Best Jewelry for Christmas

Amethyst Carnelian Prehnite Necklace - Christmas Jewelry

Amethyst Carnelian Prehnite Necklace

Jewelry – The Classic Christmas Present

Although it may seem like there is plenty of shopping time left until Christmas, the days have an annoying tendency to fly past. For this reason, it is important to start thinking about gifts for those you care about as soon as possible. Jewelry has always been a classic Christmas present, whether for your girlfriend, spouse, mother or sister, yet it is often one of the most difficult items to purchase. With a little thought and time however, you can find the perfect accessory for that special woman, and give her a holiday memory that she will cherish forever.

The warmth and timelessness of Christmas should be tied up within the jewelry that you buy. Show her that you care by purchasing an item that matches her personality and appearance in every way. For those confident, professional women, items such as gold fold formed earrings will show her that you know her inside-out. On the other hand, if your wife or mother is more bubbly and outgoing, maybe a gemstone necklace would more suit her style. This will all show her that you care enough to take the time out to purchase her the perfect gift.

Citrine Bronze Ring - Christmas Rings

Citrine Bronze Ring

This Christmas, Choose Jewelry That Will Make Her Look Stunning

Jewelry should be versatile enough to be worn on a number of occasions as well. In this way, she can remember the happy times that she had with you during the holidays whenever she wears your present. Accessories such as aluminum bracelets can be worn while at work, while eating out and even when dancing the night away in a club. This Christmas, choose carefully and pick an item that will make her look stunning in a wide variety of places. Let her gain the most benefit out of your chosen piece of jewelry and allow the spirit of Christmas to keep her company throughout the year ahead.

Any Christmas gift that you purchase for your special woman should be expertly crafted and made of high quality materials. Show her that she is worth any amount of money to you by giving her the best in gold or silver jewelry. This is the time for giving so you do not want to seem too sting. That is not to say that you have to blow your budget either, as there are plenty of quality items such as bronze rings and amber earrings that are well made and that will not cost you a fortune.

Lastly, when giving out your presents this Christmas, make sure that everything fits in with the occasion well. This is a magical time, and the gift and the act of giving itself have to suit the overall atmosphere and sentiment. With the right wrapping paper, a thoughtful card and warm, friendly surroundings, your gift will seem even more special. This will imbue the jewelry with an even better feeling, as she will be reminded of that happy moment whenever she looks at it. This Christmas, give her a beautiful piece of jewelry that makes her feel warm and happy inside whenever she wears it out and about.

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John S Brana – Handmade Designer Jewelry – Accessorizes Photo Shoot by San Francisco Photographer Rachel Schwarz

Sterling Silver Amazonite and Serpentine Chain Mail Necklaces

Sterling Silver Amazonite and Serpentine Chain Mail Necklaces

Sterling Silver Amazonite and Serpentine Chain Mail Necklaces

Sterling Silver Amazonite and Serpentine Chain Mail Necklaces

Sterling Silver Amazonite and Serpentine Chain Mail Necklaces

Sterling Silver Amazonite and Serpentine Chain Mail Necklaces

Red and Turuoise Patinated Tear Drop Earrings

Red and Turuoise Patinated Tear Drop Earrings

Corrugated Sterling Silver Anticlastic Cuff with Sterling Silver Tree Branch Ring set with Moonstone

Corrugated Sterling Silver Anticlastic Cuff with Sterling Silver Tree Branch Ring set with Moonstone

Corrugated Sterling Silver Anticlastic Cuff with Sterling Silver Tree Branch Ring set with Moonstone

Corrugated Sterling Silver Anticlastic Cuff with Sterling Silver Tree Branch Ring set with Moonstone

Corrugated Sterling Silver Anticlastic Cuff with Sterling Silver Tree Branch Ring set with Moonstone  and Aluminum Leaf Earrings

Corrugated Sterling Silver Anticlastic Cuff with Sterling Silver Tree Branch Ring set with Moonstone and Aluminum Leaf Earrings

Corrugated Anticlastic Copper Cuff with Red and Turquoise Patinated Tear Drop Earrings

Corrugated Anticlastic Copper Cuff with Red and Turquoise Patinated Tear Drop Earrings

Copper Fold Formed Leaf Earrings

Copper Fold Formed Leaf Earrings

Red and Turquoise Patinated Tear Drop Earrings

Red and Turquoise Patinated Tear Drop Earrings

Model: Ellen Hancock of City Model/ San Francisco
www.ellenhancock.com

Make-Up Artist: Tamra Marie of Look Artist Agency/ San Francisco
www.tamra-marie.com/

Hair Stylist: Preston Nesbit
www.prestonnesbit.com/

Jewelry by John S. Brana
www.johnsbrana.com

Mesh Body Suit & Leather & Mesh Vest by Chelsea Cutrell

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Metalsmithing 101 – The Jewelers Toolbox

14K Gold Filled Chased Bangle Bracelet

14K Gold Filled Chased Bangle Bracelet

Techniques of Master Jewelers

Working and shaping metal into exquisite pieces of jewelry takes time, patience and the knowledge of various metalworking techniques such as chasing, repoussé, hammering and piercing. Expert craftsmen, like John S. Brana, use a variety of techniques on each piece of jewelry to create the various masterpieces within their collection.

Chasing and repoussé are both very similar techniques used to form patterns on the surface of a metal. A jeweler chases metal by forming imprints on it without altering the reverse side. These markings are clearly seen on the chased gold and copper bracelets by John S. Brana. With repoussé, a raised design is formed on the front by working the back of a metal sheet.

Basic Jewelers Tools

Hammering is the most basic technique but is also one of the most versatile. By striking hot or cold metal with a hammer, the craftsman is able to bend and twist it as desired. Jewelers typically use an iron bench block for a solid base and a highly polished planishing hammer so as not to leave unwanted marks on the metal’s surface after it has been shaped.

Chased Copper Triangle Earrings with Garnets

Chased Copper Triangle Earrings with Garnets

Piercing with a Jewelers Saw

Piercing is exactly what it sounds like. The jeweler will remove pieces out of a metal surface and create intricate shapes by using a very fine saw blade. A drill will have to be used first if the hole is to be made in the center of the metal sheet. For an example of this, have a look at the chased copper earrings with garnets by John S. Brana. These feature an oval hole which would have been created by piercing.

Using a combination of these techniques, jewelers all over the globe are now creating stunning earrings, necklaces and bracelets in a multitude of designs, so that we can enjoy wearing a range of accessories while out and about.

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MJSA – Manufacturing Jewellers and Suppliers of America Features Men’s Jewelry by John S. Brana

MJSA - A Man's World - Designing and Manufacturing Jewelry for Today's Man

MJSA - A Man's World - Designing and Manufacturing Jewelry for Today's Man

Designing and Manufacturing Jewelry for Todays Man

Designing and Manufacturing Jewelry for Todays Man

Designing and Manufacturing Men’s Jewelry for Today’s Man

“Simplistic designs that showcase a texture instead of a stone have a wide appeal with men, says Karri Ann Frerichs for San Francisco—based designer John Brana. If a stone is used, it’s usually solo and set flush with the surface. In addition, she reports that men look for pieces with significant weight that offer durability, shying away from lightweight pieces that they don’t perceive will withstand the daily wear and tear of an active lifestyle. “For these design preferences, John has developed sterling silver collections that focus on textures and minimalistic designs,” Frerichs explains.

Brana often opts for fabrication over casting to make his hammered and chased pieces. “I can make a simple band in about 20 minutes versus the time involved in making the master, creating rubber molds, injecting the wax, spruing, investing, casting, despruing, and finishing,” says Brana. “Casting would make sense if the designs were heavily patterned, or if I was doing production runs of 50+ rings at a time and could move them out of inventory within 60 days. With fabrication, you can do small runs and not carry any inventory. It also allows you the flexibility to size on the fly, and the ability to customize band width, thickness, and stone choice with ease.”

MJSA Features Mens Jewelry by Designer John S Brana

MJSA Features Mens Jewelry by Designer John S Brana

For design inspiration, Brana looks to natural and organic themes to create his signature textures of Redwood, Reptile, Wave, Tonga, and Sierra. The designer has developed a loyal customer base by turning clients into collectors, making it easy (especially with many pieces retailing under $300) to amass a complete collection based on the texture the client likes best. The brand’s bestseller is Redwood.

MJSA Features Mens Jewelry by Designer John S Brana

Mens Jewelry Sierra Collection by Designer John S Brana

“Typically, our male customers start with a thumb ring, look next to the matching bracelet or cufflinks, and round out their collection with a pendant on a rawhide or link chain,” says Frerichs, noting the company’s key demographic is men ages 20 to 35 who live in cosmopolitan areas, appreciate fashion, purchase designer labels, and look for quality over price point.”

Click here to download the full story in PDF.

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Handmade Jewelry by John S Brana Accessorizes Photoshoot by San Francisco Photographer Rachel Schwarz

Chased NuGold Bracelets and Cuffs by John S Brana

Chased NuGold Bracelets and Cuffs by John S Brana

Hammered Copper Cuff  and Bubble Embossed Disc Earrings

Hammered Copper Cuff and Bubble Embossed Disc Earrings

Turquoise Patinated Bangle and Open Tear Drop Earrings

Turquoise Patinated Bangle and Open Tear Drop Earrings

Photographer: Rachel Schwarz
Models: Naeemah of Je Models/ Yasmin of City Models/ Helena Bianca- Rogue
Spot Light Designers: Leila Hafzi reped by HSMPR, Bao Tranchi, Bryan Hearns, John. S Brana represented by Altitude Promotions, & Shabnam Quassemi
Wardrobe Stylist: Devon Nuszer
Hair & Make-up: Akemi Yagi
Assistants: Nino Palana & Ania Hogan

Brazilian Fire Agate Gemstone Necklace by John S Brana

Brazilian Fire Agate Gemstone Necklace by John S Brana

Turquoise Patinated Brass Bangle - Turquoise Leaf Earrings

Turquoise Patinated Brass Bangle - Turquoise Leaf Earrings

Turquoise Patinated Brass Bangle

Turquoise Patinated Brass Bangle

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Opal – October’s Birthstone

African Opal Citrine Necklace

African Opal Necklace

Happy birthday October! Your birthstone could not represent you better, as its hues are as varied as the changing leaves and compliment all the dimensions of you. So put forth that color you bring to the lives around you with this multi-faceted African Opal bracelet and necklace.

Here, John S. Brana has hand selected African Opals in hues of deep olive greens and dusty browns. Accented by lava rocks, fresh water pearls, 14K gold plated vermeil beads and clear quartz gemstones, this lusciously green autumn bracelet will draw admirers to your already magnetic charm!

African Opal Citrine Bracelet

African Opal Citrine Bracelet

John S. Brana showcases his signature tri-color style in this African Opal necklace. From the day glow amber and citrine semi-precious gemstones to the turquoise hues of Amazonite, fresh water pearls and Citrine that are ready for night, the African Opal ties it all together creating a statement necklace perfect for your special occasions.

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