Handcrafted Fine Jewelry Blog by John S. Brana » amber

“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

Savvy Summer Style… Entertaining with Wine, Bloomingdale’s San Francisco – May 14, 2008

John S. Brana — Thu, 29 May 2008 06:05:34 +0000

Handcrafted jewelry designer, John S. Brana enjoyed an entertaining evening with his publicist, Karri Ann Frerichs of Altitude Promotions, and fellow fine accessory designer, Klaus Lange while mingling with other wine enthusiasts at Bloomingdale’s in San Francisco, May 14^th. This event was hosted by celebrity event styling expert, Wendy Creed and St. Francis Winery sommelier, Chris Silva.

Brana, Frerichs and Lange were treated to a sampling of summer dishes prepared by Bloomingdales while event stylist Wendy Creed described interesting ways to entertain summer guests with her A-list event secrets. Silva, St. Francis Winery sommelier, explained just how to pair wines with each dish and how to bring forth the many flavors present in each glass. The event concluded with a Bloomingdale’s tour of specific set designs created by Creed for the event ideas described to the guests.

John S. Brana and Karri Ann Frerichs

Karri Ann Frerichs accessorized her look especially for this event with a wine-inspired amber and silver chainmail necklace and bracelet from Brana’s “Sonoma” collection. She also wore “Foothills,” a 100% silk chiffon scarf designed by Klaus Lange from his Art2Couture Limited Edition silkwear collection.

Klaus Lange and Karri Ann Frerichs

New Autumn Additions – Barbary Coast Jewelry Collection

John S. Brana — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 22:25:17 +0000

I recently finished a few new gemstone necklaces that incorporate upcoming fall colors. This necklace features faceted Crystal Quartz, Pineapple Quartz, Citrine, 24K Gold foil Venetian Glass, Amber, Butterscotch Amber, Black Lava, Buffalo Horn, Obsidian, Abalone, and hand-carved Onyx beads. The piece is accented with 22K Gold Vermeil granulated beads and is 23 inches in length.

Carnelian is a very traditional and popular fall gemstone. This necklace features unique hand-carved round Carnelian beads, accented with Amber, Gold and Copper colored Freshwater Pearls, and 22K Gold Vermeil beads.

In addition to Carnelian, Amber (fossilized resin) is another highly featured fall “gemstone.” In addition to two varieties of Amber – Baltic and Madagascar, this necklace also features Citrine, Brown Lava (natural), Onyx, Freshwater Pearls, accented with 22K Gold Vermeil beads.

If you would like more information on upcoming trends and fashion forecasting, check out FashionTrendSetter.com

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