Is Brass the New Gold?

Bark Nu Gold Large Tear Drop Earrings - Brass Jewelry

Bark Nu Gold (Red Brass) Large Tear Drop Earrings

Brass Jewelry – A Fashionable Alternative to Gold

Fashionistas and models alike are itching to get their hands on the hottest new jewelry designs. Instead of gold, silver, or platinum, however, they’re flocking towards a vintage metal with a bright future: brass. Although more recently the metal of choice for locks, keys, and doorknobs, brass has been making a new appearance on fashion runways everywhere.

Jewelry styles using this surprising choice of metals range from delicate to chunky, from vintage to modern. Whether you’re in to steam punk fashion or are looking for something a bit more delicate, brass may be just what you’ve been looking for. Brass jewelry ranges from large, dramatic bangles and rings to dainty beaded earrings – no matter your fashion style, there’s likely a brass design to suit you.

Nu Gold 3 Tiered Lily Pad Earrings - Red Brass Jewelry

Nu Gold (Red Brass) 3 Tiered Lily Pad Earrings

Brass Jewelry – The Nu Gold Standard

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, and has long been prized for it’s artistic appeal. Jewelry artisans are now turning to red brass or Nu Gold as a design medium, and the result is both beautiful and amazing. Brass is as flexible as gold or silver, and can be worked and shaped into nearly any design. It can be left with a matte finish or buffed to a glossy shine; this flexibility makes it a popular material for designers to work with.

Attention Getting Brass Jewelry

Brass jewelry is not for the faint of heart; chances are, if you’re wearing it, you’ll get attention. Most brass jewelry designs are both beautiful and unique. The sheen of brass is sure to draw attention to your accessories from those who are fashion conscious; after all, it’s clearly not gold or silver. If you like to turn heads and be on top of the newest and hottest fashion trends, brass is clearly your metal of choice.

Brass jewelry offers a unique appeal with a break from the traditional styles we’re used to seeing. If you want to shake things up this season, consider accessorizing with brass. This metal offers an antique shine for nearly any outfit, and the design options are virtually limitless. If you’re ready to shake up your fashion accessories for a new season, consider purchasing a brass piece or ensemble today.

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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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Men’s Designer Jewelry

Tonga Men's Sterling Silver Curb Link Bracelet

Tonga Mens Sterling Silver Curb Link Bracelet

Stylish Men’s Designer Jewelry

What does one look for when shopping for men’s jewelry? Style is most important, of course. Then, one looks for durability, a sense of chic, and a certain presence. In general, men are less inclined to follow the ups and downs of fashion trends and more likely to wear distinctive jewelry that represents their own unique personality and sense of style.

Redwood Sterling Silver Men's Ring

Redwood Oxidized Sterling Silver Men's Ring

The hip, cool, and classically American style of John S. Brana’s Handcrafted Men’s Jewelry fits the bill perfectly. Designed in oxidized sterling silver, John S. Brana’s one-of-a-kind men’s bracelets are ruggedly handsome and absolutely unique. These bold and chunky designer bracelets are available in four styles, any one of which is bound to appeal to any man with a taste for fine jewelry.

Nature Inspired Men’s Designer Jewelry

The Tonga Collection features a sturdy sterling silver curb link bracelet highlighted with intricate carving inspired by ancient Pacific Island tribes. The majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range is the inspiration for the distinctive Sierra Collection’s abstract design. The man who enjoys the grace and tranquility of the Pacific Ocean will surely be thrilled to receive a bracelet from the Wave Collection. The wavy design brings to mind the lull of a gently rolling sea. Then there’s the Rawhide Collection, which celebrates the days of the Old West by giving the oxidized sterling silver the look and texture of worn leather.

Each of these hallmarked, oxidized sterling silver men’s bracelets features an attractive and sturdy curb link design and substantial lobster claw clasp. Whichever you choose, you can’t go wrong by making your selection from handcrafted jewelry designer John S. Brana’s line of bold and beautifully crafted men’s jewelry.

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Jewelry Trends from the Centurion Jewelry Show

While cautious about the year ahead, designers at this year’s Centruion Jewelry Show in Tucson, Arizona (Feb 2-6) had not entirely reined in their creativity. The Centurion is the crem-de-la-crem of the fine jewelry industry. As reported by JCK, look for these emerging trends to influence jewelry designs throughout 2008:

“Elongated Pear and Oval shapes. Designers are taking the traditional pear and oval and stretching them for dramatic, sensual shapes in everything from cut stones to metal forms. The shapes are especially effective in drop earrings, pendants, and statement-making rings.

Opacity. The season’s favorite stones are opaque. Onyx continues to be strong but high-quality opal is vying for attention as well. Also watch for dreamy moonstones accented by faceted gems.

Free-form design. Many designers are using free-form elements similar to scribbles and loops.

Enameled elements. Enamel serves as the ultimate way to incorporate the season’s fashion trends into jewelry, with a literal translation of patterns and colors that blend with precious metals.”

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