Handcrafted Fine Jewelry Blog by John S. Brana » citrine

Muir Woods – Handcrafted Bronze Ring Collection

jbrana — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:27:54 +0000

Karri Ann Frerichs introduces handmade bronze rings and sterling silver rings set with semi-precious gemstones by San Francisco jewelry designer John S. Brana at his November 13-14 trunk show at Bloomingdale’s – Stanford. The Muir Wood’s jewelry collection features nature inspired tree branch rings that hold large faceted Citrine, Labradorite, Moonstone, Green Amethyst, Rutilated Quartz, Amethyst, and Green Gold Quartz gemstones.

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.

“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

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

John S. Brana — Thu, 29 May 2008 22:26:30 +0000

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.

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.

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 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.

New Autumn Additions – Barbary Coast Jewelry Collection

John S. Brana — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 22:25:17 +0000

I recently finished a few new gemstone necklaces that incorporate upcoming fall colors. This necklace features faceted Crystal Quartz, Pineapple Quartz, Citrine, 24K Gold foil Venetian Glass, Amber, Butterscotch Amber, Black Lava, Buffalo Horn, Obsidian, Abalone, and hand-carved Onyx beads. The piece is accented with 22K Gold Vermeil granulated beads and is 23 inches in length.

Carnelian is a very traditional and popular fall gemstone. This necklace features unique hand-carved round Carnelian beads, accented with Amber, Gold and Copper colored Freshwater Pearls, and 22K Gold Vermeil beads.

In addition to Carnelian, Amber (fossilized resin) is another highly featured fall “gemstone.” In addition to two varieties of Amber – Baltic and Madagascar, this necklace also features Citrine, Brown Lava (natural), Onyx, Freshwater Pearls, accented with 22K Gold Vermeil beads.

If you would like more information on upcoming trends and fashion forecasting, check out FashionTrendSetter.com

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