Handmade Jewelry Blog by Jewelry Designer John S Brana
The creative process Blog of San Francisco Jewelry Designer John S. Brana. In-depth articles on designing and marketing handmade jewelry and handcrafted fine art jewelry.
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.
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
 |
 |
 |
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.
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
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.
In terms of matching your jewelry to your clothing, if you are wearing more than one color, your accessories should balance out the entire outfit. For example, if you are wearing black and red, you should have an even amount of red accessories (possibly garnets or coral) and black accessories (onyx or a black silk scarf). Stick with the same color palate for guaranteed success. Wear ruby or garnet earrings with a red top, or a sapphire or blue topaz -accented necklace or pendant with your favorite blue dress. Above all, make sure your jewelry is appropriate for the occasion or event that you will be wearing it to.
Utilize your current jewelry wardrobe to its best, and then over time fill in the gaps with compliment
ary pieces. This doesn’t mean that you have to spend a fortune to augment your jewelry wardrobe or have an extensive jewelry collection. It also doesn’t mean that you can’t mix a piece of fine jewelry with a bridge or costume, just as long as it works well together.
Consider having at least one signature piece of high quality jewelry that you wear frequently (other than your wedding band). It doesn’t have to be a handcrafted one-of-a-kind designer piece. There are plenty of wonderful pieces on the market that are unsigned but certainly make a fashion statement. Above all, make sure that your everyday or signature jewelry is in good condition. If it’s showing signs of wear, have it repaired, upgraded, or replaced.
Just remember that everyday jewelry should work well with the rest of your wardrobe and should reflect your personal style. Carry out this look when selecting new pieces to add to your jewelry wardrobe. Most importantly, remember that staying within your comfort zone and your personal fashion style goes a long way in making your confidence and personality shine.
