Handcrafted geometric copper and sterling silver links from John S. Brana's SOMA Collection accentuate the voluminous black lace layers of this high-neck, corset-back top from Revelation by M.E. When wearing an ensemble of all-black, or any other solid neutral color, create dimension and define a focal point with a dramatic statement necklace. This latest fashion trend of 2009 remains a classic look and may be updated each season with vibrant gemstones, geometric shapes, mix-matched metals, and varying textures. Browse ... Read More

What's the difference between manufactured jewelry and designer handmade jewelry? Well, for starters, mass-market manufactured jewelry is obviously going to be cheaper, usually of lower quality, and also lacks uniqueness and creativity. Have you ever purchased a piece of mass market manufactured jewelry, gone to a party, and seen several other women wearing a similar piece of jewelry? This definitely won't be the case if you purchase designer handmade jewelry.  Chances are you have a unique piece, or one of only a number ... Read More

Always an innovator, John S. Brana launched three new websites this month and even gave a sleek new face lift to his home site, www.johnsbrana.com.  Each new site targets a specific customer based on their desire for gold, silver, or copper jewelry and features search and comparison features unparalleled to any handcrafted artisan in the industry. See for yourself at www.handcrafted-gold-jewelry.com, www.handmade-silver-jewelry.com, and www.handmadecopperjewelry.com .  Jewelry buyers may now perform side-by-side comparisons on any number of their favorite pieces to determine just the right ... Read More

Over the last few weeks, I've been experimenting with various textures and techniques to perfect my skills at anticlastic raising. This bracelet was done in sterling silver using traditional anticlastic raising techniques. I tried to pay particular attention to minimizing marring by the forming hammer, sanded using 400, 700, and 1000 grit sandpaper, then buffed to a mirror finish. The next texture I tried was chasing. Chasing is a technique that is used to groove, furrow, channel , or indent ... Read More

I have recently been experimenting with anticlastic raising using sinusoidal stakes to add an extra dimension to forging. The stake resembles a tapering wavy line, or what I like to refer to as the "Devils Tongue." Metal can be forged into a concave curve along its face while the opposing curves can be formed at the same time. It's great for forming a bangle, ring, or necklace. A sinusoidal stake can be made from wood, steel, or plastic, ... Read More