Filigree Jewelry in Fashion

Fine Silver Tear Drop Filigree Earrings

Fine Silver Tear Drop Filigree Earrings

Fashionable Filigree Jewelry

Filigree is an ornamental metalwork design used in many craft and design areas. In jewelry making its delicate and lacy texture was originally crafted by hammering or rolling gold, silver, copper, or platinum into thin wire and then twisting, bending and soldering the wires to form patterns that closely resembled snowflakes or fine lace. In fact, the word filigree comes from the Latin “filum” meaning “thread” or “spinning” and “gran” which means “grain” or “bead”. Originally, small beads of metal were soldered into the junctions where the wires met in order to add strength to the delicate wirework.

Filigree Jewelry Throughout History

This intricate and delicate design technique dates as far back as the 1600s in Asian, French, Greek and Roman cultures and became very popular in Art Deco filigree jewelry pieces of the 1920s and 1930s in the United States. Flowers, hearts, leaves and paisley patterns were formed into filigree from fine metals and crafted into rings, brooches, earrings and wedding bands. Early examples of this dramatic and elegant fine crafting are on display at the British Museum and at the Louvre.

14K Gold Fine Silver Filigree Large Tear Drop Earrings

14K Gold Fine Silver Filigree Large Tear Drop Earrings

The light and airy feel and subtle beauty of this design endures to present day. While antique filigree jewelry is highly prized, this delicately beautiful metalwork is still quite popular in modern day jewelry design. Enjoy the minute hand craftsmanship of tiny fine silver wires twisted then sculpted into delicate tendrils of open scroll earrings of the Nob Hill Filigree collection featuring sterling and fine silver crafted into sweeping, intricately designed swirls. Our Filigree Tear Drop Scroll Earrings are available in either 14k or 18k gold and fine silver, and are inspired by the classic iron gates that decorate Victorian-era homes and apartments atop San Francisco’s historic Nob Hill neighborhood.

Whether you’re dressing up for a night on the town or dressing down in a hip boho chic look, filigree jewelry adds a classy, feminine touch to your style.

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Jewelry Buyers May Now View Handmade Jewelry Collections by John S. Brana in the Altitude Promotions Fashion Showroom

San Francisco Fashion CollectiveJohn S. Brana has been designing handcrafted jewelry since 2006 and has been been featured in over a dozen fashion media and jewelry trade publications since launching his career. This November, he became one of a handful of jewelry designers whose collections are showcased by fashion sales representatives in San Francisco’s only fashion showroom collective. Retail buyers and fashion editors may now view John S. Brana’s handcrafted fine jewelry in the newly opened Altitude Promotions showroom in the Sobel Building in the heart of San Francisco’s famed design district.

The San Francisco Fashion Collective consists of seven fashion sales representatives, each with their own showroom, who manage over 35 apparel and accessory brands. This November, Altitude Promotions joined the SFFC and opened its own showroom featuring four fashion brands including the jewelry collections by bridge category jewelry designer, John S. Brana. San Francisco-inspired jewelry collections which are showcased include the Muir Woods Collection of nature-inspired jewelry, the Nob Hill Collection of fine silver filigree earrings, the SoMa Collection of statement cuffs, the Barbary Coast Collection of semi-precious gemstone necklaces and wire-wrapped earrings, and the Pacific Heights Collection of large carat gemstone earrings and cocktail rings.

The Altitude Promotions showroom is located in the San Francisco Fashion Collective at 680 8th Street, Suite 240, San Francisco, CA 94103. Retail buyers and fashion editors are welcome to visit the Altitude Promotions showroom to view John S. Brana’s collections and line sheets Monday through Friday from 9a.m. To 6p.m. To schedule an appointment with the showroom and to request line sheets, please email info@altitudepromotion.com or call Karri Ann Frerichs directly at 1.402.490.2579.

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John S. Brana to be Featured Jewelry Designer at Bloomingdale’s – Palo Alto Trunk Show

Collections by John S. Brana, handcrafted fine jewelry designer from San Francisco, will be showcased during a weekend trunk show hosted by Bloomingdale’s in the Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto. The jewelry event will take place Saturday, October 3 through Sunday, October 4, 2009, from 12:00 p.m. To 5:00 p.m. at the fine jewelry counter. Shoppers will also enjoy Bloomingdale’s Friends and Family Discount of 20% off all jewelry by John S. Brana during this exclusive weekend event.

Fold Formed Green Patinated Leaf Earrings Lepidochrosite Bronze Ring

Brana looks forward to premiering Muir Woods, his latest collection of nature-inspired jewelry, including one-of-a-kind cocktail rings and pendants featuring large carat semi-precious gemstones set in sterling silver and bronze. “It was perfect timing for Bloomingdale’s to contact me about a Fall event. I’m very proud of the Muir Woods Collection because it’s completely unique and I’m one of the few jewelry designers experimenting with different patina finishes,” describes Brana referring to his copper earring designs in various hues of turquoise, green, red, black and orange. Additional jewelry collections available during the event include filigree earrings, dramatic pendants, statement cuffs, cocktail rings, and necklaces layered with semi-precious gemstones.

Bronze Rutilated Quartz Ring Maroon & Green Patinated Copper Tear Drop Earrings

All fine jewelry designs may be purchased using Bloomingdale’s 20% off Friends and Family discount, and John S. Brana will be present to greet guests and answer all jewelry questions. Event details will be available by visiting www.bloomingdales.com, clicking on the Stores & Events page and choosing the Stanford location.

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Smythe & Cross – Purveyors of Precious Jewelry Features Selected Handcrafted Fine Jewelry by John S. Brana

Smythe & Cross

December 3, 2008 -  Smythe & Cross – Purveyors of Precious Jewelry, Burlingame,  CA, will be hosting a grand opening and open house from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. at their Burlingame headquarters.  Preview collections of fine and diamond jewelry, along with selected pieces of handcrafted fine jewelry by John S. Brana.  Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served.  RSVP required.  Contact Altitude Promotions for more information.

 14K Gold Chased Anticlastic Cuff

SoMa Collection – 14K Chased Anticlastic Gold Cuff

 

14K Gold and Fine Silver Tear Drop Filigree Earrings

 Nob Hill Collection – 14K Gold and Fine Silver Tear Drop Filigree Earrings

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Fine Handcrafted Jewelry…from the Hands of an Innovative New Designer

New work in fine jewelry by the otherwise bridge category designer, John S. Brana – Distinctive Jewelry, proved favorable to the crowd at the Designers by the Bay event held at Shreve & Co. August 21.  This newcomer to the list of 20 established fine jewelry exhibitors showcased stunning textured cuffs, sculpted earrings and intricate filigree scrollwork in 18K and 14K gold and fine silver with gemstones.  Perhaps his most beautiful new design is a pair of spiraling 14K gold fold formed leaf earrings encasing strands of 13.5carat faceted peridots which, as so many good design ideas occur, happened by accident.

“I was drilling holes for the earwires using a drill press and instead of turning it off, I accidentally increased its speed and the metal just started flailing and spiraling around the drill bit!” described Brana who created over ten new designs for the event.  “When I finally got it to turn off, it had formed this twisted fan shape and I thought, ‘that’s pretty cool… now how do I do that again?’”  Thankfully, he was able to recreate the shape as it is now available with several gemstone varieties at a suggested retail of $880.  Equally as stunning is a pair of 18K Gold and Fine Silver Filigree earrings

Just as Brana is entering the upper crust of fine jewelry, he continues to develop his lines of bridge category designs inspired by the city in which he creates them, San Francisco.  Among the most commented upon and tried on piece of his collection for the event was his anticlastic copper cuffs.  “Copper is one of my favorite metals.  It showcases amazing texture and its rich, rose gold color is so beautiful on so many people,” said Brana who handcrafts original jewelry designs ranging from $65-$4000.  In the coming months look for new collections including Muir Woods featuring earthy, forest themes, and an artistic collaboration with a German-born chef at sea who captures the images of sea-worn ships in abstract photography and wearable silk art.  To view each of his collections, visit www.johnsbrana.com.  For wholesale and media inquiries, contact Karri Ann Frerichs, Altitude Promotions at karriann@altitudepromotion.com or 402.490.2579. 

 

New Jewelry – SoMa Collection

18K Gold and Fine Silver Filigree Earrings
14K Gold Fold Formed Leaf Earrings with Peridot

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Model Apryl Orr wears selections from the Barbary Coast Collection

Dynamic shapes and countless layers of richly textured semi-precious gemstones define this show stopping collection which also features gold vermeil, 14K gold, and fine and sterling silver. For those who love a statement piece, the Barbary Coast collection is perfect for those who choose to build an ensemble around their jewelry.

 

 

Selections from the Barbary Coast Beaded Gemstone Collection
Barbary Coast Beaded Gemstone Collection - Faceted Garnets and Citrine Necklace by John S. Brana Handmade Jewelry

Barbary Coast Beaded Gemstone Collection - Faceted Garnets and Citrine Necklace

Model Apryl Orr wears Faceted Garnets with Citrine Flowers and 24K Gold seed beaded necklace from the Barbary Coast Collection, with 14K Gold-filled Fold Formed earrings from the Sea Cliff Collection, and 7 carat Marquise Cut Citrine Cocktail ring from the Pacific Heights Collection.  Photography by Klaus Lange.

Barbary Coast Collection - Onyx Earrings and Amber, Crystal Quartz Necklace by John S. Brana Handmade Jewelry

Barbary Coast Collection - Onyx Earrings and Amber, Crystal Quartz Necklace

Model Apryl Orr wears Onyx earrings and Clear Quartz, Amber, and Onyx necklace and matching bracelet from the Barbary Coast Collection, with a 10 carat Marquise Cut Citrine Cocktail ring from the Pacific Heights Collection.   Photography by Klaus Lange.

Nob Hill Filigree Jewelry and Barbary Coast Beaded Gemstone Collection by John S. Brana Handmade Jewelry

Nob Hill Filigree Jewelry and Barbary Coast Beaded Gemstone Collection

Model Apryl Orr wears Amber and Clear Quartz necklace from the Barbary Coast Collection, 18K Gold and Fine Silver Filigree earrings from the Nob Hill Collection, 18K Gold Corrugated Cuff  and Sterling Silver Marquise Cut Citrine Cocktail ring from the SoMa Collection.  Photography by Klaus Lange.

18K Hammered Gold Cuff with Brazilian Fire Agate Necklace - John S. Brana Handmade Jewelry

18K Hammered Gold Cuff with Brazilian Fire Agate Necklace

Model Apryl Orr wears Brazilian Fire Agate necklace from the Barbary Coast Collection, 14K Gold-filled Hammered Cuff from the SoMa Collection, and 14K Gold Fleur-de-lis Carnelian earrings from the Nob Hill Collection. Photography and Red Wheat silk sarong by Klaus Lange.

 

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Jewellery World Review – San Francisco-based designer, John S. Brana, introduces the Nob Hill Collection

 

Jewellery World Review - April 2008 - Features Nob Hill Collection by John S Brana

Jewellery World Review Page49 April 2008 Nob Hill Collection

Jewellery World Review Page50 April 2008 Nob Hill Collection

Introducing The Nob Hill Filigree Jewelry Collection by San Francisco-based designer, John S. Brana

John S. Brana – Distinctive Jewelry has added an eighth collection of one-of-a-kind filigree earrings to his diverse line of San Francisco-inspired wearable art jewelry.  This collection features his most open, airy and delicate wirework designs yet available.  The Nob Hill Collection inspires the re-appreciation for the nostalgic architecture of those Victorian-era neighborhoods built around the turn of twentieth century. 

“That was a time when we didn’t have to remind ourselves to stop and smell the roses,” Brana described in his San Francisco studio located in the West Portal neighborhood overlooking the Pacific Ocean.  “We appreciated craftsmanship and weren’t distracted by technology.” 

With this in mind, Brana sought to capture the elaborate scrolls and turbulent twists of the grill work on entrance gates that dot the neighborly streets of San Francisco’s famous Nob Hill.  After twisting three tiny pure silver or 14 karat gold wires, he sculpts the inner tendrils into a paired perfection.  No two sets are exactly the same.  Each design is then encased by a sturdy barrier of flat or half-round sterling silver or 14 karat gold.  Dangling a pair from you ears is a delicate daily reminder that if you can’t stop to smell the roses, you can at least take them with you.

"That demonstrated to me that what makes me happy is to help people celebrate special moments in their life through my wearable art jewelry rather than pursuing a cold corporate agenda like I was doing at Schwab," John said. 

The Nob Hill Collection is the latest addition to Brana’s line of limited-edition jewelry and wearable art collections each as different as their San Francisco neighborhood namesakes.  Just as each city block of this unique American city tells a unique story and every turn tempts a new adventure, Brana’s handcrafted jewelry is also sure to leave a lasting impression. 

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John S. Brana Will Showcase New Fine Jewelry Designs at Designers by the Bay Event Hosted by Shreve & Co.

John S. Brana – Distinctive Jewelry will feature his handcrafted fine jewelry collections at the 12th Annual Designers by the Bay and Fine Jewelry Showcase.  This event will take place Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. and will be held at Shreve & Co., 200 Post Street, San Francisco.  More than 200 expected guests will be the first to see John S. Brana’s latest creations in silver and 14K-18K gold.    

Being the premier fine jewelry event in Northern California, I am honored to be given the opportunity to exhibit my designs at such a prestigious event,” said Brana who will showcase for the first time at this event presented by the Women’s Jewelry Association, Northern California Chapter.  Guests will enjoy Brana’s latest designs including large carat gemstone solitaire rings set in hand-sculpted and hammered silver and 18K gold from his SoMa and Pacific Heights Collections.  Delicate filigree earrings, dramatic sculpted and anticlastic cuffs and new designs in 18K gold wire-work pendants set with large solo gemstones will also be featured.       

The continual growth of Designers by the Bay has lent it the reputation for being the premier fine jewelry event in Northern California.  More than 20 jewelry designers will showcase their collections and guests may enjoy complementary wine and hors d’oeuvres.  To RSVP for the event, please visit www.designersbythebay.com.  To view current collections by John S. Brana, please visit www.johnsbrana.com.  For more information and media requests regarding John S. Brana – Distinctive Jewelry, please contact Karri Ann Frerichs at 402.490.2579 or karriann@altitudepromotion.com.

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