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Filigree Jewelry in Fashion

June 5, 2010 By 23 Comments
Fine Silver Tear Drop Filigree Earrings

Fine Silver Tear Drop Filigree Earrings

Fashionable Filigree Jewelry

Filigree is an ornamental metalwork design used in many craft and design areas. In jewelry making its delicate and lacy texture was originally crafted by hammering or rolling gold, silver, copper, or platinum into thin wire and then twisting, bending and soldering the wires to form patterns that closely resembled snowflakes or fine lace. In fact, the word filigree comes from the Latin “filum” meaning “thread” or “spinning” and “gran” which means “grain” or “bead”. Originally, small beads of metal were soldered into the junctions where the wires met in order to add strength to the delicate wirework.

Filigree Jewelry Throughout History

This intricate and delicate design technique dates as far back as the 1600s in Asian, French, Greek and Roman cultures and became very popular in Art Deco filigree jewelry pieces of the 1920s and 1930s in the United States. Flowers, hearts, leaves and paisley patterns were formed into filigree from fine metals and crafted into rings, brooches, earrings and wedding bands. Early examples of this dramatic and elegant fine crafting are on display at the British Museum and at the Louvre.

14K Gold Fine Silver Filigree Large Tear Drop Earrings

14K Gold Fine Silver Filigree Large Tear Drop Earrings

The light and airy feel and subtle beauty of this design endures to present day. While antique filigree jewelry is highly prized, this delicately beautiful metalwork is still quite popular in modern day jewelry design. Enjoy the minute hand craftsmanship of tiny fine silver wires twisted then sculpted into delicate tendrils of open scroll earrings of the Nob Hill Filigree collection featuring sterling and fine silver crafted into sweeping, intricately designed swirls. Our Filigree Tear Drop Scroll Earrings are available in either 14k or 18k gold and fine silver, and are inspired by the classic iron gates that decorate Victorian-era homes and apartments atop San Francisco’s historic Nob Hill neighborhood.

Whether you’re dressing up for a night on the town or dressing down in a hip boho chic look, filigree jewelry adds a classy, feminine touch to your style.

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Filed Under: Silver Jewelry, What's New Tagged With: 1600s, 18k gold, Classic Iron, Delicate Design, Delicate Tendrils, Design Areas, drop earrings, Feminine Touch, Filigree Earrings, Filigree Jewelry, Filum, Hand Craftsmanship, Historic Nob Hill, Iron Gates, Jewelry Design, jewelry pieces, Junctions, Nob Hill, Ornamental Metalwork, Roman Cultures, San Francisco, silver copper, Silver Wires, Subtle Beauty, Tear Drop, Thin Wire, Wirework

Handcrafted Jewelry Designer John S. Brana Showcases Stackable Rings for Designers by the Bay Event Hosted by Shreve & Co.

October 16, 2009 By 6 Comments

John S. Brana is introducing stackable rings and matching bangles and cuffs to his collection of fine jewelry designs in 14K, 18K Gold, and Sterling Silver exclusively for the 13th Annual Designers by the Bay and Fine Jewelry Showcase, Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. The most exciting creations include stunning cuffs in Sterling Silver, 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 second year exhibitor, I will be showcasing upcoming Spring 2010 trends that emphasize sculptural textures, color, and versatility” said Brana who is best known by his clients for meticulous attention to handcrafted details in the bridge jewelry category. Each texture reflects light in its own unique way allowing admirers to easily distinguish between the individual bands and bangles. Numerous “looks” can be achieved simply by arranging textures and color. Stackable rings and bangles come in seven textures handmade in Sterling Silver, Copper, 14K Gold, and 18K Yellow, Green, and Rose Gold, with soon to be released designs set with white diamonds, colored diamonds, and semi-precious gemstones.

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.

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Filed Under: Events, Silver Jewelry Tagged With: 18k gold, Colored Diamonds, Complementary Wine, Continual Growth, distinctive jewelry, Fine Jewelry, Jewelry Category, jewelry designer, Jewelry Designers, jewelry designs, Jewelry Industry, Jewelry Showcase, Meticulous Attention, Northern California Chapter, Select Jewelry, Shreve & Co, Shreve Co San Francisco, silver copper, Stackable Rings, sterling silver, White Diamonds, Women's Jewelry Association

Handcrafted Jewelry Designer John S Brana Talks About His Monterey Collection

June 28, 2009 By 4 Comments

Karri Ann Frerichs, PR Director of Altitude Promotions interviews San Francisco jewelry designer John S. Brana backstage at “Bella Bikini Fashion Show” by Charleston Pierce at Temple nightclub. Rich hues of the softest Italian mesh metal ribbon is embellished with precious and semi-precious stones or pearls and is available by the piece or in sets of over 30 different colors. John also describes his process of anticlastic metal raising that he uses to produce beautiful one-of-a-kind Sterling Silver, Copper, and 14K and 18K Gold Cuffs and Earrings.

Click here to view the Monterey Collection

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Filed Under: Video Tagged With: 18k gold, Beautiful One, Bikini Fashion, Cuffs, Different Colors, Earrings, fashion show, Gold Earrings, Handcrafted Jewelry, jewelry designer, Kind Sterling Silver, Mesh Metal, monterey, pearls, Pr Director, Ribbon, Rich Hues, Semi Precious Stones, silver copper

Model Apryl Orr wears selections from the Barbary Coast Collection

August 27, 2008 By 11 Comments

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
Barbary Coast Beaded Gemstone Collection - Faceted Garnets and Citrine Necklace by John S. Brana Handmade Jewelry

Barbary Coast Beaded Gemstone Collection - Faceted Garnets and Citrine Necklace

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.
Barbary Coast Collection - Onyx Earrings and Amber, Crystal Quartz Necklace by John S. Brana Handmade Jewelry

Barbary Coast Collection - Onyx Earrings and Amber, Crystal Quartz Necklace

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.
Nob Hill Filigree Jewelry and Barbary Coast Beaded Gemstone Collection by John S. Brana Handmade Jewelry

Nob Hill Filigree Jewelry and Barbary Coast Beaded Gemstone Collection

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.
18K Hammered Gold Cuff with Brazilian Fire Agate Necklace - John S. Brana Handmade Jewelry

18K Hammered Gold Cuff with Brazilian Fire Agate Necklace

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.

 

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Filed Under: Press Tagged With: 14K Gold, 18k gold, 18K Jewelry, 24k gold, Apryl, Apryl Orr, Art2Couture, barbary coast, Beaded Gemtstone Jewelry, Carat, Carnelian Earrings, clear quartz, Collection Model, Designer Art Jewelry, Filigree Earrings, Fire Agate, Fleur De, Fleur De Lis, Garnets, Gemstone Collection, Gold Earrings, Klaus Lange, Nob Hill, Onyx Earrings, Onyx Necklace, Orr, Sarong, Sea Cliff, Seaklaus, semi precious, Silver Earrings, Wearable Art Jewelry

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

August 14, 2008 By 4 Comments

John S. Brana is introducing to his collection new fine jewelry designs in 14K, 18K gold, and fine silver exclusively for the 12th 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
Corrugated Anticlastic Sterling Silver Bracelet - Large 18K Gold Chased Cuff Corrugated Anticlastic Sterling Silver Cuff

 

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

August 5, 2008 By 1 Comment

 

Jewellery World Review - April 2008 - Features Nob Hill Collection by John S Brana

Jewellery World Review Page49 April 2008 Nob Hill Collection

Jewellery World Review Page50 April 2008 Nob Hill Collection

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. 

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Filed Under: Press Tagged With: 14K Gold, 18k gold, Art Collections, Corporate Agenda, Daily Reminder, distinctive jewelry, entrance gates, Filigree, Filigree Earrings, Filigree Jewelry, Fine Silver, gold wires, Handcrafted Jewelry, Jewellery World, jewellery world review, jewelry collection, Limited Edition Jewelry, Nob Hill, S Line, San Francisco Neighborhood, sterling silver, streets of san francisco, Wearable Art Jewelry, West Portal, Wirework

John S. Brana Will Showcase New Fine Jewelry Designs at Designers by the Bay Event Hosted by Shreve & Co.

July 26, 2008 By 1 Comment

John S. Brana – Distinctive Jewelry will feature his handcrafted fine jewelry collections at the 12th Annual Designers by the Bay and Fine Jewelry Showcase.  This event will take place Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. and will be held at Shreve & Co., 200 Post Street, San Francisco.  More than 200 expected guests will be the first to see John S. Brana’s latest creations in silver and 14K-18K gold.    

“Being the premier fine jewelry event in Northern California, I am honored to be given the opportunity to exhibit my designs at such a prestigious event,” said Brana who will showcase for the first time at this event presented by the Women’s Jewelry Association, Northern California Chapter.  Guests will enjoy Brana’s latest designs including large carat gemstone solitaire rings set in hand-sculpted and hammered silver and 18K gold from his SoMa and Pacific Heights Collections.  Delicate filigree earrings, dramatic sculpted and anticlastic cuffs and new designs in 18K gold wire-work pendants set with large solo gemstones will also be featured.       

The continual growth of Designers by the Bay has lent it the reputation for being the premier fine jewelry event in Northern California.  More than 20 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.

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

July 8, 2008 By 2 Comments

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
Hammered Bronze Cocktail Ring - Blue Topaz Hammered Bronze Cocktail Ring - Green Gold Quartz Hammered Bronze Cocktail Ring - Boulder Opal
Hammered 14K Gold Earrings with Peridot Hammered 14K Gold Earrings - Circles Hammered 14K Gold Earrings with Blue Topaz

 

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Filed Under: Gold Jewelry Tagged With: 14K Gold, 14K Jewelry, 18k gold, barbary coast, blue topaz, Bronze, Cocktail Rings, contemporary, distinctive jewelry, faceted gems, gemstone earrings, Geometric Link, Gold Designs, gold quartz, Green Amethyst, green gold, hammered bronze, Hammered Copper, Hammered Gold, Hammered Jewelry, Hammered Silver, janice dickinson, jewelry collections, John S Brana, Mesh Metal, Namesake, Natasha Bedingfield, Nbsp Nbsp Nbsp Nbsp Nbsp, Nob Hill, rose gold, Rsquo, Sea Creatures, Semi Precious Gemstones, soma, Yellow Rose

John S. Brana – Distinctive Jewelry – Now Available at Art People in the Crocker Galleria, San Francisco

May 21, 2008 By 4 Comments

Art People - Fine Art Gallery - Crocker Galleria, San Francisco CA

John S. Brana – Distinctive Jewelry is now available for purchase at Art People, 50 Post Street Suite 41, on the second floor of the Crocker Galleria. Handcrafted designs from each of Brana’s seven women’s jewelry collections, all inspired by eclectic San Francisco themes, are showcased. Art People is the forth bay area gallery or retailer to carry Brana’s 14K-18K gold, silver, copper and gemstone jewelry collections.

Art People hosts monthly art and wine tasting parties open to the public where guests may enjoy creations from resident artists, including John S. Brana – Distinctive Jewelry. The next party will be held Wednesday, May 28, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Brana will also be featured as the artist of the month later this year. Opening reception information will be announced soon.

Among the nearly 40 one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces available in the gallery, selections from the Barbary Coast, Sonoma, Seacliff and SoMa collections are exhibited in Art People’s storefront window. Additional collections available include Monterey Italian mesh jewelry, Pacific Heights gemstone jewelry and Nob Hill filigree jewelry. Necklaces, cuffs, earrings, rings and bracelets are available for purchase.

To view each of John S. Brana’s – Distinctive Jewelry collections, visit www.johnsbrana.com.

For upcoming events and media requests, please contact Karri Ann Frerichs, Altitude Promotions, at karriann@altitudepromotion.com or 402.490.2579

Barbary Coast, Sea Cliff, and SoMa Colleciton in front window of Art People Gallery in the Crocker Galleria, San Francisco, CA

Sonoma Collection at Art People in the Crocker Galleria, San Francisco, CA

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New Beaded Gemstone Earrings – Barbary Coast Collection

February 21, 2008 By 2 Comments

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.

Aquamarine Wire Wrapped Earrings in

Garnet Wire Wrapped Earrings in 14K Gold Filled

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

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Filed Under: Gemstones Tagged With: 14K Gold, 18k gold, apatite, Aquamarine., barbary coast, Beaded Earrings, beaded gemstone, crystal quartz, Current, Earrings, Fine Silver, freshwater pearls, Gemstone, gemstone earrings, Limited Quantities, precious gemstone beads, semi precious gemstone beads
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