Handcrafted Fine Jewelry Blog by John S. Brana » beaded gemstone

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

John S. Brana — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 17:59:38 +0000

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.

“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

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

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.

Accessorizing with the Right Jewelry – Part 2

John S. Brana — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 13:39:55 +0000

Continued from Dec 21st

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 complimentary 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.