Red Patinated Copper Disc Earrings – September 2010 Jewelry Freebie

For September, win these beautiful Red Patinated Copper Disc earrings by entering your email address on any pop-up hang-tag that appears on www.johnsbrana.com or on the entry form below. 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!

Click here to see the contest rules.

Congrats to our August 2010 Jewelry Freebie Winner -Alda Gates of San Francisco !!

Pearl Jewelry – Wear Nature’s Stunning Beauty

The Uniqueness of Pearl Jewelry

Amongst all the gems, pearls are the most unique. They are the only stone which does not require any additional cutting and polishing by a master jeweler. Pearls are made of nacre, which is already highly lustrous, meaning that these stunning gems can be added to any piece of jewelry very easily. For this reason, pearls have been used for centuries worldwide. Previously, people had to dive for them in the wilds, whereas now, they are simply farmed. Examples of pearl jewelry are found in John S. Brana’s Sea Cliff collection where it is used for subtle appearance enhancements or to make much bolder statements.

Freshwater and Saltwater Pearls

There are two types of pearls, saltwater and freshwater. Jewelers, such as John S. Brana, use the freshwater variety which comes in a greater number of shapes and sizes. One of the most appealing types is the Keishi pearl which comes in a fantastic array of irregular, but natural-looking shapes. These gems add a very unique appearance to any jewelry that they are added to. Because none of them look alike, they can be used to create necklaces or earrings which are one-of-a-kind works of art. This adds to their overall appeal and makes them highly sought after.

For some examples of how pearls are used within jewelry, have a look at the collection of items from John S. Brana with pieces such as fine silver earrings containing garnets and pearls, and necklaces made of amethyst and Keishi pearls.

The Pearl – June’s Birthstone

With its amazing appearance and versatility, the pearl is a gem which can be worn anywhere on any occasion. Pearl jewelry is a great gift idea for that special someone as it fits in with numerous styles and tastes. The pearl is also the birthstone for anyone born in June, and will make a great belated birthday present!

Metalsmithing 101 – The Jewelers Toolbox

Techniques of Master Jewelers

Working and shaping metal into exquisite pieces of jewelry takes time, patience and the knowledge of various metalworking techniques such as chasing, repoussé, hammering and piercing. Expert craftsmen, like John S. Brana, use a variety of techniques on each piece of jewelry to create the various masterpieces within their collection.

Chasing and repoussé are both very similar techniques used to form patterns on the surface of a metal. A jeweler chases metal by forming imprints on it without altering the reverse side. These markings are clearly seen on the chased gold and copper bracelets by John S. Brana. With repoussé, a raised design is formed on the front by working the back of a metal sheet.

Basic Jewelers Tools

Hammering is the most basic technique but is also one of the most versatile. By striking hot or cold metal with a hammer, the craftsman is able to bend and twist it as desired. Jewelers typically use an iron bench block for a solid base and a highly polished planishing hammer so as not to leave unwanted marks on the metal’s surface after it has been shaped.

Piercing with a Jewelers Saw

Piercing is exactly what it sounds like. The jeweler will remove pieces out of a metal surface and create intricate shapes by using a very fine saw blade. A drill will have to be used first if the hole is to be made in the center of the metal sheet. For an example of this, have a look at the chased copper earrings with garnets by John S. Brana. These feature an oval hole which would have been created by piercing.

Using a combination of these techniques, jewelers all over the globe are now creating stunning earrings, necklaces and bracelets in a multitude of designs, so that we can enjoy wearing a range of accessories while out and about.

Peridot – August’s Birthstone

The History of Peridot in Jewelry

The green and gold hues of the gem, peridot, have been in high demand for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptian priests drank to the goddess, Isis, from cups made out of the stone. This connection with a higher power continued over the ages, and peridot can now be found within many medieval churches and in European artwork, specifically from the baroque period. In modern times, jewelers continue to use this stone to make stunning bracelets, necklaces and much more. For example, many amazing pieces from John S. Brana contain peridot, like his hammered copper earrings and his sterling silver starfish rings.

Peridot is August’s Birthstone

Not only do the inner impurities and amazing green color of peridot make it a truly breathtaking gem, but it is also the birthstone for those born in August. Because its interior seems almost alive, peridot is representative of vitality and strength. It signifies inner power and long-lasting relationships, as well as future success and positive growth. The stone is also said to have many mystical properties such as reliving stress, healing the heart, enhancing fame, and boosting the potency of medicinal products. All of this makes a piece of peridot jewelry the perfect gift for all those August babies.

August’s Birthstone in Handmade Designer Jewelry

The gem, peridot, looks great no matter where it is used. Everyone from the ancient Egyptians to the baroque artists knew of this fact. Luckily, the stone still looks fantastic today and can be found in modern-day jewelry such as rings and bracelets. John S. Brana’s chalk turquoise necklace contains peridots mixed in with the other gems while his gold fold formed leaf earrings also contain the stone. No matter what item catches your eye, that sparkling green found in the peridots within will make it something you wish to wear everywhere, regardless of whether it is your birthstone or not.

MJSA – Manufacturing Jewellers and Suppliers of America Features Men’s Jewelry by John S. Brana

Designing and Manufacturing Men’s Jewelry for Today’s Man

“Simplistic designs that showcase a texture instead of a stone have a wide appeal with men, says Karri Ann Frerichs for San Francisco—based designer John Brana. If a stone is used, it’s usually solo and set flush with the surface. In addition, she reports that men look for pieces with significant weight that offer durability, shying away from lightweight pieces that they don’t perceive will withstand the daily wear and tear of an active lifestyle. “For these design preferences, John has developed sterling silver collections that focus on textures and minimalistic designs,” Frerichs explains.

Brana often opts for fabrication over casting to make his hammered and chased pieces. “I can make a simple band in about 20 minutes versus the time involved in making the master, creating rubber molds, injecting the wax, spruing, investing, casting, despruing, and finishing,” says Brana. “Casting would make sense if the designs were heavily patterned, or if I was doing production runs of 50+ rings at a time and could move them out of inventory within 60 days. With fabrication, you can do small runs and not carry any inventory. It also allows you the flexibility to size on the fly, and the ability to customize band width, thickness, and stone choice with ease.”

For design inspiration, Brana looks to natural and organic themes to create his signature textures of Redwood, Reptile, Wave, Tonga, and Sierra. The designer has developed a loyal customer base by turning clients into collectors, making it easy (especially with many pieces retailing under $300) to amass a complete collection based on the texture the client likes best. The brand’s bestseller is Redwood.

“Typically, our male customers start with a thumb ring, look next to the matching bracelet or cufflinks, and round out their collection with a pendant on a rawhide or link chain,” says Frerichs, noting the company’s key demographic is men ages 20 to 35 who live in cosmopolitan areas, appreciate fashion, purchase designer labels, and look for quality over price point.”

Click here to download the full story in PDF.

Handmade Jewelry by John S Brana Accessorizes Photoshoot by San Francisco Photographer Rachel Schwarz

Photographer: Rachel Schwarz
Models: Naeemah of Je Models/ Yasmin of City Models/ Helena Bianca- Rogue
Spot Light Designers: Leila Hafzi reped by HSMPR, Bao Tranchi, Bryan Hearns, John. S Brana represented by Altitude Promotions, & Shabnam Quassemi
Wardrobe Stylist: Devon Nuszer
Hair & Make-up: Akemi Yagi
Assistants: Nino Palana & Ania Hogan

Unique Handmade Copper Jewelry

The Beauty of Handmade Copper Jewelry

Copper jewelry has been worn for hundreds of years, partly for health reasons as some believe that it enhances good circulation and eases the symptoms of arthritis. While those claims have not been scientifically verified, copper has been shown to possess antimicrobial properties (helping to keep away germs and illness). Still, it is more likely that the continued popularity of copper jewelry has more to do with its unique luster and color than it does with its germ-fighting ability!

Copper jewelry is often sought after by those who like an earthy, ethnic look but more and more it can also be found making an appearance among the collections of high end jewelry designers. It offers an affordable alternative to pricier rose gold due to its lovely pinkish hue when copper is at its most natural state. The warmth of copper also makes a pleasing contrast alongside silver’s cool tones.

Versatility of Copper Jewelry

Many artisans also enjoy working with this metal due to its durability and versatility. Over time, oxidation can cause unpolished copper to darken to a warm brown color which often enhances the look of jewelry pieces. Additionally, exposure to the elements causes untreated copper to form a bluish-green patina that is often coveted by those who appreciate a distinctive look. Talented jewelry designers use this natural discoloration of copper to create unique and innovative patterns and designs.

Uncoated bright copper jewelry can tarnish over time but can be easily restored to its original state. You can purchase commercial cleaning cloths or dip your jewelry in a bath of warm water, a few drops of lemon juice and some salt. Dry with a soft cloth and the original warmth and beauty of your pieces will quickly return. Note: silver polish should not be used on copper jewelry as it is abrasive and can mar the finish.

Handmade copper jewelry by John Brana uses a special process to produce a unique mottled patina in varying shades of blue, green, brown and black in other pieces among his extensive collection of copper jewelry. These pieces are also coated with a protective lacquer that prevents tarnish and stops the jewelry from staining the skin.

Timeless Disc Earrings

Trendy & Timeless Disc Earrings

Trends will come and they will go, and they’re always fun to follow when they’re popular. But the fashionable and savvy shopper knows that classic styles span the test of time. Cardigan sweaters. Loafers. Trenchcoats. Disc earrings.

Be they large or small, classic disc shapes are always a favorite among jewelry designers because of their versatility. They can be created in an abundance of designs, styles and materials while maintaining the familiar silhouette. Featuring shiny, smooth or brushed metals, scrolled, embossed or patterned disc earrings can be found in both casual and formal jewelry collections.

Actress-singer Jennifer Lopez recently celebrated a surprise birthday party adorned in gold disc earrings and Paris Hilton has also been seen in carved Lucite designer disc earrings. But one need not be a celebrity to have celebrity style, or to be a fan of this enduring fashion statement.

Disc Earrings Complement Any Style

The long lasting popularity of disc earrings is probably attributable to their comfortable stylishness and ability to complement any style of clothing. The wearer who holds a position in a traditionally conservative profession such as law or finance can express her style in small gold discs at work, but can switch them out for a larger, more elaborately designed pair during her off-hours.

Larger, intricately patterned discs in a variety of metals are often spied in ethnic and bohemian chic jewelry; domed, hammered and delicately embossed disc earrings in silver, gold and copper are often included in upscale jewelry collections. We have some beautifully crafted hammered and corrugated copper disc earrings as well as textured aluminum disc earrings in our line of handmade jewelry.

Whether you’re headed to a meeting in the board room or a walk in the park, the easy to wear, grab-it-and-go appeal of disc earrings provides instant style for today’s fashionable woman.

Fashionable Lightweight Handmade Aluminum Jewelry

Handmade Aluminum Jewelry

If you favor the sheen and polish of sterling silver, but are wary about the rising cost, you’ll love the look of aluminum jewelry. Fashionable and lightweight, aluminum jewelry has increasingly grown in popularity because its wear demonstrates flair and stylishness while being easy on the budget. High style without the high cost; what could be better?

Fashionistas often choose aluminum jewelry as an alternative to silver for many reasons:

• Larger earrings made from sterling silver, platinum or white gold can feel heavy on your ears while earrings made from aluminum can be as large as you like without causing discomfort.
• Light-as-a feather aluminum bracelets can bring the bling without bringing the noise.
• Aluminum is a metal that can be easily dyed, stamped and shaped into nearly any form a creative designer can imagine and it does not require special care.
• It is also a non-reactive metal that is nickel-free which makes it an excellent choice for many women with a hypersensitivity to other metals.

In addition, there is no need to worry about tarnishing as it requires no polishing to keep it looking bright. Best of all, you won’t have to sacrifice high style while you’re watching your pennies. But don’t assume “affordable” signifies “cheap” when choosing this fun, durable and sleek alternative to sterling.

Stylish Aluminum Jewelry

John S. Brana offers an elegant line of aluminum jewelry among our coveted collections, including a hand-hammered aluminum bangle that carries the look of high fashion, as well as embossed, textured and hammered teardrop earrings that can be worn anywhere. Although the metal used may not be considered “precious”, the same artistic vision and creative talent goes into creating pieces of aluminum jewelry as it would into silver or gold designs.

Whether you’re attending an elegant luncheon, romantic dinner, or just hanging out with the girls, you can be comfortable, stylish and fashion forward in lightweight, designer aluminum jewelry.

Win a Free Pair of Handmade Fine Silver Earrings – May 2010 Jewelry Freebie

For May, win these beautiful Hammered Fine Silver Earrings with a slightly hammered finish by entering your email address on any pop-up hang-tag that appears on www.johnsbrana.com or on the entry form below. 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!

Click here to see the contest rules.

Congrats to our April 2010 Jewelry Freebie Winner – Kathy Jones of Ft Lauderdale, FL !!

Fleur de Lis Jewelry – A Touch of Class

Is there anything more elegant and tasteful than silver fleur de lis jewelry? The fleur de lis, a symbol that is well-known throughout the world, has a rich and varied history. Literally translated, fleur de lis means “lily flower” and its origin can be traced back to as early as the Middle Ages throughout Europe.

Over the centuries, the fleur de lis design has come to represent many things and has appeared in jewelry design for hundreds of years. Although it is most closely associated with French royalty, the list of countries where this delicate symbol can be found on coats of arms or flags includes Great Britain, Germany, Spain, Italy and Bosnia. In addition to its use as a royal symbol by various kings and monarchs, it has also been displayed on military uniforms and badges due its resemblance to the tip of a spear. Even today fleur de lis jewelry shows a sense of class.

This popular symbol was also often used in religious art as a representation of the Trinity or in some cases, as the Virgin Mary. As such, it can be found in many old English churches. The fleur de lis design can also be seen atop iron fences, originally intended to be not only decorative, but also to thwart intruders. The fleur de lis has come to be known as a symbol of grace and purity.

In modern times, the fleur de lis symbol is a popular design motif used in home décor and the fashion world, including makers of upscale handbags and jewelry. John S. Brana, a noted designer of fine jewelry uses the fleur de lis pattern in one of his many sought-after and distinctive sterling silver collections.

Fleur de lis jewelry offers a classic design with a timeless quality that never goes out of style.

Win a Free Pair of Red Copper Patinated Lily Pad Earrings – April 2010 Jewelry Freebie

For April, win these beautiful Raku-style textured Red Patinated Copper Earrings by entering your email address on any pop-up hang-tag that appears on www.johnsbrana.com or on the entry form below.  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!

Click here to see the contest rules.

Congrats to our March 2010 Jewelry Freebie Winner – Lucy Lee of Orange County,  CA !!

Visit Handmade Designer Jewelry by John S. Brana at LA March Market

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.

Copper.org Features Copper Jewelry by John S. Brana

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…

“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

Win Free Handmade Jewelry Each Month on www.johnsbrana.com!

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!

Click here to see the contest rules.

Did You Know That Amethyst Has Healing Powers?

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.

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.

Handcrafted Fine Jewelry by John S. Brana now available in SoHo, New York

Muir Woods Copper Patinated Earrings

 

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.

Muir Woods Cast Bronze Gemstone Rings – Labradorite

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.

SoMa Statement Cuff Collection

 

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.

Copper Jewelry by John S. Brana

 

Karri Ann Frerichs, Altitude Designers, introduces handmade copper jewelry by jewelry designer John S. Brana at Bloomingdale’s – Stanford. Selections include handmade corrugated and texturized copper cuffs, corrugated and chased copper earrings, chased and hammered copper necklaces, and bronze rings set with cabochons, beaded gemstones, or faceted large gemstones.

Black Friday – Bloomingdale’s – Handmade Jewelry by John S. Brana

 

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.

Sea Cliff Handmade Freshwater Pearl Jewelry Collection

 

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.

Muir Woods – Handcrafted Bronze Ring Collection

 

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.

Jewelry Buyers May Now View Handmade Jewelry Collections by John S. Brana in the Altitude Promotions Fashion Showroom

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.

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