Handmade Gemstone Pendant Necklaces

April 7, 2011 By jbrana 12 Comments

14K Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Pendant with Amethyst

The Forefront of Today’s Fashion – Gemstone Pendant Necklaces

One item that is making a huge comeback this spring is the pendant, which has been spotted in numerous American magazines already. Celebrities of all types are sporting these exquisite pieces of designer jewelry, which certainly are a fantastic way to complement anyone’s wardrobe. Richly jeweled designs are right at the forefront of today’s fashion world, and it seems like the larger the gemstone pendant is, the better. So, if you are searching for a new addition to your jewelry collection, one that will keep you in trend and in style, gemstone pendants are certainly the way to go.

Add A Flash of Color to Any Outfit with Gemstone Pendant Necklaces

Thanks to the creativity of professional jewelers around the globe, plus the extensive variety of gems found in nature, the range of gemstone pendant necklaces encrusted with these sparkling stones is simply amazing. These elegant designs are a great way to add a flash of color to your outfit no matter what clothes you are wearing. With a few purchases, you can have access to the full rainbow within your personal collection, allowing you to don a gemstone pendant regardless of whether you are going to the office, a restaurant or a nightclub. These items are just so versatile and are suitable for a number of outfits and settings.

14K Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Pendant with Green Gold Quartz

Artisan Handmade Gemstone Pendant Necklaces

Of course, the base material also plays a big part in how a piece of jewelry looks, and also how much it will cost you. Fortunately, there are enough options so that anyone, regardless of their budgets, can get their hands on a pendant necklace of any size. Gold-filled designs will suit those with a bit more money to spend, while silver and bronze pendants are more affordable and will still look absolutely stunning, especially if purchased from a skilled artisan. Remember, as well, that the materials used will determine how durable the piece is and what you will have to do to take care of it.

Once you have purchased your gemstone pendant necklace, you will then be left to choose what to wear it with! The most important thing is that the gem’s colors have to match with the clothes that you put on. Big pendants will always be the center of your outfit, so you must make sure that nothing else competes for attention from those around you. Items such as bright gemstone jewelry will go well with simple clothes that are black, grey or white. If you opt for a more subtle piece, you will need to brighten up your outfit to provide some balance.

So if you are the type of person who loves keeping up with the latest fashion trends, it is time that you went out and purchased a large gemstone pendant today. Join ranks with popular celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Molly Sims, Amy Adams and more, and strut your stuff knowing that you are looking in style and absolutely stunning with your newly-purchased designer pendant. This spring, being fashionable is as easy as choosing a handmade gemstone pendant to wear on your necklace while you are out and about.

Pearl Jewelry – Wear Nature’s Stunning Beauty

August 17, 2010 By jbrana Leave a Comment

14K Gold Filled Chain with Freshwater Pearls and Mother of Pearl

The Uniqueness of Pearl Jewelry

Amongst all the gems, pearls are the most unique. They are the only stone which does not require any additional cutting and polishing by a master jeweler. Pearls are made of nacre, which is already highly lustrous, meaning that these stunning gems can be added to any piece of jewelry very easily. For this reason, pearls have been used for centuries worldwide. Previously, people had to dive for them in the wilds, whereas now, they are simply farmed. Examples of pearl jewelry are found in John S. Brana’s Sea Cliff collection where it is used for subtle appearance enhancements or to make much bolder statements.

Freshwater and Saltwater Pearls

There are two types of pearls, saltwater and freshwater. Jewelers, such as John S. Brana, use the freshwater variety which comes in a greater number of shapes and sizes. One of the most appealing types is the Keishi pearl which comes in a fantastic array of irregular, but natural-looking shapes. These gems add a very unique appearance to any jewelry that they are added to. Because none of them look alike, they can be used to create necklaces or earrings which are one-of-a-kind works of art. This adds to their overall appeal and makes them highly sought after.

Keishi Cornflake Pearl Necklace

For some examples of how pearls are used within jewelry, have a look at the collection of items from John S. Brana with pieces such as fine silver earrings containing garnets and pearls, and necklaces made of amethyst and Keishi pearls.

The Pearl – June’s Birthstone

With its amazing appearance and versatility, the pearl is a gem which can be worn anywhere on any occasion. Pearl jewelry is a great gift idea for that special someone as it fits in with numerous styles and tastes. The pearl is also the birthstone for anyone born in June, and will make a great belated birthday present!

Did You Know That Amethyst Has Healing Powers?

February 1, 2010 By jbrana 10 Comments

Natural Amethyst Gemstone

Amethyst is considered one of the most beautiful varieties of quartz, if not the most beautiful. Known as the spirituality gemstone, amethyst expresses the connection between the divine and spiritual side, stimulating clairvoyance. It has a very strong protective role. Amethyst is found mainly in Brazil.

This gemstone is considered a symbol of success, because it stimulates and amplifies intellectual abilities, intuition, self confidence, concentration and spiritual capacities. At the same time, it reduces anger, impatience, nightmares, stress, nervousness, depression, improving communication between people.

Known as a gemstone of power, amethyst has a calming effect on the nervous system, fighting against insomnia. Anybody can place an amethyst crystal under the pillow to have pleasant dreams.

Amethyst fights against addictions (tobacco, alcohol, food), insomnia (it is a cure used for snoring), headaches, allergies, acne, migraines and back pain. Some people claim that this gemstone has beneficial effects on stomach, central nervous system, digestive and endocrine system, eyes and hair. It balances blood sugar and regenerates the entire body.

Crystals of amethyst purify and transform lower energies into higher energies, having a relaxing effect. They are recommended for meditation.

14K Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Pendant with Tear Drop Amethyst

Greeks believe that this gemstone brings love and happiness, while medieval soldiers wore amethyst amulets in battles. If your problems in love are deep, then you need this healing crystal, which will purify your inner energies, balancing your life. Amethyst is known for its power to support major changes in life, whether it’s about an intentional change or a painful experience like a breakup or a divorce. It will bring you inner peace and the power to forget and to forgive.

Also, amethyst is used by people who have passed through experiences that have made them feel victimized by a strong and impulsive personality. By wearing such a natural crystal, you will attract positive energies that will help you to receive and offer love. Meditate on your own desires and decide to accept love in your life, supported by the energetic power of crystals.

Amethyst is a perfect gemstone for those born in the month of February. Shop these handcrafted jewelry designs by jewelry designer John S. Brana featuring February’s birthstone Amethyst.

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

Fall’s Must-Have Looks: “Heavy Metal” from John S. Brana – Distinctive Fine Jewelry

August 4, 2008 By John S. Brana Leave a Comment

As we all know, this fall 2008 season is all about classic clean lines, and structured volume. While the menswear suiting and frilly party dresses dominate the runway, one trend is helping these lines shine; heavily jeweled accessories.

Whether it’s the intensely large costume jewels of Lanvin, or the classically dark, regal jewel sets at Alexander McQueen, everyone is doing it. But the greatest example of fall’s ultra encrusted , jewel sets were at Balenciaga. Heavy looking necklaces with matching bracelets on both arms, perfectly accented the sleek lines of the Spanish chic collection.

With all the above designers in the Editor’s Top 10 Collections for fall at Vogue.com, we are certain that they will be the must-haves for fall. So how do you get the season’s biggest accessory trend before it hits the magazine? Established jewelry designer, John S. Brana, is one step ahead with his Sonoma collection. These seductive pieces loaded with garnet, amethyst, and amber gemstones are ready to go from the fall catwalks, into your jewelry box. Inspired by the beauty and sophistication of the rolling hills of Sonoma, California, John S. Brana crafts his rich, grape-like collection to pay tribute to the wine country. The elegant construction of these pieces, create a similar regal look that we see on the runways. So whether it’s the clustered earrings paired with the chunky necklace like at McQueen, or the gem dripping necklace with matching bracelets at Balenciaga, John S. Brana’s breath-taking jewelry will make your friends remember you had the look first.

-Ashley Chavez, Altitude Promotions

Sonoma Collection

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

July 10, 2008 By John S. Brana 3 Comments

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 Handmade Jewelry Accessorizes Fashion Model 2008

June 13, 2008 By John S. Brana 5 Comments

Amber Citrine Crystal Quartz Necklace

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Veronica wears Crystal Quartz – Amber – Citrine Necklace from the Barbary Coast Collection.

Barbary Coast Garnet Earrings and Gemstone Necklace

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Quincy wears Garnet Wire Wrapped earrings
and Pink Coral, Garnets, and Citrine necklace from the Barbary Coast Collection.

Barbary Coast Amber Gemstone Necklace

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Quincy wears Amber and Onyx necklace from the Barbary Coast Collection.

Chalk Turquoise Necklace from the Barbary Coast Collection

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Merissa wears a Green Chalk Turquoise necklace from the Barbary Coast Collection and Fine Silver Anticlastic earrings from the SoMa Collection.

Barbary Coast Freshwater Pearl Wire Spiral Earrings

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Liz wears a Spiral 14K Gold Filled earrings set with White Freshwater Pearls from the Barbary Coast Beaded Gemstone Collection.

Onyx and Crystal Quartz Necklace - Barbary Coast Collection

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Ashley wears Fleur-de-lis Earrings set with faceted Onyx and a Gold Quartz, Citrine, and Onyx necklace from the Barbary Coast Beaded Gemstone Collection.

Amethyst Italian Mesh Metal Ribbon Necklace from the Monterey Collection

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Sivan wears Purple Italian Mesh Metal Ribbon earrings and Amethyst Italian Mesh Metal Ribbon necklace from the Monterey Beaded Gemstone Collection.

Monterey Collection - Orange Italian Mesh Metal Ribbon Necklace

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Fernanda wears Orange Italian Mesh Metal Ribbon earrings and necklace set with Carnelian from the Monterey Beaded Gemstone Collection.

Pacific Heights Citrine Gemstone Earrings

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Quincy wears Teardrop Citrine Gemstone earrings from the Pacific Heights Collection.

Pacific Heights Wire Wrapped Gemstone Jewelry Collection

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Fernanda wears a matching set of wire sculpted Citrine earrings, pendant, and ring from the Pacific Heights Collection.

Fold Formed Silver Earrings and Keishi Cornflake Pearl Necklace from the Sea Cliff Collection

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Sivan wears Fold Formed Fan Coral Fine Silver
earrings and Keishi Pearl necklace from the Sea Cliff Collection.

Sea Cliff Collection Pearl Necklace

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Jenna wears a Mother of Pearl and Fine Silver necklace from the Sea Cliff Collection.

Nob Hill Filigree Jewelry Collection

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Photographer Sarah Ross wears
Large Tear Drop Filigree earrings from the Nob Hill Collection and Hammered Fine Silver necklace from the
SoMa Collection.

Chalk Turquoise Necklace from the Barbary Coast Collection

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Merissa wears Fine Silver Anticlastic earrings from the SoMa Collection and a Green Chalk Turquoise necklace from the Barbary Coast Collection.

SoMa Hammered Silver Jewelry Collection

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Liz wears Brazilian Fire Agate
Hammered Fine Silver necklace and Hammered Fine Silver earrings from the
SoMa Collection.

Hammered Copper Jewelry - Fold Formed Copper Leaf Earrings - Fold Fomed Copper Cuff - Hammered Copper Neckwire with Brazilian Fire Agate Pendant

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Liz wears Brazilian Fire Agate Copper Necklace, Copper Leaf Earrings, and Copper Fold Formed Bracelet from the Handmade Copper Jewelry Collection by John S. Brana.

Guests enjoy wine while browsing art including jewelry by John S. Brana at Art People Gallery – May 28

May 29, 2008 By John S. Brana Leave a Comment

Over 50 guests attended a wine tasting event featuring three boutique wineries from Napa Valley and one Italian wine distributor held at the intimate gallery space of Art People in the Crocker Galleria, San Francisco. Many of the current exhibiting artists were present to showcase their creations including John S. Brana, whose distinctive handcrafted jewelry creations drew attention from attendees and fellow artists alike. Artful jewelry pieces from each of Brana’s seven women’s jewelry collections, all inspired by areas in and around San Francisco, were displayed.

Two Curious Onlookers Browse Jewelry by John S. Brana

Guests were particularly drawn to selections from the Monterey collection, including a pair of teardrop-shaped earrings made of fine silver and wrapped in an olive green Italian metal mesh, priced especially for Art People clients at $95. Many women also enjoyed slipping dazzling gemstone cocktail rings from the Pacific Heights collection onto their fingers. “The wirework setting is incredible,” exclaimed one guest as she and her friend fitted various rings set with faceted blue topaz, citrine, amethyst and green-gold quartz gemstones, priced from $300-$400.

John S. Brana points out the SoMa Hammered Copper, Silver, and Gold Collection to a customer

Brana’s art colleague and good friend, Klaus Lange was also an exhibiting artist. Lange displayed several abstract photographs taken from ship sides at sea and a selection silk chiffon scarves and sarongs inspired by those images. His silkwear collection, Seaklaus, has developed into an “Art 2 Couture” limited resort collection of wearable art from images of his photographs. The central look of the collection is a classic Japanese kimono with an Elizabethan twist, accessorized with a 24K green quartz gemstone pin with a 14K gold-filled wire setting from Brana’s Pacific Heights collection.

Art 2 Couture by Klaus Lange features a hair pin by John S. Brana

Art People hosts these wine tasting and art events on the last Wednesday of each month. Events are open to the public and entrance fee is $15. The next scheduled event, featuring additional works by John S. Brana and Klaus Lange will take place Wednesday, June 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Gentry Magazine features 18k Gold Amethyst Earrings from the Pacific Heights Collection

December 4, 2007 By John S. Brana Leave a Comment

A pair of earrings from jewelry designer John S. Brana will spruce up that white button-down shirt and wide-leg trouser pants. These ornate earrings from the Pacific Heights Collection ($1,235) feature 18k gold cascading swirls and ornate amethyst stones.

Gentry Magazine’s mission is “to report and reflect on our community at large with intelligence, integrity, sophistication, and quality. Our distinctive coverage of people and personalities, towns and communities, history and travel, culture and events, has earned Gentry unparalleled respect and devotion from its readers.”

Gentry can be found at various locations throughout the San Francisco Peninsula and South Bay – from Hillsborough to Los Altos, and Cupertino Hills to the Almaden Valley. Click here to find out more about Gentry.

Daniela Torres hostess of AOL Latino Fashionista Wears Selected Jewelry From John S. Brana

September 19, 2007 By John S. Brana Leave a Comment

Latino Fashionista, produced by Savar Media is a new webisode on AOL Latino. The show is a re-creation of the highly successful Bravo show “Project Runway.” The judges include Designer Gustavo Arango, Fashion editor of people en Espanol Kika Rochas and the show’s hostess AOL Latino celebrity Daniela Torres. In the first and second videos, Daniela (in purple) is wearing an Amethyst Pendant in 14K Gold from my Pacific Heights Collection .

First Episode

Second Episode

In the final episode, Daniela (in black) wears an African Green Opal necklace from my Barbary Coast Collection

Handmade Gemstone Pendant Necklaces

14K Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Pendant with Amethyst

The Forefront of Today’s Fashion – Gemstone Pendant Necklaces

Add A Flash of Color to Any Outfit with Gemstone Pendant Necklaces

14K Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Pendant with Green Gold Quartz

Artisan Handmade Gemstone Pendant Necklaces

Recommended Reading

Pearl Jewelry – Wear Nature’s Stunning Beauty

The Uniqueness of Pearl Jewelry

Freshwater and Saltwater Pearls

The Pearl – June’s Birthstone

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Did You Know That Amethyst Has Healing Powers?

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Beaded Gemstone Jewelry: Make a Statement

Recommended Reading

Fall’s Must-Have Looks: “Heavy Metal” from John S. Brana – Distinctive Fine Jewelry

Recommended Reading

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

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John S. Brana Handmade Jewelry Accessorizes Fashion Model 2008

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Guests enjoy wine while browsing art including jewelry by John S. Brana at Art People Gallery – May 28

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Gentry Magazine features 18k Gold Amethyst Earrings from the Pacific Heights Collection

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Daniela Torres hostess of AOL Latino Fashionista Wears Selected Jewelry From John S. Brana

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New Products – Handcrafted Designer Jewelry by John S. Brana

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14K Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Pendant with Amethyst The Forefront of Today’s Fashion – Gemstone Pendant Necklaces

Add A Flash of Color to Any Outfit with Gemstone Pendant Necklaces

14K Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Pendant with Green Gold Quartz Artisan Handmade Gemstone Pendant Necklaces

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

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Handcrafted Jewelry

14K Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Pendant with Amethyst

The Forefront of Today’s Fashion – Gemstone Pendant Necklaces

14K Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Pendant with Green Gold Quartz

Artisan Handmade Gemstone Pendant Necklaces