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

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 ... Read More

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 ... Read More

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 ... 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

New work in fine jewelry by the otherwise bridge category designer, John S. Brana – Distinctive Jewelry, proved favorable to the crowd at the Designers by the Bay event held at Shreve & Co. August 21.  This newcomer to the list of 20 established fine jewelry exhibitors showcased stunning textured cuffs, sculpted earrings and intricate filigree scrollwork in 18K and 14K gold and fine silver with gemstones.  Perhaps his most beautiful new design is a ... Read More

When was the last time you strolled along California Street and climbed the steps of Mason? Or, if you don’t live in our fair city of San Francisco, when have you last enjoyed the nostalgic architecture of those neighborhoods built around the turn of twentieth century? Do you notice that bricks are no longer laid in those patterns, or that columns today aren’t poured in such grand stature but with such intricate detail? That was a time when we didn’t have ... Read More