Hoop Earrings

November 18, 2011 By jbrana 4 Comments

Hoop Earrings are the Perfect Compliment to Any Outfit

Within the diverse world of jewelry, it is often the simplest items which are the most popular. Looking through the top stores worldwide, it is obvious that hoop earrings are one of the most elegant accessories available. Favored by celebrity fashion icons such as Kim Kardashian and Alexa Chung, hoop earings are the perfect compliment to any sort of outfit too, proving that jewelry does not have to be intricate to be stylish.

Hoop Earrings Come in a Variety of Metals

Texturized Hoop Copper Handmade Earrings by San Francisco Jewelry Designer John S Brana

These elegant accessories are also incredibly versatile as an artisan can use almost any metal available to create a range of exquisite products. From the warm glow of gold to the cold exterior of aluminum, there is plenty of choice available for the keen fashion enthusiast. Even copper can be used to form hoop earrings which look natural, stylish and very smart indeed. Because of this, the average consumer can find exactly what they are looking for, whether they are aiming for pure elegance or sheer simplicity while shopping for their next piece of fine jewelry.

Brighten Any Look with Gemstone Hoop Earrings

For added variety and glamour, some designs of hoop earrings include a beautiful gemstone attached to the bottom edge. This is perfect for those looking for a more fashionable twist to their next jewelry purchase and can be a fine way to brighten up any outfit whether you are at the office or out around the town. Gems such as blue topaz are especially attractive as they add a fine sense of color and flair to both formal and casual attire. While these sorts of accessories are a lot more expensive than their simpler counterparts, the extra cost then comes with added elegance and style as well.

Chased Nu Gold Handmade Hoop Earrings by San Francisco Jewelry Designer John S Brana

When purchasing a pair of these beautiful earrings, it is important to ensure that the size is right for both your wardrobe and the places where you wish to wear them. Smaller sizes are great for the office as well as casual, laidback events. They also go well with more formal attire such as tailored suits and clothes in neutral shades. For the nightclub and more formal occasions, larger hoop earrings can be worn. Items including gemstones are also appropriate in these situations, and go well with designer brands and more elaborate clothing.

Visit Your Local Boutique for One-of-a-kind Hoop Earrings

When out purchasing your next set of earrings, make sure to visit some small, boutique stores. There, you should be able to find a wide collection of handmade hoop earrings that are well-made and very attractive. Because they are handmade as well, these accessories will be completely unique, giving you the opportunity to wear something which reflects your individuality in the best possible manner. Since these stores retail items which are not found anywhere else, they provide a great opportunity for you to make a statement and grab the attention of those around you with a pair of hoop earrings which is truly one-of-a-kind.

Current Trends in Statement Jewelry

October 12, 2011 By jbrana 3 Comments

Chalk Turquoise Onyx Necklace

It’s Time to Jump on Board with Statement Jewelry

Big, bold and attention grabbing, it is obvious that with statement jewelry, more really is better. This season, put away those simpler accessories and be ready to complement your outfit with some of the latest trends. With today’s fashion designers incorporating statement earrings and bracelets into their latest outfits, it is time to jump on board and go out and purchase some of these fabulous items for yourself. This fall and winter, choose bigger, choose louder, and build up a stunning collection of statement jewelry perfect for any occasion. The sheer variety is enough to please any fashion enthusiast.

14K Gold Fold Formed Earrings with Faceted Peridot

Statement earrings are making a big comeback this season. This means that you can now wear those stunning copper disc earrings or shimmering silver chandelier earrings to the office, nightclub or restaurant and remain completely in trend with the latest fashion. Of course, there is more variety than this, and it is not hard to find statement earrings to suit all kinds of tastes and outfits. From simple aluminum designs to golden accessories encrusted with jewels, finding a pair of earrings that looks great and instantly grabs people’s attention is all too easy.

Bracelets and Cuffs are Hot Items in Statement Jewelry This Fall and Winter

If earrings are not to your liking, statement bracelets are also a hot item this fall and winter. Huge cuff designs, perfect for being flaunted anywhere from the conference room to the bar, have been seen all over the catwalk recently. For something more elegant, but equally as bold, bangle bracelets have also been spotted on several occasions on some of today’s top models. There is enough diversity here to suit anyone. Whether you prefer to wear a large number of stylish aluminum bracelets, or a diamond-covered cuff bracelet is totally up to you. Whatever you choose, you will still be very much in fashion!

Regardless of which type of statement jewelry that you choose, there is now only one rule: wear a single piece that will complement and not draw attention away from your outfit. The trend at this time is that current outfits are seen with only a one item of fashion jewelry, rather than being covered in it. Whether this is from the more modest lifestyles that we are experiencing now due to the financial crisis is anyone’s guess, but what we are seeing on the catwalks is fairly concrete. Choose carefully when dressing and pick one accessory that will make a statement in a subtle, yet bold way.

Just remember to be smart with your fashion accessories, and wear the right pieces for the situation. For example, sporting a set of loud copper bangle bracelets is not recommended for the office environment. Similarly, a pair of jeweled statement earrings will not suit a barbeque or any other outdoor event. Remember that the trend is to wear one piece with your outfit, so choose well. The right decision will create a look that demands attention without being too overpowering. This just shows that it is possible to be both modest and fashionable at the same time with statement jewelry!

Is Brass the New Gold?

December 13, 2010 By jbrana Leave a Comment

Bark Nu Gold Large Tear Drop Earrings - Brass Jewelry

Bark Nu Gold (Red Brass) Large Tear Drop Earrings

Brass Jewelry – A Fashionable Alternative to Gold

Fashionistas and models alike are itching to get their hands on the hottest new jewelry designs. Instead of gold, silver, or platinum, however, they’re flocking towards a vintage metal with a bright future: brass. Although more recently the metal of choice for locks, keys, and doorknobs, brass has been making a new appearance on fashion runways everywhere.

Jewelry styles using this surprising choice of metals range from delicate to chunky, from vintage to modern. Whether you’re in to steam punk fashion or are looking for something a bit more delicate, brass may be just what you’ve been looking for. Brass jewelry ranges from large, dramatic bangles and rings to dainty beaded earrings – no matter your fashion style, there’s likely a brass design to suit you.

Nu Gold 3 Tiered Lily Pad Earrings - Red Brass Jewelry

Nu Gold (Red Brass) 3 Tiered Lily Pad Earrings

Brass Jewelry – The Nu Gold Standard

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, and has long been prized for it’s artistic appeal. Jewelry artisans are now turning to red brass or Nu Gold as a design medium, and the result is both beautiful and amazing. Brass is as flexible as gold or silver, and can be worked and shaped into nearly any design. It can be left with a matte finish or buffed to a glossy shine; this flexibility makes it a popular material for designers to work with.

Attention Getting Brass Jewelry

Brass jewelry is not for the faint of heart; chances are, if you’re wearing it, you’ll get attention. Most brass jewelry designs are both beautiful and unique. The sheen of brass is sure to draw attention to your accessories from those who are fashion conscious; after all, it’s clearly not gold or silver. If you like to turn heads and be on top of the newest and hottest fashion trends, brass is clearly your metal of choice.

Brass jewelry offers a unique appeal with a break from the traditional styles we’re used to seeing. If you want to shake things up this season, consider accessorizing with brass. This metal offers an antique shine for nearly any outfit, and the design options are virtually limitless. If you’re ready to shake up your fashion accessories for a new season, consider purchasing a brass piece or ensemble today.

Metalsmithing 101 – The Jewelers Toolbox

August 9, 2010 By jbrana Leave a Comment

14K Gold Filled Chased Bangle Bracelet

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.

Chased Copper Triangle Earrings with Garnets

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.

Statement Jewelry

June 27, 2010 By John S. Brana 5 Comments

Brazilian Fire Agate Orange Coral Vermeil Necklace

Statement Jewelry – Defining Your Unique Sense of Style

Statement jewelry has boldness, high style, and most of all, presence. It’s the kind of jewelry that makes an immediate and long lasting impression. It doesn’t just show up, it makes an entrance. This is why it is a popular choice for independent women with a strong sense of their own style.

Statement Jewelry 14K Gold Amethyst Pendant

14K Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Pendant with Amethyst

Statement jewelry is big, bold, usually brightly colored, and sometimes layered for an even greater fashion impact. It often includes large and chunky jewels and pearls, either real or faux, mixed with thick chains and pendants. Some statement jewelry includes charms stamped with motivational words or significant dates. It’s meant to be noticed immediately which means that one fabulous statement jewelry piece is all you need to add polish and personality to an outfit. No doubt you’ve seen some terrific examples on international fashion runways and also adorning the ears and necklines of some of the world’s most well-known and well-dressed women such as Nicole Kidman, Sarah Jessica Parker and Cate Blanchett.

Oversized gemstones are a popular choice for red carpet events, while layers of long necklaces and chunky cuffs can add a bit of bling to a little black party dress.

Statement jewelry always brings drama to any outfit and carries a luxe look. Although luxe doesn’t necessarily mean big bucks, the nature of these pieces mean that any investment is well worth the money.

Statement Jewelry Anticlastic 14K Gold Cuff

14K Gold Chased Anticlastic Cuff Bracelet

The trick behind statement jewelry is to choose a size and style that represents you and the fashion statement you want to make to the world. It usually means wearing only one big, bold, eye-catching necklace, chandelier earrings, wide cuff bracelet, or chunky ring as the attention-getting focus of an outfit. Moderation is key; too many bold items make the wrong statement!

John S. Brana features several dazzling and dramatic pieces among his couture collection. Each finely crafted, limited edition item in the collection delivers a statement that declares the wearer to be sophisticated, stylish and uniquely fashion-forward.

Vermeil Jewelry

June 22, 2010 By John S. Brana 3 Comments

Garnet Pink Coral Carnelian Vermeil Necklace

Vermeil Jewelry Defined

What is vermeil? Aside from the technical definition, the best way to describe vermeil might be, “a beautiful material used in jewelry making that offers the luster and chic of pure gold without the high cost.” Vermeil, pronounced “ver-may”, is actually .925 sterling silver heavily plated with gold that cannot be less than 10k, and most jewelers of today use at least 14k gold.

Vermeil jewelry differs from jewelry that is sold as “gold plated” in that “plated” consists of a thinner layer of gold over a base metal such as brass. Over time, the base metal tends to appear through as the gold wears off due to exposure to skin oils and natural wear. Vermeil jewelry maintains its beauty over the long term better due to the thickness of the gold layer used in the production process.

Vermeil Jewelry - Amethyst Vermeil Necklace

Amethyst Vermeil Neckalce

Vermeil has long been favored for its high-style look and feel, and is also stronger than gold plated base metals, making it a choice for luxury items other than jewelry. The Vermeil Room in the White House features an exquisite collection of vermeil serving pieces from English and French silversmiths dating back to the eighteenth century, which were bequeathed to the White House in 1956.

Today, many fine jewelers offer vermeil jewelry among their most stylish and fashionable collections. Jewelry wearers who want the high-end, high quality look of pure gold often choose vermeil as an affordable substitute offering a sense of sophistication and style.

Vermeil jewelry should never be cleaned by machine or with solvents or commercial gold and silver cleaners. It is best maintained by polishing with a soft cloth to prevent scratching and keeping vermeil jewelry pieces in an air-tight bag or closed container can prevent corrosion over time.

The Best of Both Worlds: Gold Gemstone Jewelry

March 25, 2009 By John S. Brana 5 Comments

Gemstone Handmade Jewelry by John S. Brana

Amber and Crystal Beaded Gemstone Necklace by John S. Brana Handmade Jewelry

If you are looking for sheer elegance and class, nothing beats gold gemstone jewelry. These pieces combine the simple glamor of gold with distinctive gemstones that reflect the personality and style of the wearer. When buying this type of jewelry, there are several things you need to pay attention to.

The quality of the gold that makes up any kind of gold gemstone jewelry is essential. Of course, you want the highest quality gold, which is measured in karats. No piece of jewelry will ever be made with 24k gold, so beware any jeweler who tries to sell you “24k gold”. This type of gold is too pure and too malleable to be worked into jewelry, and quite frankly, is too expensive. Only a king or queen would ever have anything made from 24k gold!

Most quality gold used in jewelry ranges from 10k to 22k. The higher the rating, the higher the price. It is typical for most jewelry to be made from 14k gold, although 18k is preferred by most quality jewelers.

Gemstones have their own rating system. Diamonds are also measured in carats (with a “c” instead of a “k”), and the higher the rating, the higher the price. Diamonds fall under the category of “precious stones”, along with emeralds, rubies, and sapphires. A lot of gemstone jewelry, however, is made from semi-precious stones which are not as expensive, but can be equally beautiful and unique.

Gold gemstone jewelry made from semi-precious gemstones such as jade, lapis, onyx, turquoise, opals, and amber can be as beautiful as any piece including diamonds or sapphires. The quality of the gold, the uniqueness of the gemstone, and the exemplary craftsmanship of a master jeweler can make this type of jewelry worth wearing for a lifetime and handing down to your children.

Click Here To Find Gold Gemstone Jewelry

Beaded Gemstone Jewelry: Make a Statement

March 23, 2009 By John S. Brana 4 Comments

18K Hammered Gold Cuff with 22K Gold Fleur Di Lis Earrings with Carnelian

When it comes to elegance, nothing really beats a statement piece of jewelry. Multi-strand gemstone necklaces add not only color, but dimension to any ensemble and express your mood, your style, and your personality. Virtually endless in styles and character, beaded gemstone jewelry offers some of the most unique designs and styles of jewelry available. Beaded gemstone jewelry is traditionally made using semi-precious, rather than precious, stones.

Everyone knows a precious stone when they see one. The diamond, a “girl’s best friend”, a ruby, a sapphire, and an emerald. These stones are loosely recognized as a step above semi-precious stones. Semi-precious stones include those which are commonly found in more economically priced jewelry, such as turquoise, amethyst, and garnet. Although these stones are often less expensive, that doesn’t mean that they are in any way inferior in quality to traditional precious stones. In fact, many quality jewelers will combine precious and semi-precious stones in one piece.

The gemstones found in beaded jewelry can be found in many different forms. Although most pieces will be small in size, they may or may not be polished or uniform in size. With semi-precious stones, the rarity of their color, clarity, or other qualities may add to their value – and jewelers often do not want to polish out those characteristics. This type of jewelry can be a unique addition to any wardrobe, both for a man and a woman. Many women choose necklaces and bracelets made from beaded turquoise or rose quartz, and beaded earrings made from amethyst or garnets are also popular. For men, darker and more masculine stones such as lapis, amethyst, or pyrite are often found. This type of jewelry is not limited to formal functions – beaded gemstone jewelry can be appropriate for just about any occasion.

Click Here To Find Beaded Gemstone Jewelry

Luxury Jewelry – Gold – Diamond – Carat or Karat?

February 22, 2009 By John S. Brana 8 Comments

Go back in time, up until about the late 1860s, and you’ll find that men adorned their bodies much as women did, with ornate and sumptuous bracelets, necklaces and rings. It’s only been for the last hundred years that the standard for men changed to wearing very staid ornamentation, if any, and going about in grey business suits, like regimented soldiers of commerce.

But now the tide has clearly turned in a new direction, with men reclaiming their right to jewelry. (Not to mention the new trend of body piercings which does not seem to have played itself out yet.)

So when it comes to jewelry gold diamond…well, let me rephrase that…. when it comes to gold and diamond jewelry, there are many designers these days who are producing really excellent work, and there are many clients who are reaping the benefits of that work!

Precious metals and precious stones have always formed the basis of jewelry, since time immemorial. Jewelry gold diamond… sapphires, rubies….silver….. those words even look beautiful, don’t they? Let alone….gazing at the real thing.

Gold is actually a pretty soft metal…you would not want a ring made out of pure gold because it would bend very easily. Therefore, 24 karat gold (pure gold) is used for collectible gold bullion, which sits in a vault and rarely gets handled. Gold destined for jewelry has another metal mixed into it, typically brass (copper and zinc), in certain percentages, so that such jewelry is usually 22k, 18k, 14k, or 10k.

Diamonds are another interesting substance. Just like gold, diamonds are measured in carats. The word "carat" is derived from the word "carob," a Mediterranean seed that played an important role in trade centuries ago, since they had a very uniform size and weight. The seeds were used to balance a scale when weighing precious gemstones, so as a matter of fact, all gemstones are measured in carats.

When first excavated from the ground, they look just like rocks. It’s only when they are "cut" in certain designs that they glitter and look like the diamonds we’ve come to know.

The old cuts are:

Point cut
Table cut
Old Single cut
Mazarin cut
Peruzzi cut
Old European cut

Today, the cut most often used is just called the "brilliant." Understanding the history of carat /karat weights and how they apply to jewelry can help you select the perfect accessory within your budget and style preferences without being fooled by numerical values.

Click Here For More On Jewelry Gold Diamond

The Skinny on Designer Handmade Jewelry

February 17, 2009 By John S. Brana 2 Comments

2801474001_af2c92f14d 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 of limited edition pieces, and you’ll never have to worry about bumping into someone at a party and seeing that same piece of jewelry on another woman’s wrist or around her neck.

Mass market jewelry is stuff that’s stamped out by the thousands, with little or no human contact. Designer handmade jewelry, on the other hand…is something totally different. Of course it’s going to cost a little more, but you can be assured that when a designer hallmarks their handmade jewelry, they are guaranteeing you a certain level of quality and trust. The designer’s name, brand, and reputation are on the line. This seldom occurs in mass manufactured jewelry.

Handmade jewelry is also much more labor intensive. Numerous hours can go into creating, designing, and fabricating a single piece of jewelry, and that’s why the cost for designer handmade jewelry is usually higher than mass produced pieces.

Maintenance of your designer handmade jewelry is relatively easy. Over time, your silver jewelry will tarnish due to the copper content in Sterling Silver. There are several commercial products you can purchase at your local drug store or hardware store that will restore your silver to a sparkling shine. The most versatile is a polishing cloth or rouge cloth that can be used on gold, silver, and copper jewelry. For those more intricate silver pieces like filigree or chain, all you need is baking soda. First, make sure you do this in a well ventilated area. Place the chain in an aluminum pan, and cover thoroughly with baking soda. Then, pour boiling water, slowly, into the pan. A chemical reaction will occur and the tarnish will be removed. Copper jewelry can be easily cleaned with these cleaning methods. One of the added benefits of buying designer jewelry is that most designers offer cleaning services. Customers of John S. Brana – Handcrafted Fine Jewelry can send their jewelry in at anytime for a free cleaning.

Click Here To Get Your Hands On Designer Handmade Jewelry

Hoop Earrings

Hoop Earrings are the Perfect Compliment to Any Outfit

Hoop Earrings Come in a Variety of Metals

Brighten Any Look with Gemstone Hoop Earrings

Visit Your Local Boutique for One-of-a-kind Hoop Earrings

Recommended Reading

Current Trends in Statement Jewelry

It’s Time to Jump on Board with Statement Jewelry

Bracelets and Cuffs are Hot Items in Statement Jewelry This Fall and Winter

Recommended Reading

Is Brass the New Gold?

Brass Jewelry – A Fashionable Alternative to Gold

Brass Jewelry – The Nu Gold Standard

Attention Getting Brass Jewelry

Recommended Reading

Metalsmithing 101 – The Jewelers Toolbox

Techniques of Master Jewelers

Basic Jewelers Tools

Piercing with a Jewelers Saw

Recommended Reading

Statement Jewelry

Statement Jewelry – Defining Your Unique Sense of Style

Recommended Reading

Vermeil Jewelry

Vermeil Jewelry Defined

Recommended Reading

The Best of Both Worlds: Gold Gemstone Jewelry

Recommended Reading

Beaded Gemstone Jewelry: Make a Statement

Recommended Reading

Luxury Jewelry – Gold – Diamond – Carat or Karat?

Recommended Reading

The Skinny on Designer Handmade Jewelry

Recommended Reading

Become My Fan on Facebook and Receive Up to 35% Off Featured Jewelry!

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Hoop Earrings are the Perfect Compliment to Any Outfit

Hoop Earrings Come in a Variety of Metals

Brighten Any Look with Gemstone Hoop Earrings

Visit Your Local Boutique for One-of-a-kind Hoop Earrings

Recommended Reading

It’s Time to Jump on Board with Statement Jewelry

Bracelets and Cuffs are Hot Items in Statement Jewelry This Fall and Winter

Recommended Reading

Brass Jewelry – A Fashionable Alternative to Gold

Brass Jewelry – The Nu Gold Standard

Attention Getting Brass Jewelry

Recommended Reading

Techniques of Master Jewelers

Basic Jewelers Tools

Piercing with a Jewelers Saw

Recommended Reading

Statement Jewelry – Defining Your Unique Sense of Style

Recommended Reading

Vermeil Jewelry Defined

Recommended Reading

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Become My Fan on Facebook and Receive Up to 35% Off Featured Jewelry!

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