Tips for Men Buying Jewelry for Women

October 15, 2011 By jbrana 2 Comments

Lime Anodized Aluminum Lily Pad Earrings - Handmade Jewelry by John S Brana

Lime Anodized Aluminum Lily Pad Earrings - 3 Tier

If you are thinking of buying jewelry, then you must be feeling something deep and emotional for a very special woman. The act of purchasing a stunning diamond pendant necklace or a pair of gold tear drop earrings is something that every guy will have to undertake sooner or later when he meets the perfect girl.

Unfortunately, most men would not know how to buy jewelry if their partners led them by the hand right to the store itself. With the right tips and techniques though, purchasing an item that she will adore does not have to be rocket science. With the following advice, jewelry shopping will become a piece of cake.

The Secrets of Her Jewelry Box

What your girlfriend, partner or spouse already wears will tell you a lot about what she would like to receive in the future. Her jewelry collection will provide plenty of information about the types of accessories that she enjoys and will give you an idea about the best items to buy. Purchase jewelry that matches what she already owns. You can also use her jewelry collection to measure her ring size or preferred necklace length.

The Effect of Her Personality and Lifestyle

Anyone buying accessories for their special woman will know them back-to-front. Her character and hobbies will give you a good idea of what to buy for her. If she is a successful businesswoman, powerful jewelry such as copper disc earrings will be a smart buy. On the other hand, if she enjoys a night on the town, maybe something more exotic such as a coral and garnet necklace will be more suitable. Match the girl to the jewelry and you will be on to a winning gift.

Insight from Her Friends, Family and More

Chased Copper Disc Earrings

Seeing as they probably have known your loved one for longer than you, her mother, sister and best friends will have a fairly good idea of what jewelry she enjoys wearing. Her regular jeweler will also remember the types of accessories that she normally purchases. If you cannot gather any information this way, try this subtle technique: the next time that the two of you are out shopping, casually stroll past some local jewelry stores and see what she stops to have a look at.

Do Some Extra Research

Try to find out more information about your special girl and about the jewelry that is available. If you are thinking of buying a birthstone necklace, make doubly sure that you remember her birthday accurately. As well as this, ensure that you know how to spot a good quality piece of jewelry that will last her forever. Ask your local jeweler about what they recommend, or continue to search for information over the Internet like you are doing now.

One final piece of advice is to offer her the jewelry that you have purchased in a romantic setting. Receiving one of these pieces can be very emotional and it will make the moment even more special if the timing is absolutely perfect.

Affordable Designer Earrings

November 4, 2010 By jbrana Leave a Comment

Aluminum Brass Small Tear Drop Earrings with Peridot

Don’t Be a Plain Jane – Wear Designer Earrings!

With a huge range of affordable designer earrings available now, there is no excuse to be a plain Jane! The period when jewelry was a luxury only pursued by the rich, famous and powerful is now long over. These days, anyone can afford to sport a pair of statement earrings thanks to the creativity of John S. Brana and other professional craftsmen. Their diverse collections are full of affordable handcrafted designer earrings that are perfect for anyone, regardless of their taste, personality, or budget.

Aluminum and Copper Make Great Cost-Effective Designer Earrings

By far, the most cost-effective earrings are made out of either aluminum or copper. While these may not seem to be very glamorous metals, they can form some stunning designs in the hands of a master jeweler. To see this, simply have a look at any online catalog of the more popular handcrafted jewelry designers.

Of course, if you are looking for affordable earrings that are a little more colorful, yet still within your budget, you can find what you are searching for in the range of gemstone earrings currently available. With a selection covering semi-precious stones such as amber, garnet, emeralds and pearls, you will be spoilt for choice when out jewelry shopping.

Serpentine Sterling Silver Chainmail Earrings

Sterling Silver Designer Earrings Make a Great Buy

For those who have a bit more money to spend, but consider gold or platinum jewelry far too expensive, sterling silver handmade earrings can be a great buy. This dazzling metal can be shaped into a multitude of styles, ranging from hoop to chain maille designs, to form a classic look that will suit almost any sort of attire.

With this many choices out there, each as affordable as the next, it is a surprise to see that many women still are not donning a pair of dazzling handmade designer earrings when they are out and about. To find affordable handmade earrings that truly complement both your individual style and the clothing that you are wearing, have a look at the jewelry collections created that feature designer earrings by artisans such as John S. Brana today.

Handmade Coral Jewelry

October 14, 2010 By jbrana Leave a Comment

Pink Coral Garnet Vermeil Necklace

Coral Jewelry Throughout the Ages

Coral jewelry has been around for millennia. Ancient artifacts from around 41,000 years ago have been found decorated with this colorful stone. Actually, stone is not really the right word here as coral is made up of millions of microscopic organisms. Growing in colonies, they form the beautiful shapes and colors which we easily recognize. These vibrant tones can be seen in items such as John S. Brana’s spectacular Pink Coral Garnet Necklace.

Garnet Pink Coral Carnelian Necklace

Over the ages, coral has been thought to have supernatural properties. Even today, you can purchase coral jewelry for added protection. Black coral is known to guard against misfortune and looks fantastic when polished and set in gold. The pink coral found in pieces such as John S. Brana’s Garnet Amber Carnelian Necklace is thought to bring good health. This pink variety is found in a number of shades from almost white to salmon red and can have marbled qualities.

Variations in Coral Jewelry

There are also some rarer, more valuable types of coral. These variations grow incredibly slowly and so cannot be harvested often without damaging the fragile ocean ecosystem. Red coral was used in jewelry before Roman times and is seen as a truly passionate stone. The rarest coral, however, is gold coral which is only found in a few regions worldwide. Its mysterious chatoyance (a strange, moving inner light) makes this type of coral highly sought-after.

Cinnabar Coral Shell Necklace with Fine Silver

Coral Jewelry Care

Whatever type of coral jewelry you decide to purchase, care must be taken to prevent any damage. Coral is an incredibly soft, porous stone and must be packed away from sharp objects and harsh chemicals in order to preserve its beauty. By properly taking care of a piece of coral jewelry such as John S. Brana’s Pink Coral Cinnabar Necklace, you will have an object which will look stunning and elegant for life.

Vermeil Jewelry

June 22, 2010 By John S. Brana 3 Comments

Garnet Pink Coral Carnelian Vermeil Necklace

Vermeil Jewelry Defined

What is vermeil? Aside from the technical definition, the best way to describe vermeil might be, “a beautiful material used in jewelry making that offers the luster and chic of pure gold without the high cost.” Vermeil, pronounced “ver-may”, is actually .925 sterling silver heavily plated with gold that cannot be less than 10k, and most jewelers of today use at least 14k gold.

Vermeil jewelry differs from jewelry that is sold as “gold plated” in that “plated” consists of a thinner layer of gold over a base metal such as brass. Over time, the base metal tends to appear through as the gold wears off due to exposure to skin oils and natural wear. Vermeil jewelry maintains its beauty over the long term better due to the thickness of the gold layer used in the production process.

Vermeil Jewelry - Amethyst Vermeil Necklace

Amethyst Vermeil Neckalce

Vermeil has long been favored for its high-style look and feel, and is also stronger than gold plated base metals, making it a choice for luxury items other than jewelry. The Vermeil Room in the White House features an exquisite collection of vermeil serving pieces from English and French silversmiths dating back to the eighteenth century, which were bequeathed to the White House in 1956.

Today, many fine jewelers offer vermeil jewelry among their most stylish and fashionable collections. Jewelry wearers who want the high-end, high quality look of pure gold often choose vermeil as an affordable substitute offering a sense of sophistication and style.

Vermeil jewelry should never be cleaned by machine or with solvents or commercial gold and silver cleaners. It is best maintained by polishing with a soft cloth to prevent scratching and keeping vermeil jewelry pieces in an air-tight bag or closed container can prevent corrosion over time.

Discover The World Of January Birthstones

December 28, 2009 By John S. Brana 9 Comments

Faceted Garnet Citrine Flower Necklace

There are actually two January birthstones; Garnet and Rose Quartz. However, most people only recognize Garnet on a wide scale. The word Garnet is derived from Latin which means grain or seed; “granatus”, and it was therefore called thanks to the striking deep red of the gem being so incredibly close to that found in the seeds of pomegranates. However, with a Mohs scale hardness of 6. 5 to 7. 5; biting down a Garnet can not be quite the same sensation as you get from the fruit’s seed!

But, many are stunned that Garnet can additionally be found in colours other than red; and some exquisite gems are available in greens, oranges, pinks and violets. These changes in color are caused by the mineral content contained in the gem; these are rarer still than the already obscure red Garnet.

There are a myriad of legends, myths and folklore that surround the Garnet; crossing scores of cultures and eras. In Biblical myth for instance, it is suggested that Noah hung a Garnet on his Ark, so as he may illuminate his journey during the storms.

Probably due to this, and alternate stories in lore, the gift of a Garnet is usually given to hurry home safely a loved one, who is undertaking a journey. Because of its deep red color, it’s also highly symbolic of love and desire; and is usually given to January born loved ones by their partner.

Records show that it’s been mined for at least 2500 years, though not invariably for its delicate nature; often being employed as a tool such due to its hardness. Whilst traces of this mining were found in Sri Lanka, the Garnet is found in several places across the world including; Africa, India and the United States of America.

The other of the January Birth Stones is the beautiful Rose Quartz that, because the name suggests, ranges from a fragile pale pink, to sorts which deepen up to the hue of a red rose. The colors of the gem are caused by trace amounts of titanium and iron, and in some specimens manganese.

Usually, the value of Rose Quartz is thought by many to make inadequate gems, and certainly can be cloudy. However there are exceptional items found and they’re typically carved into wonderful hearts; making for a fantastic gift for loved ones.

Despite not being widely fashionable, it is reputed to be one of the most powerful semi precious stones in the world. It is said to hold many healing powers, with the power to help bring calm, and balance emotions at times of stress, anxiety and even guilt.

Whilst Rose Quartz is found across the planet, from Asia to Europe and on to Northern America; it’s principally mined in Brazil these days. Brazil has also long been the producer of the finest examples, and, in the proper setting, will create a wonderful various when looking for January birthstones.

Beaded Gemstone Jewelry: Make a Statement

March 23, 2009 By John S. Brana 4 Comments

18K Hammered Gold Cuff with 22K Gold Fleur Di Lis Earrings with Carnelian

When it comes to elegance, nothing really beats a statement piece of jewelry. Multi-strand gemstone necklaces add not only color, but dimension to any ensemble and express your mood, your style, and your personality. Virtually endless in styles and character, beaded gemstone jewelry offers some of the most unique designs and styles of jewelry available. Beaded gemstone jewelry is traditionally made using semi-precious, rather than precious, stones.

Everyone knows a precious stone when they see one. The diamond, a “girl’s best friend”, a ruby, a sapphire, and an emerald. These stones are loosely recognized as a step above semi-precious stones. Semi-precious stones include those which are commonly found in more economically priced jewelry, such as turquoise, amethyst, and garnet. Although these stones are often less expensive, that doesn’t mean that they are in any way inferior in quality to traditional precious stones. In fact, many quality jewelers will combine precious and semi-precious stones in one piece.

The gemstones found in beaded jewelry can be found in many different forms. Although most pieces will be small in size, they may or may not be polished or uniform in size. With semi-precious stones, the rarity of their color, clarity, or other qualities may add to their value – and jewelers often do not want to polish out those characteristics. This type of jewelry can be a unique addition to any wardrobe, both for a man and a woman. Many women choose necklaces and bracelets made from beaded turquoise or rose quartz, and beaded earrings made from amethyst or garnets are also popular. For men, darker and more masculine stones such as lapis, amethyst, or pyrite are often found. This type of jewelry is not limited to formal functions – beaded gemstone jewelry can be appropriate for just about any occasion.

Click Here To Find Beaded Gemstone Jewelry

Fall’s Must-Have Looks: “Heavy Metal” from John S. Brana – Distinctive Fine Jewelry

August 4, 2008 By John S. Brana Leave a Comment

As we all know, this fall 2008 season is all about classic clean lines, and structured volume. While the menswear suiting and frilly party dresses dominate the runway, one trend is helping these lines shine; heavily jeweled accessories.

Whether it’s the intensely large costume jewels of Lanvin, or the classically dark, regal jewel sets at Alexander McQueen, everyone is doing it. But the greatest example of fall’s ultra encrusted , jewel sets were at Balenciaga. Heavy looking necklaces with matching bracelets on both arms, perfectly accented the sleek lines of the Spanish chic collection.

With all the above designers in the Editor’s Top 10 Collections for fall at Vogue.com, we are certain that they will be the must-haves for fall. So how do you get the season’s biggest accessory trend before it hits the magazine? Established jewelry designer, John S. Brana, is one step ahead with his Sonoma collection. These seductive pieces loaded with garnet, amethyst, and amber gemstones are ready to go from the fall catwalks, into your jewelry box. Inspired by the beauty and sophistication of the rolling hills of Sonoma, California, John S. Brana crafts his rich, grape-like collection to pay tribute to the wine country. The elegant construction of these pieces, create a similar regal look that we see on the runways. So whether it’s the clustered earrings paired with the chunky necklace like at McQueen, or the gem dripping necklace with matching bracelets at Balenciaga, John S. Brana’s breath-taking jewelry will make your friends remember you had the look first.

-Ashley Chavez, Altitude Promotions

Sonoma Collection

John S. Brana Handmade Jewelry Accessorizes Fashion Model 2008

June 13, 2008 By John S. Brana 5 Comments

Amber Citrine Crystal Quartz Necklace

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Veronica wears Crystal Quartz – Amber – Citrine Necklace from the Barbary Coast Collection.

Barbary Coast Garnet Earrings and Gemstone Necklace

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Quincy wears Garnet Wire Wrapped earrings
and Pink Coral, Garnets, and Citrine necklace from the Barbary Coast Collection.

Barbary Coast Amber Gemstone Necklace

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Quincy wears Amber and Onyx necklace from the Barbary Coast Collection.

Chalk Turquoise Necklace from the Barbary Coast Collection

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Merissa wears a Green Chalk Turquoise necklace from the Barbary Coast Collection and Fine Silver Anticlastic earrings from the SoMa Collection.

Barbary Coast Freshwater Pearl Wire Spiral Earrings

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Liz wears a Spiral 14K Gold Filled earrings set with White Freshwater Pearls from the Barbary Coast Beaded Gemstone Collection.

Onyx and Crystal Quartz Necklace - Barbary Coast Collection

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Ashley wears Fleur-de-lis Earrings set with faceted Onyx and a Gold Quartz, Citrine, and Onyx necklace from the Barbary Coast Beaded Gemstone Collection.

Amethyst Italian Mesh Metal Ribbon Necklace from the Monterey Collection

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Sivan wears Purple Italian Mesh Metal Ribbon earrings and Amethyst Italian Mesh Metal Ribbon necklace from the Monterey Beaded Gemstone Collection.

Monterey Collection - Orange Italian Mesh Metal Ribbon Necklace

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Fernanda wears Orange Italian Mesh Metal Ribbon earrings and necklace set with Carnelian from the Monterey Beaded Gemstone Collection.

Pacific Heights Citrine Gemstone Earrings

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Quincy wears Teardrop Citrine Gemstone earrings from the Pacific Heights Collection.

Pacific Heights Wire Wrapped Gemstone Jewelry Collection

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Fernanda wears a matching set of wire sculpted Citrine earrings, pendant, and ring from the Pacific Heights Collection.

Fold Formed Silver Earrings and Keishi Cornflake Pearl Necklace from the Sea Cliff Collection

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Sivan wears Fold Formed Fan Coral Fine Silver
earrings and Keishi Pearl necklace from the Sea Cliff Collection.

Sea Cliff Collection Pearl Necklace

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Jenna wears a Mother of Pearl and Fine Silver necklace from the Sea Cliff Collection.

Nob Hill Filigree Jewelry Collection

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Photographer Sarah Ross wears
Large Tear Drop Filigree earrings from the Nob Hill Collection and Hammered Fine Silver necklace from the
SoMa Collection.

Chalk Turquoise Necklace from the Barbary Coast Collection

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Merissa wears Fine Silver Anticlastic earrings from the SoMa Collection and a Green Chalk Turquoise necklace from the Barbary Coast Collection.

SoMa Hammered Silver Jewelry Collection

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Liz wears Brazilian Fire Agate
Hammered Fine Silver necklace and Hammered Fine Silver earrings from the
SoMa Collection.

Hammered Copper Jewelry - Fold Formed Copper Leaf Earrings - Fold Fomed Copper Cuff - Hammered Copper Neckwire with Brazilian Fire Agate Pendant

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Liz wears Brazilian Fire Agate Copper Necklace, Copper Leaf Earrings, and Copper Fold Formed Bracelet from the Handmade Copper Jewelry Collection by John S. Brana.

A New Addition to the Sonoma Jewelry Collection – Merlot

October 29, 2006 By John S. Brana Leave a Comment

Garnet 14K Gold Filled Chainmail Bracelet

Garnet 14K Gold Filled Chainmail Earrings

Garnet 14K Gold Filled Chainmail Necklace

I just finished working on this complete set of handcrafted 14K Gold Filled Chainmail featuring three sizes of Garnets. This set, along with individual sets in Amber, Amethyst, Pearls, and Serpentine can be found on my portfolio site under the Sonoma CollectionHere are some interesting factoids on Garnets:

Color: Red, Pink, Green, Orange, Yellow, Brown, Black
Birthstone: January (Modern & Traditional), May (Alternate)
Anniversary: 2nd, 6th (Alternate)
Occurrence: Worldwide
Rarity: Common
Temperaments: Love, Courage to Live, Stamina
Healing: Garnet regenerates the body. It stimulates the metabolism. Treats spinal and cellular disorders, purifies and reenergizes the blood, heart, and lungs, and regenerates DNA.
Attributes: Transparent or translucent crystal, often small and faceted or larger opaque piece.
Psychological: Garnet sharpens your perceptions of yourself and other people. It dissolves ingrained behavior patterns that are no longer serving you and bypasses resistance of self-induced unconscious sabotage.
Mental: It helps you let go of useless or old or obsolete ideas.
Emotional: Garnet removes inhibitions and taboos. It opens up the heart and bestows self-confidence.

Tips for Men Buying Jewelry for Women

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Coral Jewelry Throughout the Ages

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Vermeil Jewelry

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Handcrafted Jewelry

Aluminum Brass Small Tear Drop Earrings with Peridot

Don’t Be a Plain Jane – Wear Designer Earrings!

Serpentine Sterling Silver Chainmail Earrings

Sterling Silver Designer Earrings Make a Great Buy