Handcrafted Fine Jewelry Blog by John S. Brana » 14K Gold

Jewelry Designer John S. Brana Talks About His Beaded Gemstone Collection Barbary Coast

John S. Brana — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 04:27:16 +0000

San Francisco jewelry designer John S. Brana is interviewed by Karri Ann Frerichs, PR Director of Altitude Promotions backstage at "Bella Bikini Fashion Show" by Charleston Pierce at Temple nightclub. John talks about his festive statement jewelry collection Barbary Coast. Dynamic shapes and countless layers of richly textured semi-precious gemstones define this show stopping statement jewelry collection which also features gold vermeil, 14K gold, 18Kgold, and fine and sterling silver. For those who love a statement piece, the Barbary Coast collection is perfect for those who choose to build an ensemble around their jewelry.

Click here to view the Barbary Coast Collection

Jewellery World Review Interviews Jewelry Designer John S. Brana

John S. Brana — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:58:24 +0000

San Francisco is a truly charming city where talented artists frequently show their skills to the public. As we are starting 2009, JWR takes you to the city by the bay to meet skillful designer John S. Brana, and talk about his background, ideas, and his new collection.

Late last year, new work in fine jewelry by the otherwise bridge category designer proved favorable to the crowd at the "Designers by the Bay" event held at Shreve & Co. in San Francisco. The newcomer to the list of 20 established fine jewelry exhibitors showcased textured cuffs, sculpted earrings and intricate filigree scrollwork in 18K and 14K gold and fine silver with gemstones. Now, John is with us to share his views.

Let’s start with a very basic question, John , what originally inspired you to become a jewelry designer?

My artistic background is rooted in childhood work with my father as a stained glass artist. As I helped him assemble the different pieces, I began to become more intrigued by their geometric shapes and glowing colors. In high school, I worked extensively with ceramics. Working with my hands and using tools to form shapes and to carve patterns that were of my own design is what I truly fell in love with.

Can you share with us an experience from your training or a competition when you were a newcomer?

I’ve only been designing handcrafted jewelry since 2006. I recently won the "2008 Bay Area’s Best Designer Jewelry Award," a voter-based award recognizing best business in all areas of fashion, lifestyle, and shopping from the San Francisco Chronicle’s online division, www.sfgate.com. I reached out to my customers to provide testimonials and before I knew it, clients who shop online, who I’ve met at various events, and who I’ve designed custom work for were responding left and right. I’m so thankful to have a dedicated client base who enjoy the work and time I put into designing each piece.

What about your work background?

As I grew older I moved away from the creative fields and climbed the corporate ranks to become a Vice President of Finance for Charles Schwab. After 9/11, I really began to rethink what I was doing with my life and I couldn’t necessarily say that I loved my job. When my father died in 2003, I decided to take the offer for voluntary layoffs and adopted by new mentality of "Do what you love and explore what you are passionate about." But I didn’t necessarily know what that was. Some months later I heard about a new Japanese product called PMC (precious metal clay). I set up a basic jewelry-making shop in my basement and went from there.

We know the path of success is never easy. You’ve come this far and sometimes your road wasn’t smooth. Did you have difficult times in your career? What was it, and how did you get through it?

My greatest challenge was to make a transition from "corporate life" to the entrepreneurial world of self marketing and promotion…both online and offline, and learning about all the different facets and segments of the jewelry industry. I was fortunate to be introduced to the San Francisco Small Business Development Center ( a branch of the US-Small Business Administration) that had business consultants specializing in the wholesale jewelry industry. I was able to use their industry expertise and apply it to my business plan. This allowed me to jump start my business by learning from their mistakes and successes and I have flourished ever since.

Currently, the entire world is being hit by an economic crisis, including the jewelry market. What do you think about the situation and what should those in the business do to survive these tough times?

I think we’re all trying to figure that out right now. I’ve been communicating with my retailers and core clients to learn what they need and want right now and I’ve been giving it to them. I’m also working on building a greater online base and have launched several targeted jewelry sites to reach specific customers, www.handmadecopperjewelry.com, www.handmade-silver-jewelry.com, and www.handcrafted-gold-jewelry.com along with a recent facelift to www.johnsbrana.com.

People can always expect an awesome collection from you. They may wonder how you can create such fine things. Can you tell us where the ideas come from?

All of my collections are named after different neighborhoods or areas in and around San Francisco, where I live. To me, this is the most beautiful city in the world. We have so much cultural diversity and contrasts in natural and urban landscapes. Anyone can drive down the Pacific Coast Highway, take a drive through wine country, or stroll through the micro-neighborhoods and be inspired.

Let’s talk about your latest collection. Which one is your most favorite piece?

My latest work focuses on various metal raising techniques within my SoMa Collection (commonly referred to as anticlastic, synclastic, and fold forming). I would have to say that my Corrugated Silver Bracelets are my favorite, since they pose the greatest challenge – that of not marring or collapsing the corrugation while forming the bracelet.

What will we be seeing from John S. Brana in 2009?

Expanded offerings across many of my collections, with the bulk of new items in the Nob Hill, SoMa, and Men’s Jewelry Collections. For the Nob Hill, look for an introduction of pendants and rings. SoMa will expand to include a wide variety of 14K and 18K Hammered and Embossed Yellow Gold set with faceted colored gemstones. The Men’s Jewelry Collection will expand to include rings set with colored gemstones and diamonds, along with a male version of the SoMa collection.

We often talk about your jewelry collections. However, we wish to know your lifestyle as well. Care to share, John?

Work, work, work… can best some it up! I’ve always been a workaholic and put in at least 75 hours a week, so it’s probably a blessing that I’m single. I’ve traveled the world during my corporate days, so when I do wind down, I like to coordinate my travels with jewelry related business. I also network quite a lot within the local San Francisco fashion scene.

Do you have any favorite precious metal or gemstone? If so, we wonder why you love it?

I have always loved the rich color of 18K yellow gold along with large faceted colored gemstones. This is why over the next year you will be seeing quite a few new pieces in 18K gold. Another favorite metal, although not considered precious, is copper. This evolved at the request of a customer. She commissioned a piece about two years ago that was made in copper, and ever since, I have favored the metal. Its rich color is easily confused with rose gold, and at a faction of the price, has proved to be one of my hottest selling lines.

Do you have a favorite quote?

"Do what you love and explore what you are passionate about."

Thank you very much for joining JWR Magazine. Before biding farewell, do you have any other thing to say to our readers and the industry worldwide?

Just a bit of advice as we start a new year…evaluate what worked for your business in 2008 and keep doing more of it, stop doing what didn’t. To quote Albert Einstein, "Insanity: Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

This feature can be found staring on page 60 of the Jan/Feb 2009 edition of Jewellery World Review.

Fine Handcrafted Jewelry…from the Hands of an Innovative New Designer

John S. Brana — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 16:17:29 +0000

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 pair of spiraling 14K gold fold formed leaf earrings encasing strands of 13.5carat faceted peridots which, as so many good design ideas occur, happened by accident.

“I was drilling holes for the earwires using a drill press and instead of turning it off, I accidentally increased its speed and the metal just started flailing and spiraling around the drill bit!” described Brana who created over ten new designs for the event. “When I finally got it to turn off, it had formed this twisted fan shape and I thought, ‘that’s pretty cool… now how do I do that again?’” Thankfully, he was able to recreate the shape as it is now available with several gemstone varieties at a suggested retail of $880. Equally as stunning is a pair of 18K Gold and Fine Silver Filigree earrings.

Just as Brana is entering the upper crust of fine jewelry, he continues to develop his lines of bridge category designs inspired by the city in which he creates them, San Francisco. Among the most commented upon and tried on piece of his collection for the event was his anticlastic copper cuffs. “Copper is one of my favorite metals. It showcases amazing texture and its rich, rose gold color is so beautiful on so many people,” said Brana who handcrafts original jewelry designs ranging from $65-$4000. In the coming months look for new collections including Muir Woods featuring earthy, forest themes, and an artistic collaboration with a German-born chef at sea who captures the images of sea-worn ships in abstract photography and wearable silk art. To view each of his collections, visit www.johnsbrana.com. For wholesale and media inquiries, contact Karri Ann Frerichs, Altitude Promotions at karriann@altitudepromotion.com or 402.490.2579.

**New Jewelry – SoMa Collection**

Model Apryl Orr wears selections from the Barbary Coast Collection

John S. Brana — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 01:30:26 +0000

Dynamic shapes and countless layers of richly textured semi-precious gemstones define this show stopping collection which also features gold vermeil, 14K gold, and fine and sterling silver. For those who love a statement piece, the Barbary Coast collection is perfect for those who choose to build an ensemble around their jewelry.

Selections from the Barbary Coast Beaded Gemstone Collection
Model Apryl Orr wears Faceted Garnets with Citrine Flowers and 24K Gold seed beaded necklace from the Barbary Coast Collection, with 14K Gold-filled Fold Formed earrings from the Sea Cliff Collection, and 7 carat Marquise Cut Citrine Cocktail ring from the Pacific Heights Collection. Photography by Klaus Lange.
Model Apryl Orr wears Onyx earrings and Clear Quartz, Amber, and Onyx necklace and matching bracelet from the Barbary Coast Collection, with a 10 carat Marquise Cut Citrine Cocktail ring from the Pacific Heights Collection. Photography by Klaus Lange.
Model Apryl Orr wears Amber and Clear Quartz necklace from the Barbary Coast Collection, 18K Gold and Fine Silver Filigree earrings from the Nob Hill Collection, 18K Gold Corrugated Cuff and Sterling Silver Marquise Cut Citrine Cocktail ring from the SoMa Collection. Photography by Klaus Lange.
Model Apryl Orr wears Brazilian Fire Agate necklace from the Barbary Coast Collection, 14K Gold-filled Hammered Cuff from the SoMa Collection, and 14K Gold Fleur-de-lis Carnelian earrings from the Nob Hill Collection. Photography and Red Wheat silk sarong by Klaus Lange.

John S Brana Expands Fine Jewelry Collection Exclusively for Designers by the Bay event hosted by Shreve & Co.

John S. Brana — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 17:06:50 +0000

John S. Brana is introducing to his collection new fine jewelry designs in 14K, 18K gold, and fine silver exclusively for the 12^th Annual Designers by the Bay and Fine Jewelry Showcase, Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. The most exciting creations include stunning cuffs in 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 first time exhibitor, I definitely wanted to bring stand-out pieces” said Brana who is best known by his clients for meticulous attention to handcrafted details in the bridge jewelry category. Brana has always worked with fine and sterling silver, bronze, copper, and semi-precious gemstones, and has embellished several designs with 14K and 18K gold. This event, however, serves to unveil his first fine jewelry collection including major creations using 18K gold.

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.

New Jewelry Designs Exclusively for Designers by the Bay

Jewellery World Review – San Francisco-based designer, John S. Brana, introduces the Nob Hill Collection

John S. Brana — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 17:01:18 +0000

Introducing The Nob Hill Filigree Jewelry Collection by San Francisco-based designer, John S. Brana

John S. Brana – Distinctive Jewelry has added an eighth collection of one-of-a-kind filigree earrings to his diverse line of San Francisco-inspired wearable art jewelry. This collection features his most open, airy and delicate wirework designs yet available. The Nob Hill Collection inspires the re-appreciation for the nostalgic architecture of those Victorian-era neighborhoods built around the turn of twentieth century.

“That was a time when we didn’t have to remind ourselves to stop and smell the roses,” Brana described in his San Francisco studio located in the West Portal neighborhood overlooking the Pacific Ocean. “We appreciated craftsmanship and weren’t distracted by technology.”

With this in mind, Brana sought to capture the elaborate scrolls and turbulent twists of the grill work on entrance gates that dot the neighborly streets of San Francisco’s famous Nob Hill. After twisting three tiny pure silver or 14 karat gold wires, he sculpts the inner tendrils into a paired perfection. No two sets are exactly the same. Each design is then encased by a sturdy barrier of flat or half-round sterling silver or 14 karat gold. Dangling a pair from you ears is a delicate daily reminder that if you can’t stop to smell the roses, you can at least take them with you.

"That demonstrated to me that what makes me happy is to help people celebrate special moments in their life through my wearable art jewelry rather than pursuing a cold corporate agenda like I was doing at Schwab," John said.

The Nob Hill Collection is the latest addition to Brana’s line of limited-edition jewelry and wearable art collections each as different as their San Francisco neighborhood namesakes. Just as each city block of this unique American city tells a unique story and every turn tempts a new adventure, Brana’s handcrafted jewelry is also sure to leave a lasting impression.

“Luxurious Gypsy”…Oscar de la Renta launches couture jewelry collection that is definitely not “shy.”

John S. Brana — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:24:48 +0000

Oscar de la Renta has partnered with long-time family friend Loulou de la Falaise, most recognized for her collaborations with designer Yves Saint Laurent, to release a jewelry collection this fall exclusive to Oscar de la Renta boutiques. According to an article in W Magazine’s June 2008 issue, the collection showcases a “chunky, crafty bohemian look” consisting of necklaces, pendants, earrings and bracelets which shares both designers’ “love of exotic, far-flung inspirations,” Venessa Lau (http://www.wmagazine.com/jewelry/2008/06/de_la_renta).

Look for dramatic, “showstoppers” incorporating stones of different colors, sizes and textures, such as smoky quartz, citrine and pearl not to mention precious stones from an Indian jeweler including rubies, diamonds and sapphires. Despite price tags ranging from just under $5000 to upwards of $40,000, “the offerings never skew too precious” and maintain the de la Falaise signature look.

To embody “luxurious gypsy” without breaking the bank, consider jewelry designers channeling similar themes with statement pieces just as bold but significantly more affordable, such as John S. Brana – Distinctive Jewelry, www.johnsbrana.com. Discover this multi-strand beaded necklace featuring eight distinct stones including lemon amber, one of the oldest, rarest, and most valuable ambers in the world, quartz, amethyst and pearl, $1,030. Just as opulent but in a cool monotone is Brana’s fine silver hammered hexagonal link necklace featuring a contrast of off-shaped and spherical faceted aquamarine stones, $800. And nothing captures bohemian style better than a pair of oversized earrings, such as these massive four-inch teardrops in multi-gauge onyx beads wrapped with 14K gold-filled wire, $245.

Be assured this jewelry trend is growing and worth your investment. Chunky jewelry and bold cuffs defined the Fall 2008 runways of major fashion houses, including Louis Vuitton, Lanvin, John Galliano and Yves St. Laurent. Oscar de la Renta’s own Resort 2009 Collection was highlighted on stage with giant floral broaches, disc earrings and multi-hued beaded necklaces. So look to enhance your jewelry collection this season with exotic explorations in color, texture and style, in any budget of “luxurious gypsy.”

Kerri Ann Frerichs

Beaded Gemstone Collections by John S. Brana

John S. Brana – Distinctive Jewelry enhances popular SoMa Collection of hammered jewelry with rings and incorporates 14K gold

John S. Brana — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 16:52:34 +0000

Of John S. Brana’s eight distinctive jewelry collections, SoMa is the most contemporary and has been worn by celebrities including Natasha Bedingfield and Janice Dickinson. This collection includes hammered link necklaces and earrings, as well as his unique copper collection, and will now include 14K and 18K gold designs and rings set with solitaire gemstones.

Until now, Brana’s only ring designs were elaborate cocktail rings with intricate wire settings from his Pacific Heights Collection and enchanting sea creatures cast in sterling silver from his Seacliff Collection. The new SoMa ring designs are simple and geometric and will feature 8+ carat gemstones encased in hammered sterling silver, 14K gold, or bronze. Available gemstones include green-gold quartz, blue topaz, opal, amethyst, green amethyst, and citrine…just to name a few. The designs are clean and understated yet remain true to Brana’s signature stand-out-from-the-crowd jewelry characteristics. Brana will also release designs in 14K and 18K yellow, rose and green golds which were previously only available in sterling and fine silver, 14K gold-filled and copper. Look for hammered and chased geometric link designs, several of which will be set with semi-precious gemstones.

John S. Brana resides in San Francisco where he handcrafts his eight distinctive jewelry collections inspired by neighborhoods in and around San Francisco. Each collection is as diverse as its namesake and includes:

Barbary Coast- a dramatic and colorful display of layering semiprecious gemstones

Monterrey- brightly colored Italian mesh metal intertwined through hammered silver

Nob Hill – delicate filigree wire earrings inspired by Victorian architecture

Pacific Heights- large faceted solo gemstones encased in 14K gold-filled and sterling silver settings

Sea Cliff- surprisingly elegant life-like art pieces of metal-casted marine elements

Sonoma- chainmail jewelry dripping with berry-like, cascading stones

And the Men’s silver-cast jewelry collection featuring cuff-links, bold rings, textured pendants and minimalist silver bracelets.

To view each of the John S. Brana- Distinctive Jewelry collections visit www.johnsbrana.com. For wholesale information and media requests, please contact Karri Ann Frerichs, Altitude Promotions at karriann@altitudepromotion.com or 402.490.2579.

New Jewelry – SoMa Collection

New Beaded Gemstone Earrings – Barbary Coast Collection

John S. Brana — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 18:47:00 +0000

Are you ready for something different? I have been working on an innovative style of wire wrapped beaded gemstone earrings for spring to the Barbary Coast Collection. These new earrings feature various semi-precious gemstone beads in either Fine Silver, 14K Gold Filled, or 14K or 18K Gold. Current selections include Apatite, Aquamarine, Carnelian, Crystal Quartz, Garnets, Freshwater Pearls, and Peridot.

Limited quantities are available online as well as through selected Bay Area retailers.