amethyst has a calming effect on the nervous system, fighting against insomnia. Anybody can place an amethyst crystal under the pillow to have pleasant dreams.
Amethyst fights against addictions (tobacco, alcohol, food), insomnia (it is a cure used for snoring), headaches, allergies, acne, migraines and back pain. Some people claim that this gemstone has beneficial effects on stomach, central nervous system, digestive and endocrine system, eyes and hair. It balances blood sugar and regenerates the entire body.
Crystals of amethyst purify and transform lower energies into higher energies, having a relaxing effect. They are recommended for meditation.
14K Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Pendant with Tear Drop Amethyst
Greeks believe that this gemstone brings love and happiness, while medieval soldiers wore amethyst amulets in battles. If your problems in love are deep, then you need this healing crystal, which will purify your inner energies, balancing your life. Amethyst is known for its power to support major changes in life, whether it’s about an intentional change or a painful experience like a breakup or a divorce. It will bring you inner peace and the power to forget and to forgive.
Also, amethyst is used by people who have passed through experiences that have made them feel victimized by a strong and impulsive personality. By wearing such a natural crystal, you will attract positive energies that will help you to receive and offer love. Meditate on your own desires and decide to accept love in your life, supported by the energetic power of crystals.
Amethyst is a perfect gemstone for those born in the month of February. Shop these handcrafted jewelry designs by jewelry designer John S. Brana featuring February’s birthstone Amethyst.
Item New York, a newly opened boutique on 444 Broome St. between Broadway and Mercer in New York’s upscale SoHo neighborhood is the latest store to carry jewelry styles by San Francisco jewelry designer, John S. Brana. The cozy store features a minimalistic interior with gunmetal colored walls and dark wood accents and is beautifully stocked with a well-edited selection of one-of-a-kind statement pieces from jewelry to handbags. The store’s concept is to offer its shoppers that special signature piece that becomes the standout “item” to accentuate their ensemble. We weren’t surprised Item fell in love with John S. Brana’s Muir Woods earrings and Pacific Heights cocktail rings!
A hand-selected collection of John S. Brana’s copper, patinated, and aluminum earrings are now available to purchase at the SoHo boutique, including various pairs of his well-received “lily pad” earring styles. Shoppers may choose from John S. Brana’s dramatic, wire-wrapped cocktail rings set with large carat gemstones including smoky quartz, citrine, amethyst, and blue topaz from his Pacific Heights Collection. And, jewelry connoisseurs will surely spot the most elegant piece of the entire selection, the multi-strand layered gemstone necklace featuring amber, citrine, crystal quartz, gold freshwater pearls, and hammered sterling silver discs from the Barbary Coast Collection of statement jewelry. This is absolutely the perfect piece for that special someone who will fall in love at first sight.
Item New York 444 Broome St. New York City, NY 10013 646-221-3472
Karri Ann Frerichs – Altitude Designers, features Copper Patinated jewelry by jewelry designer John S. Brana at Bloomingdale’s – Stanford. The Muir Woods collection evokes the serenity and timelessness of this prehistoric redwood forest. Earrings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants and rings are both delicate and exotic. The nature-inspired, handcrafted textures allow the jewelry to be gorgeously warped like the bark of a tree or the rush of river water. Burnt umber, red bronze, smoky lavender, iridescent greens and turquoise hues complete the collection.
Karri Ann Frerichs, Altitude Designers, talks about Labradorite and other Feldspar gemstones just featured by Colored Stone Magazine as the upcoming hottest trend in gemstones for 2010, and showcases several designs by San Francisco jewelry designer John S. Brana incorporating this trend. Other featured handcrafted designer rings include Russian Jade, Peach Moonstone, Citrine, Moonstone, Green Amethyst, and Green Gold Quartz gemstones.
Karri Ann Frerichs introduces the SoMa Statement Cuff Collection by San Francisco jewelry designer John S. Brana during his trunk show at Bloomingdale’s – Stanford. These bold Sterling Silver and Copper cuffs come in a variety of anticlastic styles and textures including corrugated, texturized, chased, and hammered.
San Francisco jewelry designer John S. Brana will be showcasing his handmade jewelry at Bloomingdale’s – Stanford on Black Friday, 27th, 2009 through Sunday November 29th, 2009 from noon to six p.m. Situated in Bloomingdale’s accessory department right next to the Marc by Marc Jacobs handbag collection, shoppers can select from a showcase of his handmade copper nature-inspired Muir Woods jewelry designs all discounted 20% during Bloomingdale’s Black Friday weekend event.
Shoppers are encouraged to visit www.Bloomingdales.com and choose the Stanford location through the store locator for detailed information on each sale and promotion. To preview jewelry that will be available at each Bloomingdale’s Holiday Trunk Show, shoppers are encouraged to visit www.JohnSBrana.com and click on the collections tab to view jewelry styles from the Muir Woods, Pacific Heights, Monterey, and SoMa Collections.
Bloomingdale’s will host the following events and promotions which may also be applied to jewelry purchases during each John S. Brana Holiday Trunk Show:
• November 27-29, Black Friday Sales
• December 5-6, Bloomingdale’s Private Sale
• December 19-20, Bloomingdale’s Insider Sale
• December 26-27, Bloomingdale’s After Christmas Sale.
Karri Ann Frerichs talks about John S. Brana’s Sea Cliff Collection at his Bloomingdale’s – Stanford trunk show. Just like creatures of the sea, no two creations are alike as each is individually handcrafted by jewelry designer John S. Brana. Make a statement with jellyfish-shaped earrings embellished with freshwater pearls, anemone or starfish-shaped rings set with tiny gemstones and coral reef inspired silver anticlastic cuffs.
Karri Ann Frerichs introduces handmade bronze rings and sterling silver rings set with semi-precious gemstones by San Francisco jewelry designer John S. Brana at his November 13-14 trunk show at Bloomingdale’s – Stanford. The Muir Wood’s jewelry collection features nature inspired tree branch rings that hold large faceted Citrine, Labradorite, Moonstone, Green Amethyst, Rutilated Quartz, Amethyst, and Green Gold Quartz gemstones.
John S. Brana has been designing handcrafted jewelry since 2006 and has been been featured in over a dozen fashion media and jewelry trade publications since launching his career. This November, he became one of a handful of jewelry designers whose collections are showcased by fashion sales representatives in San Francisco’s only fashion showroom collective. Retail buyers and fashion editors may now view John S. Brana’s handcrafted fine jewelry in the newly opened Altitude Promotions showroom in the Sobel Building in the heart of San Francisco’s famed design district.
The San Francisco Fashion Collective consists of seven fashion sales representatives, each with their own showroom, who manage over 35 apparel and accessory brands. This November, Altitude Promotions joined the SFFC and opened its own showroom featuring four fashion brands including the jewelry collections by bridge category jewelry designer, John S. Brana. San Francisco-inspired jewelry collections which are showcased include the Muir Woods Collection of nature-inspired jewelry, the Nob Hill Collection of fine silver filigree earrings, the SoMa Collection of statement cuffs, the Barbary Coast Collection of semi-precious gemstone necklaces and wire-wrapped earrings, and the Pacific Heights Collection of large carat gemstone earrings and cocktail rings.
The Altitude Promotions showroom is located in the San Francisco Fashion Collective at 680 8th Street, Suite 240, San Francisco, CA 94103. Retail buyers and fashion editors are welcome to visit the Altitude Promotions showroom to view John S. Brana’s collections and line sheets Monday through Friday from 9a.m. To 6p.m. To schedule an appointment with the showroom and to request line sheets, please email info@altitudepromotion.com or call Karri Ann Frerichs directly at 1.402.490.2579.
14K Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Ring with Marquise Citrine
Known as the “success stone,” pale yellow Citrine, the gemstone for November, suffers from a case of mistaken identity that sometimes keeps gem lovers away from its beauty and benefits.
In nature the color of Citrine, a quartz crystal, ranges from pale yellow to brown. When cut into a gemstone, Citrine is virtually impossible to tell visually from the more valuable Yellow Topaz. This has led unscrupulous dealers to substitute Citrine for Yellow Topaz, much to the chagrin of bilked customers when they discover the truth, usually at resale.
Most commercial-grade Citrine is actually amethyst or smoky quartz that has been heated to active the ferric impurities that give its yellow color. Citrines produced in this way tend to have more of a reddish or orange cast than natural Citrines, which are usually pale yellow. Brazil produces most of the world’s gem-grade citrine. Citrine is one of three traditional birthstones for the month of November.
14K Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Pendant with Checkboard Cut Citrine
Over the centuries, Citrine acquired a reputation as a “success stone” that promotes prosperity and abundance. It’s sometimes nicknamed “merchant’s stone” because superstitious merchants of times past put Citrine in their cashboxes to bring in money. However, Citrine supposedly also brings about success in unexpected ways. In addition to manifesting abundance, Citrine also promotes generosity, leading those who benefit from its powers to share their wealth with others.
Citrine also is thought to enhance mental clarity, confidence and will power. For these reasons, practitioners of New Age healing arts often recommend Citrine crystals for people who suffer from low self-esteem or even depression. Citrine is though to deflect and dissipate all kinds of negative energies, generating stability in thought and emotion. It’s also believed to reduce self-doubt and self-destructive tendencies, instead fostering happiness and good cheer in those who wear it.
Citrine Bronze Ring
Healers also prescribe Citrines to benefit the digestive system, the endocrine system and the immune system. It’s believed to play a role in eliminating toxins from the body and in overcoming various addictions.
Whether chosen merely for its beauty or for its alleged psychic and physical benefits, sunny Citrine bring a gleam of good cheer to its wearers.
Few things are more alluring than a lack of complexity. A simple strand with a small jewel speaks volumes. When it comes to jewelry, a strand of silver or gold adorned with a diminutive gem is enough for most events. But, there are times when you don’t feel the need to be elegant, or want to show off something that conveys your mood, your style, and your personality. Whether you are going out for a night on the town, out on a date, or even at work, something that is more exceptional and more “you” is suitable. Beaded gemstone jewelry is some of the most exclusive type of jewelry available, and virtually infinite in styles and character.
Beaded gemstone jewelry is usually a amalgamation of semi-precious gemstones and silver or gold. Just because the gemstones are semi-precious does not suggest that they aren’t important by the owner. This organization of stones is not based on how stylish or costly the gems are, but more exactly how rare they are on the face of the earth.The rarer gemstones – diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires – are considered to be precious stones because of their rarity.
African Opal Citrine Necklace
Semi-precious stones include those which are usually found in lower-priced jewelry, such as serpentine, peridot, and amazonite. Although these stones are often less expensive, that does not suggest that they’re in any way inferior in quality to traditional precious stones. As a matter of fact, many quality jewelers will combine precious and semi-precious stones in one piece.
The stones found in beaded gemstone jewelry can be found in a variety different forms. Even though a good number of pieces will be small in size, they may or may not be polished or consistent in size. With semi-precious stones, the rarity of their color, clarity, or other qualities may add to their value – and jewelry designers often do not want to buff out those qualities.
Gems used in beaded jewelry may or may not be polished and refined. Modern styles in amethyst jewelry, for instance, favor less uniform stones. In numerous cases, the more extraordinary the stones are, the more expensive the piece of jewelry. Alternatively, pieces that include absolutely uniform beads of semi-precious stones can be quite costly and cherished by the wearer.
Beaded gemstone jewelry is a superb addition to any attire. It is often the jewelry of preference for daywear, but when worn with the right outfit, it can show off any outfit. The styles and designs are so diverse, that this variety of jewelry is fitting for practically any occasion.
I love browsing online just as much as you. When it comes time for holiday shopping or just treating yourself, sometimes you can’t remember where you found that oh-so-perfect item weeks before. Don’t let your online bookmarks get out of control – simply tell me your wish list (and I’ll offer special VIP pricing to make your wishes come true)!
New this Holiday 2009 Gift Giving Season, I want to grant your wishes! This is your chance to tell me just what you want and I’ll ensure you get it this season. So let me grant your Holiday wishes by starting your wish list today!
Just click on this link http://www.johnsbrana.com/customer/account/login/ and Create an Account. Then browse through my collections of handcrafted jewelry for men and women and click “Add to your Wish List” when you find just the right item. You can even “Sign Up for a price alert” and be immediately notified when prices drop on selected jewelry. When it comes time to purchase, simply return to your list and you’ll find special pricing on all your desired jewelry!
During his first weekend trunk show at Bloomingdale’s – Stanford this October, John S. Brana showcased just how popular his handcrafted, nature-inspired jewelry designs are with the Bloomingdale’s shopper. To celebrate this success, Bloomingdale’s – Stanford has invited John S. Brana back for a series of five subsequent holiday trunk shows beginning in November. All shows occur in conjunction with various Bloomingdale’s shopping promotions and sales, and shoppers will receive special pricing on jewelry by John S. Brana as well. Each trunk show will occur between 12:00pm to 6:00pm on the following dates: November 13-14, November 27-29, December 5-6, December 19-20, and December 26-27.
John S. Brana’s October showcase was situated in Bloomingdale’s accessory department right next to the Marc by Marc Jacobs handbag collection. Shoppers were immediately drawn to Brana’s handcrafted jewelry showcased by displays of cast iron sculptural tree branches that beautifully reflect his nature-inspired jewelry designs. “This is different,” shoppers would comment and immediately start browsing among Brana’s collections of patinated copper and brass leaf-shaped earrings, texturized sterling silver cuffs, and large carat gemstone rings. “Customers were really drawn to my latest earring designs which remind me of colored geranium leaves or lily pads,” describes Brana when asked about his best sellers. “They are also pleasantly surprised to learn that I handcraft each jewelry piece and am still able to price many of my designs under $100.”
Bloomingdale’s will host the following events and promotions which may also be applied to jewelry purchases during each John S. Brana Holiday Trunk Show:
• November 13-14, 20% off Secret Santa Promotion
• November 27-29, Black Friday Sales
• December 5-6, Bloomingdale’s Private Sale
• December 19-20, Bloomingdale’s Insider Sale
• December 26-27, Bloomingdale’s After Christmas Sale.
Shoppers are encouraged to visit www.Bloomingdales.com and choose the Stanford location through the store locator for detailed information on each sale and promotion. To preview jewelry that will be available at each Bloomingdale’s Holiday Trunk Show, shoppers are encouraged to visit www.JohnSBrana.com and click on the collections tab to view jewelry styles from the Muir Woods, Pacific Heights, Monterey, and SoMa Collections.
John S. Brana is introducing stackable rings and matching bangles and cuffs to his collection of fine jewelry designs in 14K, 18K Gold, and Sterling Silver exclusively for the 13th Annual Designers by the Bay and Fine Jewelry Showcase, Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. The most exciting creations include stunning cuffs in Sterling Silver, 14K, and 18K gold, sculpted and texturized by hand in his San Francisco studio. More than 200 guests well known in the Northern California jewelry industry are expected to attend this premier event to be held at Shreve & Co., 200 Post Street, San Francisco.
“As a second year exhibitor, I will be showcasing upcoming Spring 2010 trends that emphasize sculptural textures, color, and versatility” said Brana who is best known by his clients for meticulous attention to handcrafted details in the bridge jewelry category. Each texture reflects light in its own unique way allowing admirers to easily distinguish between the individual bands and bangles.Numerous “looks” can be achieved simply by arranging textures and color.Stackable rings and bangles come in seven textures handmade in Sterling Silver, Copper, 14K Gold, and 18K Yellow, Green, and Rose Gold, with soon to be released designs set with white diamonds, colored diamonds, and semi-precious gemstones.
The continual growth of Designers by the Bay, presented by the Women’s Jewelry Association, Northern California Chapter, has lent it the reputation for being the region’s premier fine jewelry event. Only 15 select jewelry designers will showcase their collections and guests may enjoy complementary wine and hors d’oeuvres. To RSVP for the event, please visit www.designersbythebay.com. To view current collections by John S. Brana, please visit www.johnsbrana.com. For more information and media requests regarding John S. Brana – Distinctive Jewelry, please contact Karri Ann Frerichs at 402.490.2579 or karriann@altitudepromotion.com.
The Finer Things – Customer Types by Cindy Edelstein
InDesign Sept-Oct 2009 Haute Hippie Features Designer John S Brana
“Chunky yet whimsical natural designs bring to mind elfin spirits in the woods while simultaneously channeling the raw gem trend. Unique gemstones and obscure minerals that have a lot going on inside will resonate with our gal.”
About the Author – Cindy Edelstein is the owner of Jeweler’s Resource Bureau, a niche marketing firm that offers the industry unique solutions for helping designers and retailers connect and profit together. Her newest brainstorm is www.JewelryDesignerFinder.com, the ultimate sourcing tool for retailers seeking designer collections and connections.
Whether you care or not, you make an impression every time you bump into someone different or see an old acquaintance. Research shows that in the first 30 seconds, an attitude is formed based upon your appearance. Your jewelry and what it brings to light about your character is part of that consciousness. If you want to project a certain vision, either individually or professionally, using your jewelry is a very useful way to do it. Here are some helpful pointers to get you started:
Stand Out from the Crowd
Treat yourself to a truely amazing one-of-a-kind piece of custom made jewelry. For instance, a custom piece of hand made jewelry designed by an artiste will really make you stand out. With a unique piece of art jewelry, you will be astonished at how often you get compliments and stand out from the rest of the crowd. Select the right design to reflect your personality. Different designs enhance certain personalities. Dazzlingly colored designs usually evoke a enjoyable, overenthusiastic, warm personality; Modern designed jewelry usually evokes an artsy personality; Ethnic jewelry usually evokes a bohemian or free spirit personality.
Pull Together Colors
Blue Obsidian Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Earrings
The easiest way to be sure to color synchronize your outfits is to buy matching jewelry sets whenever possible or financially feasible. This ensures you will always have something to match your outfit. A synchronized outfit communicates a well prepared, meticulous, and professional person with great taste and a flair for fashion. Having a blend of nicely harmonized colors does not mean that your jewelry has to be the same color as your outfit, but it does have to be part of a harmonized set of colors that blend nicely together.
Never thought jewelry was that essential? Statement jewelry is a part of you that guides your hidden style, your beliefs, actions, yearnings, place in life, line of work and status. It makes you feel good about yourself when you marvel at it in the mirror. Whenever you look at your one-of-a-kind jewelry, it gives you warmth inside when you recall where you acquired it or why you have it. Handcrafted designer jewelry makes a affirmative statement about you every time you wear it, and whenever you recieve or buy something new, it is a remembrance of that event in your life.
Happy birthday October! Your birthstone could not represent you better, as its hues are as varied as the changing leaves and compliment all the dimensions of you. So put forth that color you bring to the lives around you with this multi-faceted African Opal bracelet and necklace.
Here, John S. Brana has hand selected African Opals in hues of deep olive greens and dusty browns. Accented by lava rocks, fresh water pearls, 14K gold plated vermeil beads and clear quartz gemstones, this lusciously green autumn bracelet will draw admirers to your already magnetic charm!
African Opal Citrine Bracelet
John S. Brana showcases his signature tri-color style in this African Opal necklace. From the day glow amber and citrine semi-precious gemstones to the turquoise hues of Amazonite, fresh water pearls and Citrine that are ready for night, the African Opal ties it all together creating a statement necklace perfect for your special occasions.
Handmade jewelry collections by John S. Brana will be showcased during Fleet Week Fashion Event, at Live Worms Gallery, 1345 Grant Ave. and 1418 Grant Ave. (next to Ooma), Saturday, October 10th – 10am to 7pm and October 11th – 11am to 5pm.
Shop directly from the San Francisco Bay Area’s innovative designers offering collections for women, men, children and the home. View and shop artwork and photography from Bay Area artists and fashion photographers. John S. Brana will be featuring his newest patinated handmade copper jewelry collection “Muir Woods” along with an upcoming line of stackable rings, bangles, and statement cuffs.
For more information about this event, check out the Style Elevation website.
Here’s an introduction to my Muir Woods patinated handmade copper jewelry collection I will be premiering this weekend at Bloomingdale’s – Stanford. The trunk show will take place Saturday, October 3 through Sunday, October 4, 2009, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Enjoy Bloomingdale’s Friends and Family Discount of 20% off all jewelry during this exclusive weekend event. Just click on the link, print out, and bring in to receive 20% off all jewelry during my trunk show…also good for any online purchase at www.bloomingdales.com now through October 4th, 2009.
Current trends in the jewelry industry point to all things green. From nature motifs, to raw gemstones, to all shades of the hue, 2010 trends are reflecting the global consciousness. John S. Brana seems to be slightly ahead of the curve as he premiers his Muir Woods Collection of nature-inspired jewelry to the public at a feature trunk show hosted by Bloomingdale’s – Stanford this October 3 – 4, from 12:00p.m. to 5:00p.m. The Muir Woods collection showcases the designer’s handcrafted jewelry talents in the forms of sculpted tree branches, leaves, flowers, and gemstones in faceted and raw-earth shapes.
Central to the Muir Woods Collection are the interesting handcrafted ring designs featuring beautifully faceted gemstones set in sculpted bronze or sterling silver tree branches. Each branch features bark-like textures and clutch the gemstone as if it were its own secret treasure. The tree branch motif extends into bronze and sterling silver pendants which showcase the raw-earth gemstones that are becoming a very hot trend in the jewelry industry. These stones have not been polished or faceted and present their natural beauty in their original jagged shapes and often opaque clarity. John S. Brana further showcases his metalsmithing talents to create nature-inspired jewelry motifs in his corrugated leaf and origami floral-shaped earrings in 14K gold-filled, sterling silver and copper. Brana enhances the whimsical designs and forest shapes by incorporating brilliant colors through various patination techniques. Emerald greens, brilliant turquoise, fiery reds and oranges, and rustic blacks and browns enhance the leafy shapes of the Muir Woods Collection. Each piece of patinated jewelry appears hand painted with one-of-a-kind color variances as a result of the metallic chemical reaction process used to derive the beautiful hues.
Fold Formed Copper Leaf Earrings with Traditional Green Patina
“I’m very proud of the Muir Woods Collection because it’s completely unique and I’m one of the few jewelry designers experimenting with different patina finishes,” describes Brana. “It was perfect timing for Bloomingdale’s to contact me about a Fall trunk show.” Muir Woods is John S. Brana’s eighth collection of handcrafted jewelry inspired by the neighborhoods and natural areas in and around his home of San Francisco. For more information regarding the Bloomingdale’s – Stanford trunk show, please visit bloomingdales.com and click on the store locator. For more information regarding John S. Brana’s collections, media inquiries and events, please contact Karri Ann Frerichs, Altitude Promotions by email at info@altitudepromotion.com or call 1.402.490.2579.
It can be as blue as the sky, a slightly greenish blue, or a highly saturated “electric” blue. Whatever its shade, Blue Topaz has a place in beautiful jewelry and intriguing legends.
14K Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Oval Cut Swiss Blue Topaz Ring
Like most topazes, which are quartz crystals, Blue Topaz starts out as a nearly clear or lightly shade crystal. The gem is then irradiated to bring out its blue color and heated to make the change permanent. The color depends on which type of radiation is used.
Bombarding topazes with neutrons in a nuclear accelerator changes the color to the deep green-blue or gray-blue known as London Blue Topaz. Irradiating topazes with electrons in a linear accelerator will produce Sky Blue Topaz. To create the highly saturated colors known as Swiss Blue or Electric Blue, topazes are bathed with a combination of both types of radiation. The gems must “rest” for at least a year if treated with neutrons before their radiation levels cool enough to allow them to be worn by people.
Most blue topaz has a modest value, so there’s little incentive for gemologists to create synthetic versions of the gem. Instead, they use various vapor or diffusion coatings (mainly titanium) to create the “mystic” Blue Topaz, a version that sparkles with red, sea green and teal colors. Unfortunately, this
14K Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Earrings London Blue Topaz
treatment isn’t permanent, and the coating is extremely fragile, so the stones must be handled very gently.
Despite its unusual production methods, Blue Topaz serves as a wonderful gemstone because it has a high refractive index and polishes up beautifully. With a score of 8 on Moh’s Scale of gemstone hardness, Blue Topaz finds its way into many attractive pieces of jewelry.
In mystical and New Age healing beliefs, Blue Topaz carries the same healing properties as all forms of topaz: regulates heart action, promotes glandular health, stops bleeding and reduces fever and inflammations such as arthritis. However, the color of Blue Topaz has gained repute as a stone particularly help for meditation, discernment and forgiveness. Its calm blue quality is said to help its wearers release their anger, especially from old hurts, fostering forgiveness and reconciliation that leads to a calmer, fuller life.
John S. Brana has been designing handcrafted jewelry since 2006 and has been been featured in over a dozen fashion media and jewelry trade publications since launching his career. This November, he became one of a handful of jewelry designers whose collections are showcased by fashion sales representatives in San Francisco’s only fashion showroom collective. Retail buyers and fashion editors may now view John S. Brana’s handcrafted fine jewelry in the newly opened Altitude Promotions showroom in the Sobel Building in the heart of San Francisco’s famed design district.
