First Impressions – What Does Your Jewelry Tell Others?

Amethyst Carnelian Prehnite Necklace

Amethyst Carnelian Prehnite Necklace

Whether you care or not, you make an impression every time you bump into someone different or see an old acquaintance. Research shows that in the first 30 seconds, an attitude is formed based upon your appearance. Your jewelry and what it brings to light about your character is part of that consciousness. If you want to project a certain vision, either individually or professionally, using your jewelry is a very useful way to do it. Here are some helpful pointers to get you started:

Stand Out from the Crowd

Treat yourself to a truely amazing one-of-a-kind piece of custom made jewelry. For instance, a custom piece of hand made jewelry designed by an artiste will really make you stand out. With a unique piece of art jewelry, you will be astonished at how often you get compliments and stand out from the rest of the crowd. Select the right design to reflect your personality. Different designs enhance certain personalities. Dazzlingly colored designs usually evoke a enjoyable, overenthusiastic, warm personality; Modern designed jewelry usually evokes an artsy personality; Ethnic jewelry usually evokes a bohemian or free spirit personality.

Pull Together Colors

Blue Obsidian Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Earrings

Blue Obsidian Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Earrings

The easiest way to be sure to color synchronize your outfits is to buy matching jewelry sets whenever possible or financially feasible. This ensures you will always have something to match your outfit. A synchronized outfit communicates a well prepared, meticulous, and professional person with great taste and a flair for fashion. Having a blend of nicely harmonized colors does not mean that your jewelry has to be the same color as your outfit, but it does have to be part of a harmonized set of colors that blend nicely together.

Never thought jewelry was that essential? Statement jewelry is a part of you that guides your hidden style, your beliefs, actions, yearnings, place in life, line of work and status. It makes you feel good about yourself when you marvel at it in the mirror. Whenever you look at your one-of-a-kind jewelry, it gives you warmth inside when you recall where you acquired it or why you have it. Handcrafted designer jewelry makes a affirmative statement about you every time you wear it, and whenever you recieve or buy something new, it is a remembrance of that event in your life.

Recommended Reading

STUDIO333 Fine Art Gallery features Handcrafted Fine Jewelry by John S. Brana at “My Bloody Valentine” Love Hurts Event

 

Studio 333 Sausalito California - My Blody Vaentine
 


February 13, 2009 – Studio 333 Fine Art Gallery, Sausalito,  CA – "My Bloody Valentine – Love Hurts Event" – 8:00pm to 12:00am – 333A Caledonia Street.  Over 200 guests will shop from 30 jewelry and fashion designers.  Dancing, free champagne, and DJ P-DUB will provide the bloody fun!  Tickets can be purchased in advanced at www.studio333.info – $20 Advance / $25 Door.

 

Recommended Reading

Niche – The Magazine for Progressive Retailers – Summer 2008 – features Corrugated Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet by John S Brana

 


Niche- Artists Showcase – A special section highlights some of the best artists you will find in NICHE.  Purchase works for the busy season ahead.  Page 96. San Francisco-inspired wearable art jewelry by John S. Brana includes anticlastic, hammered, filigree, and beaded gemstone collections in silver, copper, 14kt – 18kt gold and bronze. 

Niche - Artists Showcase - John S Brana - Fine Handcrafted Jewelry - Summer 2008.

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Sterling Silver Fabricated Anemone Ring

Here’s a new twist on an old favorite. This ring was fabricated (as apposed to casting) using Sterling Silver sheet and wire, oxidized to enhance detail.

My prior Anemone designs (seen here) were all hand sculpted using Precious Metal Clay (PMC). The benefits of fabrication vs. casting / PMC are: 1.) Longer Wear due to greater density (often years longer on ring shanks and prongs); 2.) Crisper and Cleaner detail of a design; 3.) Greater resistance to scratching; 4.) More brilliant polish.

Hand Fabricated Sterling Silver Anemone Ring

If you are interested in finding out more about the fabrication process, I would highly recommend checking out Review: Art of Hand Fabricated Jewelry Design | All Things Metal Clay

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The Bead Shop Features John S. Brana – Distinctive Jewelry

The Bead Shop Features John S. Brana - Distinctive Jewelry

In celebration of its 25th anniversary and introduction of 2007 spring class curriculum “Awaken Your Creativity,” The Bead Shop (www.beadshop.com) of Palo Alto, CA features former student John S Brana. Owner Janice Parsons remarks “Over the past twenty-five years, I have seen students become recognized jewelry designers, bead store owners, and successful importers. I remember when John Brana first walked through the doors of The Bead Shop. John came in to take a class and from then on, he will tell you, he just wasn’t the same. What happened to John happens every day at The Bead Shop; I call it the “Creative Light Bulb Moment”. It’s the instant when a new beader realizes s/he can actually make something… s/he can actually make jewelry! And, when you have that epiphany, you feel fantastic!”

Bold in scale, unique, and distinctive, John S. Brana’s pieces are perfect for those who enjoy interesting jewelry design and are seeking to make an unusual statement. Working in sterling silver, fine silver, 14K, 18K, 22K, 24K yellow and white gold wire, and pure silver and 22k gold precious metal clay, John combines various hand carved semi-precious gemstone beads, fresh water pearls, and natural faceted gemstones to create unique, one-of-a-kind, custom handcrafted art jewelry for both men and women.

For an online portfolio, please visit www.johnsbrana.com

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