Handmade Bronze Jewelry

February 1, 2012 By jbrana 1 Comment

Sunstone Tree Branch Ring - Bronze Jewelry by San Francisco jewelry designer John S Brana

Sunstone Tree Branch Bronze Ring by San Francisco jewelry designer John S Brana

Handmade Bronze Jewelry – The Next Best Jewelry Trend

Any fashion conscious woman will be constantly on the lookout for the next best thing when it comes to enhancing her appearance, showing off her individuality and drawing attention from all those around her. While there are many different choices out there, none works quite as well as handmade bronze jewelry. Currently being retailed in many of the top jewelry stores around the globe, these stylish items are a must-have addition to anyone’s collection of fine fashion accessories as they can be worn out and about to almost any type of occasion.

Why Bronze Jewelry?

While not as popular as metals such as gold, platinum and silver, bronze certainly has a few advantages when it comes to being used in designer jewelry. First of all, it is a tough material, durable enough to be worn often to a outdoor events, such as garden parties or days out at the beach. This metal also retains its luster for years on end, allowing you to wear it for longer without having to replace or repair any parts. Lastly, handmade bronze jewelry is also very affordable. Made from a combination of copper and tin, bronze can be used to make a range of beautiful accessories that will not cost a fortune to buy.

Why Handmade Bronze Jewelry?

The true connoisseur of fine jewelry will know that there is something very special to be found in items that have been made by hand. Each piece is unique, displaying an individuality which can then reflect positively upon the wearer. In this way, handmade bronze jewelry is an affordable means of enhancing your outfit in a manner that is purely yours without costing a fortune in the process. If you take pride in your appearance, these exquisite items come highly recommended.

Locating the Best Bronze Jewelry Retailers

Green Amethyst Tree Branch Handmade Bronze Ring by San Francisco jewelry designer John S Brana

Green Amethyst Tree Branch Handmade Bronze Ring by San Francisco bronze jewelry designer John S Brana

Of course, you will need to source out the best craftsmen in order to procure some handmade bronze jewelry which is well-made and which will last for a lifetime. Choosing the smaller stores is a good idea as these experts have to rely on their skills and creativity to sell their products and earn a decent living. The best will carefully create each of their items by hand, pouring love and care into each piece as though they themselves were going to wear these fine accessories out and about around town. These professionals will retail a range of quality jewelry that will look fantastic with just about any outfit.

Bronze Jewelry – A Look to Be Proud Of

After you have purchased any designer accessories that take your fancy, you can then put them on and enhance your appearance, regardless of whether you are going to work, eat or party. Handmade bronze jewelry is very versatile and can be worn to both formal and casual occasions. With these rings, bracelets and pendants, you can then confidently live your life, knowing full well that you look radiant and stunning at all times. For the woman who wants the best in life, these stylish bronze jewelry accessories can certainly provide her with an amazing look.

Hoop Earrings

November 18, 2011 By jbrana 4 Comments

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

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

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.

Pearl Earrings

November 15, 2010 By jbrana 2 Comments

Sterling Silver Amber Chainmail Earrings

Pearl Earrings – A Basic Necessity

If you are looking for a classic addition to any outfit, pearl earrings are a guaranteed hit. Simultaneously dazzling and elegant, they are suitable for any formal function or office meeting. Whether chosen for lunch at your favorite restaurant or to complement that floral top or fine-cut summer dress, pearl earrings are the perfect addition to any outfit.

Nature is such a perfectionist, especially when it comes to the pearl. As the only gemstone which does not require any cutting or polishing, it is only expected that craftsmen such as John S. Brana would choose to use these semi-precious stones in their collections. Pearl earrings have been created for centuries, and the image of a lady sporting these shining stones on her earlobes is a picture of style that will last throughout the ages.

Hammered Fine Silver Tear Drop Earrings with Blue Freshwater Pearl Earrings

Hammered Fine Silver Tear Drop Earrings with Blue Freshwater Pearls

Pearl Earrings Come in a Variety of Colors

One attribute to pearls, which makes them almost irresistible for use in earrings, is that they can have different colored hues. John S. Brana has used both the lavender and light blue varieties to create some dazzling freshwater pearl earrings. Whether you choose a long, hanging design, or a simple single stone embedded into the earring, pearls are a definite winner when it comes to fine jewelry.

For a bit of variety, pearls also mix well with other gemstones to create some beautiful patterns and displays of color. One outstanding design example is freshwater pearls combined with garnets in John S. Brana’s hammered fine silver earrings. Of course, there are many more varieties, ensuring that anyone can choose one, regardless of their style or taste.

Matching Sets – Necklaces, Bracelets, and Pearl Earrings

Pearl earrings of any sort will make a fantastic addition to anyone’s personal jewelry collection. They work well on their own, or in creating a set with a pearl necklace or one or two pearl bracelets. Discover the magic of these flawless gemstones today.

Handmade Fine Jewelry

October 13, 2010 By jbrana 1 Comment

Brass Lily Pad Earrings

Elegant Handmade Jewelry

Handmade fine jewelry is an excellent gift choice for both men and women for practically any occasion. Rather than purchasing a piece of jewelry that has been mass produced by machine, a piece of jewelry made by hand offers an extra element of elegance and a personal touch.

Handmade Jewelry – Higher Quality Than Production Jewelry

Handmade fine jewelry is available from many artisans specializing in the craft. Jewelers who make each of their pieces by hand still use the same high quality materials as large manufacturers and in many instances they have a greater control over the quality of gemstones and other elements used, as they can inspect each element individually.

Serpentine Sterling Silver Chainmail Necklace

While purchasing handmade jewelry may cost more than purchasing one of the mass produced pieces, many people appreciate that there is value in knowing that each piece is unique and made with care. When a person is making something by hand, he tends to put more of himself into the piece, thereby producing a quality and personality not found in mass production pieces.

Handmade Jewelry Makes a Statement

Handmade jewelry often makes a stronger style statement than mass produced designs, so a little more care should go into deciding how to accessorize an outfit. Continuing to purchase pieces will fill a jewelry box full of options so no matter what someone wears, there will be hand crafted jewelry to go along with it. The right piece of handmade jewelry can take a drab outfit and add just the right amount of pizzaz to turn it into something fabulous.

Win a Free Pair of Handmade Fine Silver Earrings – May 2010 Jewelry Freebie

May 1, 2010 By jbrana 28 Comments

Hammered Fine Silver Earrings

For May, win these beautiful Hammered Fine Silver Earrings with a slightly hammered finish by entering your email address on any pop-up hang-tag that appears on www.johnsbrana.com or on the entry form below. Your entry carries over month to month, so there’s no need to re-enter every month.

Each month will feature a different piece of jewelry, so enter now!

Click here to see the contest rules.

Congrats to our April 2010 Jewelry Freebie Winner – Kathy Jones of Ft Lauderdale, FL !!

Fleur de Lis Jewelry – A Touch of Class

April 14, 2010 By jbrana 32 Comments

Sterling Silver Fleur de Lis Earrings with Amethyst

Is there anything more elegant and tasteful than silver fleur de lis jewelry? The fleur de lis, a symbol that is well-known throughout the world, has a rich and varied history. Literally translated, fleur de lis means “lily flower” and its origin can be traced back to as early as the Middle Ages throughout Europe.

Over the centuries, the fleur de lis design has come to represent many things and has appeared in jewelry design for hundreds of years. Although it is most closely associated with French royalty, the list of countries where this delicate symbol can be found on coats of arms or flags includes Great Britain, Germany, Spain, Italy and Bosnia. In addition to its use as a royal symbol by various kings and monarchs, it has also been displayed on military uniforms and badges due its resemblance to the tip of a spear. Even today fleur de lis jewelry shows a sense of class.

This popular symbol was also often used in religious art as a representation of the Trinity or in some cases, as the Virgin Mary. As such, it can be found in many old English churches. The fleur de lis design can also be seen atop iron fences, originally intended to be not only decorative, but also to thwart intruders. The fleur de lis has come to be known as a symbol of grace and purity.

In modern times, the fleur de lis symbol is a popular design motif used in home décor and the fashion world, including makers of upscale handbags and jewelry. John S. Brana, a noted designer of fine jewelry uses the fleur de lis pattern in one of his many sought-after and distinctive sterling silver collections.

Fleur de lis jewelry offers a classic design with a timeless quality that never goes out of style.

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

December 14, 2009 By jbrana 16 Comments

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

Handcrafted Jewelry Designer John S. Brana Showcases Stackable Rings for Designers by the Bay Event Hosted by Shreve & Co.

October 16, 2009 By jbrana 6 Comments

John S. Brana is introducing stackable rings and matching bangles and cuffs to his collection of fine jewelry designs in 14K, 18K Gold, and Sterling Silver exclusively for the 13^th Annual Designers by the Bay and Fine Jewelry Showcase, Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. The most exciting creations include stunning cuffs in Sterling Silver, 14K, and 18K gold, sculpted and texturized by hand in his San Francisco studio. More than 200 guests well known in the Northern California jewelry industry are expected to attend this premier event to be held at Shreve & Co., 200 Post Street, San Francisco.

“As a second year exhibitor, I will be showcasing upcoming Spring 2010 trends that emphasize sculptural textures, color, and versatility” said Brana who is best known by his clients for meticulous attention to handcrafted details in the bridge jewelry category. Each texture reflects light in its own unique way allowing admirers to easily distinguish between the individual bands and bangles. Numerous “looks” can be achieved simply by arranging textures and color. Stackable rings and bangles come in seven textures handmade in Sterling Silver, Copper, 14K Gold, and 18K Yellow, Green, and Rose Gold, with soon to be released designs set with white diamonds, colored diamonds, and semi-precious gemstones.

The continual growth of Designers by the Bay, presented by the Women’s Jewelry Association, Northern California Chapter, has lent it the reputation for being the region’s premier fine jewelry event. Only 15 select 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.

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

August 6, 2009 By jbrana 8 Comments

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.

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.

San Francisco Handcrafted Jewelry Designer John S Brana Creates Global Club for VIP Design Connoisseurs

July 21, 2009 By jbrana 5 Comments

“Handcrafted fine jewelry designer, John S. Brana, turns growing client base of online shoppers into devoted jewelry collectors.”

The number of John S. Brana jewelry collectors, versus one-time shoppers, has grown for the San Francisco-based handcrafted fine jewelry designer by 38% since launching his initial website, www.johnsbrana.com in 2006. With a diversified design portfolio of over 2000 handmade fine jewelry and fashion jewelry designs in price points ranging from $30 to $20,000, Brana has also increased his e-commerce presence to six niche market jewelry retailing websites. This innovative online jewelry retailer now invites his devoted and soon-to-be jewelry collectors to become VIP members of the Jewelry Guide for Design Connoisseurs.

Browsers are invited to become “Connoisseurs” for free and, once subscribed, receive exclusive pricing on his latest and past seasons’ collections as well as wardrobing advice directly from the jewelry designer. As so much of the jewelry buying process depends upon each client’s relationship to the designer, John S. Brana shares his design inspirations and personal stories directly with his Connoisseurs through email. First time Connoisseurs also enjoy purchase offers at incredible rates on selections of his handmade fashion jewelry.

“My client’s always let me know about how many compliments they receive on their jewelry purchases and that’s why they become collectors,” describes John S. Brana. “It really comes down to how good it makes you feel to wear it, and I wanted to reward my collectors because we all deserve extra ways to feel great!” Shoppers are invited to join the Jewelry Guide for Design Connoisseurs and receive their VIP promotions at any of John S. Brana’s targeted websites including: