Handcrafted Fine Jewelry Blog by John S. Brana » barbary coast

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

Handmade Jewelry by John S Brana Accessorizes “Babe Be Mine” Fashion Show – Event Photos

John S. Brana — Sat, 23 May 2009 04:02:51 +0000

14K Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Onyx Tear Drop Earrings – Barbary Coast Collection with Hammered 14K Gold Bangle – SoMa Contemporary Jewelry Collection

Amazonite Sterling Silver Chain Maille Earrings – Sonoma Collection

Amazonite Sterling Silver Chainmail Bracelet – Sonoma Chainmail Collection with Wire Wrapped Hammered Fine Silver Tear Drop with Amazonite – Barbary Coast Beaded Gemstone Collection

Chased Fine Silver Necklace with Corrugated Sterling Silver Cuff – SoMa Contemporary Jewelry Collection

Amazonite Sterling Silver Chainmail Earrings – Sonoma Chainmail Collection

Corrugated Fold Formed Copper Triangle Earrings – SoMa Contemporary Jewelry Collection

Fine Silver Anticlastic Earrings – SoMa Handmade Contemporary Jewelry Collection

Hammered 14K Gold Filled Necklace – Chased Copper Necklace – Hammered 14K Gold Filled Earrings – SoMa Contemporary Jewelry Collection

Hammered Fine Silver Necklace with Chrysophrase Gemstones – SoMa Contemporary Jewelry Collection

Baby Be Mine, Valentine’s Fashion Fundraiser for MoAD
Produced by Charleston Pierce
Choreographed by Ronnie Reddick
Styling by Karri Ann Frerichs
Handmade Jewelry by John S Brana

Zinette.com Features Handcrafted Fine Jewelry by John S. Brana

John S. Brana — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 16:40:02 +0000

See jewelry designs by John S. Brana showcased in the November edition of Zinette.com, San Francisco’s latest online magazine detailing the city’s fashion, art culture and nightlife. A chunky and dramatic bracelet of amber, onyx and citrine gemstones from John S. Brana’s Barbary Coast Collection graces the cover which was shot at San Francisco’s Phoenix Hotel featuring swimwear from LA designer, Bantu. Click and drag through Zinette’s eye-catching layout for an additional photo spread featuring designs from his Sea Cliff Collection, including a “hidden pearl” ring, sterling silver shell earrings and anticlastic cuffs styled in the club setting of Bambuddha Lounge.

Finally, travel to the Mission District to dine at Lolo’s and enjoy its kaleidoscope of bohemian décor and sip wine while styled in John S. Brana’s Sonoma–inspired chain maille jewelry.

Gentry Magazine – South Bay – features Barbary Coast Carnelian Necklace by John S. Brana

John S. Brana — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:20:19 +0000

John S. Brana’s Barbary Coast Carnelian Necklace is featured on page 68 of the November 2008 issue along with other fine jewelry by Thalia Jewelry, Stephen Webster, DeBeers, and Bulgari.

A BRANA BEAUTY Wearing John S. Brana’s Carnelian necklace ($1,285) to that next luncheon will get everyone talking—in a good way. Further enhanced by gold freshwater pearls and gold vermeil beads. this striking necklace adds elegance to a black V-neck wrap dress or a white cashmere turtleneck with black wool pants.

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.

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.

Handcrafted Fine Jewelry by John S Brana Accessorizes Photoshoot by San Francisco Photographer Jar Concengco

John S. Brana — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 01:29:38 +0000

Selections from the Barbary Coast Beaded Gemstone Collection

Selections from the Monterey Collection

Selections from the Sea Cliff Collection

Photographer: Jar Concengco
Models: Lena B. (dark blonde), Isle D. (brunette)
Stylist: Karri Ann Frerichs, Styling Asst: Punam Patel
Makeup: Cosmetics Couture
Jewelry: John S. Brana
Silk Accessories: Klaus Lange
Location: Pacifica, California

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

John S. Brana accessorizes upcoming Spring 09 Collection by theSutra

John S. Brana — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 02:34:33 +0000

Anamika wears Brazilian Fire Agate Pendant from the SoMa Collection and Two Anticlastic Copper Bracelets from the Sea Cliff Collection

Anamika wears Corrugated Sterling Silver Cuff and Jellyfish earrings from the Sea Cliff Collection along with a Smoky Quartz Cocktail Ring from the Pacific Heights Collection.

Anamika wears Crystal Quartz, Citrine, and Onyx Beaded Gemstone Necklace from the Barbary Coast Collection and a Large Faceted Citrine Cocktail Ring from the Pacific Heights Collection

Anamika wears Hammered Silver Earrings from the SoMa Collection

Anamika wears Jellyfish Earrings from the Sea Cliff Collection

Anamika wears Sterling Silver Grape Earrings set with Serpentine from the Sonoma Collection and a Large Green Gold Quartz Hammered Sterling Silver Ring from the SoMa Collection

Credits

Cowel Neck Halter by theSutra
Sheer Sequence Tunic by theSutra
Ruffle Blouse by theSutra
Drawstring Crop Blouse by theSutra
Layered Maxi Dress by theSutra

Photography: Brett Ferguson
Model: Anamika
Wardrobe Styling: Altitude Promotions
Makeup Artistry: Cosmetics Couture
Hair Styling: Assaf Hasson
Jewelry: John S Brana – Handcrafted Fine Jewelry

Fall in Line…with Distinctive Jewelry This Season

John S. Brana — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 19:44:45 +0000

Jewelry collections by John S. Brana are on target with the Fall 2008 Ready-to-Wear designer runways.

The Fall 2008 season is characterized by gray being the new black…again, the maxi dress in bold patterns and red-carpet glamour, and rich textured fabrics ruched, frayed and displayed in origami folds. Not to be overlooked however, chunky beaded necklaces, jeweled teardrop earrings and undeniable cuffs all played strong supporting roles in collections of main fashion houses. Iconic designers including Louis Vuitton, Lanvin, John Galliano and Yves St. Laurent each showcased standout jewelry pieces, whose themes may be interpreted in the eclectic jewelry collections of John S. Brana.

A true talent for combining colors and textures has always been present in several of Brana’s San Francisco-inspired collections, including Barbary Coast and Monterey. This upcoming season, feel free to lighten up a classic turtleneck tucked into belted trousers as a solid black or gray ensemble with a chunky gemstone necklace in a tri-tone color scheme. Choose your favorite of these colors and complete the look with a matching clutch and pair of heels and you are ready for the office or a lunch meeting.

A simpler, but just as dynamic, alternative to the chunky necklace is the large pendant. Get ready for the night in your knockout maxi gown by drawing the eye to your low, flirty neckline with a stunning solo gemstone set in an intricate wire setting. Brana’s Pacific Heights collection embodies the statement of luxury you want to make. Adorn you fingers (gloved or bare) in an over-the-top cocktail ring sure to leave a lasting impression. Brana personally selects each gemstone for shape, carat and clarity before creating an elaborate setting unique to each piece.

Browse the Seacliff and SoMa collections for the perfect silver or copper cuff sculpted and hammered exclusively by Brana himself. A subtle texture in your favorite blazer, lace blouse or little black dress is easily enhanced when paired with an anticlastic handcrafted cuff. Finish with the delicate touch of hammered link earrings in fine silver, gold or copper. This style remains contemporary and understated but will continue to draw compliments to your discerning taste.

To view each of John S. Brana’s collections, visit www.johnsbrana.com. For wholesale, event and media inquiries contact Karri Ann Frerichs, Altitude Promotions at karri.altitude@gmail.com or 402.490.2479.

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

John S. Brana — Thu, 22 May 2008 04:55:35 +0000

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

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.

Carlyn Galerie – “Autumn Jewels” features John S. Brana – Distinctive Jewelry

John S. Brana — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 16:29:03 +0000

September 13 – October 7, 2007 – Carlyn Galerie, (Dallas, TX) presents “Autumn Jewels”, a collection of jewelry for all tastes: Sterling Silver, Gold-filled, Glass, Semi-precious and Precious Stones, Pearls, and Mixed Metals. Along with twelve other artists, Carlyn Galerie is featuring selected pieces from my Monterey, Barbary Coast, Pacific Heights, and Sea Cliff collections.

A portion of all jewelry sales during this exhibit will be donated to CERF (Craft Emergency Relief Fund). “Craft Emergency Relief Fund is committed to supporting the careers of craft artists throughout the United States. Through business and career-strengthening programs, emergency relief support, advocacy and research CERF helps professional craft artists strengthen and sustain their careers so that they can thrive and, thus, contribute to the quality of life in our communities.”