Hoop Earrings

Hoop Earrings are the Perfect Compliment to Any Outfit

Within the diverse world of jewelry, it is often the simplest items which are the most popular. Looking through the top stores worldwide, it is obvious that hoop earrings are one of the most elegant accessories available. Favored by celebrity fashion icons such as Kim Kardashian and Alexa Chung, hoop earings are the perfect compliment to any sort of outfit too, proving that jewelry does not have to be intricate to be stylish.

Hoop Earrings Come in a Variety of Metals

Texturized Hoop Copper Handmade Earrings by San Francisco Jewelry Designer John S Brana

Texturized Hoop Copper Handmade Earrings by San Francisco Jewelry Designer John S Brana

These elegant accessories are also incredibly versatile as an artisan can use almost any metal available to create a range of exquisite products. From the warm glow of gold to the cold exterior of aluminum, there is plenty of choice available for the keen fashion enthusiast. Even copper can be used to form hoop earrings which look natural, stylish and very smart indeed. Because of this, the average consumer can find exactly what they are looking for, whether they are aiming for pure elegance or sheer simplicity while shopping for their next piece of fine jewelry.

Brighten Any Look with Gemstone Hoop Earrings

For added variety and glamour, some designs of hoop earrings include a beautiful gemstone attached to the bottom edge. This is perfect for those looking for a more fashionable twist to their next jewelry purchase and can be a fine way to brighten up any outfit whether you are at the office or out around the town. Gems such as blue topaz are especially attractive as they add a fine sense of color and flair to both formal and casual attire. While these sorts of accessories are a lot more expensive than their simpler counterparts, the extra cost then comes with added elegance and style as well.

 

Chased Nu Gold Handmade Hoop Earrings by San Francisco Jewelry Designer John S Brana

Chased Nu Gold Handmade Hoop Earrings by San Francisco Jewelry Designer John S Brana

When purchasing a pair of these beautiful earrings, it is important to ensure that the size is right for both your wardrobe and the places where you wish to wear them. Smaller sizes are great for the office as well as casual, laidback events. They also go well with more formal attire such as tailored suits and clothes in neutral shades. For the nightclub and more formal occasions, larger hoop earrings can be worn. Items including gemstones are also appropriate in these situations, and go well with designer brands and more elaborate clothing.

Visit Your Local Boutique for One-of-a-kind Hoop Earrings

When out purchasing your next set of earrings, make sure to visit some small, boutique stores. There, you should be able to find a wide collection of handmade hoop earrings that are well-made and very attractive. Because they are handmade as well, these accessories will be completely unique, giving you the opportunity to wear something which reflects your individuality in the best possible manner. Since these stores retail items which are not found anywhere else, they provide a great opportunity for you to make a statement and grab the attention of those around you with a pair of hoop earrings which is truly one-of-a-kind.

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Mens Designer Jewelry – Choosing Jewelry for Your Man

Rawhide Mens Sterling Silver Curb Link Bracelet - Mens Jewelry

Rawhide Mens Sterling Silver Curb Link Bracelet

Mens Jewelry – Things to Consider

If you are searching for the ultimate gift for your special man, purchasing some mens jewelry may be a good idea. Gone are the days when items such as bracelets and rings were only thought of as presents for women. These days, men are often seen sporting stylish cufflinks, bracelets, and necklaces. However, before you decide on one particular piece, there are a few things to consider about which type will please him best.

Personality and Sense of Style is Key When Selecting Mens Jewelry

One key idea is that men will often wear jewelry which suits their own individual personality and style. If your man is sporty and rugged, he may enjoy something from the Rawhide Collection created by John S. Brana. These pieces have the texture of raw leather and hark back to the days of the Wild West. Alternatively, your man may be more refined. In this case, simply purchase him something a little more distinctive and chic like a mens ring set with a large colored gemstone.

Wave Sterling Silver Ring with Blue Topaz - Mens Jewelry

Wave Sterling Silver Ring with Blue Topaz

Mens Jewelry Fashion Trends

Another thing to remember is that men typically do not follow the latest trends in fashion. This means that you will not get a good idea of what he likes by examining fashion magazines and websites. Fortunately, if you are at the stage where you wish to purchase him jewelry, you should already know a bit about his inner character. This will reveal all that you need to know about what items he will enjoy.

Of course, the simplest way to purchase your special guy the perfect piece of mens jewelry is to go shopping with him! Peruse over catalogs found at online jewelers such as John S. Brana or pay a visit to your local jewelry store. While you will not be able to surprise him, at least you will be making the purchase as a couple, and he will be truly happy with the piece that you buy.

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Cocktail Rings

14K Gold Wire Sculpted Amethyst Cocktail Ring

14K Gold Wire Sculpted Amethyst Cocktail Ring

Make a Statement with Cocktail Rings

Cocktail rings are defined as oversized rings that usually feature wide or thick metal bands and large precious or semiprecious stones. They’re meant to be dramatic, attention-getting, and just a little bit over the top. Perhaps why they are so popular with celebrity divas!

This kind of statement jewelry has been popular since the 1920s when most people dressed for dinner, which is how these dazzling rings got their name. Usually worn on the middle or index finger of the right hand, they were often displayed prominently at upscale cocktail parties, film premieres, theater openings and just about anywhere else where one could flaunt their style and status. Those who might not have been able to afford diamonds during The Great Depression could still appear chic and fashionable in one of these oversized beauties.

Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Marquise Cut Blue Topaz Cocktail Ring

Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Marquise Cut Blue Topaz Cocktail Ring

Modern Cocktail Rings

In modern times, fashionable women wear cocktail rings for fun, drama, and to make a statement. A single amethyst, emerald, ruby or other large and colorful stone is generally the main feature in a cocktail ring but they can sometimes be surrounded by other smaller stones and embellishments. They can be made from the finest materials such as gold or platinum set with diamonds or from less expensive metals, semi-precious gemstones or even large glass beads.

Antique cocktail rings are in high demand at auctions, but modern versions are just as bold and stunning as ever. One bold and dazzling cocktail ring paired with polished fingernails wrapped around a martini glass makes quite a statement without any need for further embellishment.

Cocktail parties may not hold the same cachet as they once had, but cocktail rings still represent personal style and flair. They can be seen adorning celebrity hands at award ceremonies, fashion runways, and other social functions. But they’re not just for celebrities anymore. Cocktail rings are an essential component for anyone looking to ‘bring the bling’ to a night out on the town.

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Handcrafted Fine Jewelry by John S. Brana now available in SoHo, New York

Item New York - 444 Broome St - New York City

Item New York - 444 Broome St - New York City

Item New York, a newly opened boutique on 444 Broome St. between Broadway and Mercer in New York’s upscale SoHo neighborhood is the latest store to carry jewelry styles by San Francisco jewelry designer, John S. Brana.  The cozy store features a minimalistic interior with gunmetal colored walls and dark wood accents and is beautifully stocked with a well-edited selection of one-of-a-kind statement pieces from jewelry to handbags.  The store’s concept is to offer its shoppers that special signature piece that becomes the standout “item” to accentuate their ensemble.  We weren’t surprised Item fell in love with John S. Brana’s Muir Woods earrings and Pacific Heights cocktail rings!

A hand-selected collection of John S. Brana’s copper, patinated, and aluminum earrings are now available to purchase at the SoHo boutique, including various pairs of his well-received “lily pad” earring styles.  Shoppers may choose from John S. Brana’s dramatic, wire-wrapped cocktail rings set with large carat gemstones including smoky quartz, citrine, amethyst, and blue topaz from his Pacific Heights Collection.  And, jewelry connoisseurs will surely spot the most elegant piece of the entire selection, the multi-strand layered gemstone necklace featuring amber, citrine, crystal quartz, gold freshwater pearls, and hammered sterling silver discs from the Barbary Coast Collection of statement jewelry.  This is absolutely the perfect piece for that special someone who will fall in love at first sight.

Item New York
444 Broome St.
New York City, NY 10013
646-221-3472

Fold Formed Corrugated Copper Leaf Earrings

Maroon Copper Patinated 2 inch Lilypad Earrings

Large Carat Citrine 14k Gold Filled Cocktail Ring

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John S. Brana – Distinctive Jewelry enhances popular SoMa Collection of hammered jewelry with rings and incorporates 14K gold

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

Hammered Bronze Cocktail Ring - Blue Topaz Hammered Bronze Cocktail Ring - Green Gold Quartz Hammered Bronze Cocktail Ring - Boulder Opal
Hammered 14K Gold Earrings with Peridot Hammered 14K Gold Earrings - Circles Hammered 14K Gold Earrings with Blue Topaz

 

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

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.


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Accessorizing with the Right Jewelry – Part 2

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 complimentTropical Garden Beaded Gemstone Necklaceary 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.

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New Blue Topaz Hand Fabricated Men’s Ring

New to the Tonga Collection is this men’s hand fabricated ring. I hand fabricated this ring using 4 sheets of Sterling Silver and one sheet of PMC (used for the side “Tonga” texture), then set it with a 7.5 carat faceted Blue Topaz. Stay tuned for more ring additions to all of my Men’s Jewelry Collections.

Tonga Ring with Blue Topaz- Hand Fabricated

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The Pacific Heights Collection

Pacific Heights Women's Jewelry Collection

The Pacific Heights Collection is characterized by idyllic elegance. Ornate, bold pieces create a legacy of luxury – certain to be perennial favorites. Flowing, cascading swirls of 14K gold, 14K gold filled, and sterling silver wire create a chic, uptown tempo. Gemstones of citrine, gold quartz, smoky quartz, amethyst, blue topaz, and garnets add the final luxurious, breathtaking touch. Matching sets are available in earrings, pins, pendants, and rings.Stay tuned for the launch of John S. Brana due out in mid-August.

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