Best Jewelry for Christmas

Amethyst Carnelian Prehnite Necklace - Christmas Jewelry

Amethyst Carnelian Prehnite Necklace

Jewelry – The Classic Christmas Present

Although it may seem like there is plenty of shopping time left until Christmas, the days have an annoying tendency to fly past. For this reason, it is important to start thinking about gifts for those you care about as soon as possible. Jewelry has always been a classic Christmas present, whether for your girlfriend, spouse, mother or sister, yet it is often one of the most difficult items to purchase. With a little thought and time however, you can find the perfect accessory for that special woman, and give her a holiday memory that she will cherish forever.

The warmth and timelessness of Christmas should be tied up within the jewelry that you buy. Show her that you care by purchasing an item that matches her personality and appearance in every way. For those confident, professional women, items such as gold fold formed earrings will show her that you know her inside-out. On the other hand, if your wife or mother is more bubbly and outgoing, maybe a gemstone necklace would more suit her style. This will all show her that you care enough to take the time out to purchase her the perfect gift.

Citrine Bronze Ring - Christmas Rings

Citrine Bronze Ring

This Christmas, Choose Jewelry That Will Make Her Look Stunning

Jewelry should be versatile enough to be worn on a number of occasions as well. In this way, she can remember the happy times that she had with you during the holidays whenever she wears your present. Accessories such as aluminum bracelets can be worn while at work, while eating out and even when dancing the night away in a club. This Christmas, choose carefully and pick an item that will make her look stunning in a wide variety of places. Let her gain the most benefit out of your chosen piece of jewelry and allow the spirit of Christmas to keep her company throughout the year ahead.

Any Christmas gift that you purchase for your special woman should be expertly crafted and made of high quality materials. Show her that she is worth any amount of money to you by giving her the best in gold or silver jewelry. This is the time for giving so you do not want to seem too sting. That is not to say that you have to blow your budget either, as there are plenty of quality items such as bronze rings and amber earrings that are well made and that will not cost you a fortune.

Lastly, when giving out your presents this Christmas, make sure that everything fits in with the occasion well. This is a magical time, and the gift and the act of giving itself have to suit the overall atmosphere and sentiment. With the right wrapping paper, a thoughtful card and warm, friendly surroundings, your gift will seem even more special. This will imbue the jewelry with an even better feeling, as she will be reminded of that happy moment whenever she looks at it. This Christmas, give her a beautiful piece of jewelry that makes her feel warm and happy inside whenever she wears it out and about.

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Handmade Jewelry by John S Brana Accessorizes Photoshoot by San Francisco Photographer Rachel Schwarz

Chased NuGold Bracelets and Cuffs by John S Brana

Chased NuGold Bracelets and Cuffs by John S Brana

Hammered Copper Cuff  and Bubble Embossed Disc Earrings

Hammered Copper Cuff and Bubble Embossed Disc Earrings

Turquoise Patinated Bangle and Open Tear Drop Earrings

Turquoise Patinated Bangle and Open Tear Drop Earrings

Photographer: Rachel Schwarz
Models: Naeemah of Je Models/ Yasmin of City Models/ Helena Bianca- Rogue
Spot Light Designers: Leila Hafzi reped by HSMPR, Bao Tranchi, Bryan Hearns, John. S Brana represented by Altitude Promotions, & Shabnam Quassemi
Wardrobe Stylist: Devon Nuszer
Hair & Make-up: Akemi Yagi
Assistants: Nino Palana & Ania Hogan

Brazilian Fire Agate Gemstone Necklace by John S Brana

Brazilian Fire Agate Gemstone Necklace by John S Brana

Turquoise Patinated Brass Bangle - Turquoise Leaf Earrings

Turquoise Patinated Brass Bangle - Turquoise Leaf Earrings

Turquoise Patinated Brass Bangle

Turquoise Patinated Brass Bangle

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

Item New York - 444 Broome St - New York City

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

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Gentry Magazine – South Bay – features Barbary Coast Carnelian Necklace by John S. Brana

Gentry Magazine - SouthBay - November 2008 - Features Carnelian Barbary Coast Necklace by Jewelry Designer John S. Brana - Page 68.

John S. Brana’s Barbary Coast Carnelian Necklace is featured on page 68 of the November 2008 issue along with other fine jewelry by Thalia Jewelry, Stephen Webster, DeBeers, and Bulgari.

A BRANA BEAUTY Wearing John S. Brana’s Carnelian necklace ($1,285) to that next luncheon will get everyone talking—in a good way. Further enhanced by gold freshwater pearls and gold vermeil beads. this striking necklace adds elegance to a black V-neck wrap dress or a white cashmere turtleneck with black wool pants.

Barbary Coast Carnelian Necklace by San Francisco Jewelry Designer John S. Brana

Gentry can be found at various locations throughout the San Francisco Peninsula and South Bay – from Hillsborough to Los Altos, and Cupertino Hills to the Almaden Valley. Click here to find out more about Gentry.

 

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John S. Brana Handmade Jewelry Accessorizes Fashion Model 2008

Amber Citrine Crystal Quartz Necklace

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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John S. Brana accessorizes upcoming Spring 09 Collection by theSutra

Anamika wears Copper Bracelets from Sea Cliff Collection

Anamika wears Brazilian Fire Agate Pendant from the SoMa Collection and Two Anticlastic Copper Bracelets from the Sea Cliff Collection

Anamika wears Sterling Silver Anticlastic Cuff and Jellyfish Earrings

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 and Onyx Beaded Gemstone Necklace from John S. Brana

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 Fine Silver Earrings from John S Brana - SoMa Collection

Anamika wears Hammered Silver Earrings from the SoMa Collection

Anamika wears Jellyfish Earrings from John S. Brana - Sea Cliff Collection

Anamika wears Jellyfish Earrings from the Sea Cliff Collection

Anamika wears Sterling Silver Serpentine Chainmail Earrings from John S. Brana - Sonoma 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

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Fall in Line…with Distinctive Jewelry This Season

Jewelry collections by John S. Brana are on target with the Fall 2008 Ready-to-Wear designer runways.

The Fall 2008 season is characterized by gray being the new black…again, the maxi dress in bold patterns and red-carpet glamour, and rich textured fabrics ruched, frayed and displayed in origami folds. Not to be overlooked however, chunky beaded necklaces, jeweled teardrop earrings and undeniable cuffs all played strong supporting roles in collections of main fashion houses. Iconic designers including Louis Vuitton, Lanvin, John Galliano and Yves St. Laurent each showcased standout jewelry pieces, whose themes may be interpreted in the eclectic jewelry collections of John S. Brana.

A true talent for combining colors and textures has always been present in several of Brana’s San Francisco-inspired collections, including Barbary Coast and Monterey. This upcoming season, feel free to lighten up a classic turtleneck tucked into belted trousers as a solid black or gray ensemble with a chunky gemstone necklace in a tri-tone color scheme. Choose your favorite of these colors and complete the look with a matching clutch and pair of heels and you are ready for the office or a lunch meeting.

A simpler, but just as dynamic, alternative to the chunky necklace is the large pendant. Get ready for the night in your knockout maxi gown by drawing the eye to your low, flirty neckline with a stunning solo gemstone set in an intricate wire setting. Brana’s Pacific Heights collection embodies the statement of luxury you want to make. Adorn you fingers (gloved or bare) in an over-the-top cocktail ring sure to leave a lasting impression. Brana personally selects each gemstone for shape, carat and clarity before creating an elaborate setting unique to each piece.

Browse the Seacliff and SoMa collections for the perfect silver or copper cuff sculpted and hammered exclusively by Brana himself. A subtle texture in your favorite blazer, lace blouse or little black dress is easily enhanced when paired with an anticlastic handcrafted cuff. Finish with the delicate touch of hammered link earrings in fine silver, gold or copper. This style remains contemporary and understated but will continue to draw compliments to your discerning taste.

To view each of John S. Brana’s collections, visit www.johnsbrana.com. For wholesale, event and media inquiries contact Karri Ann Frerichs, Altitude Promotions at karri.altitude@gmail.com or 402.490.2479.

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Accessorizing with the Right Jewelry – Part 2

Continued from Dec 21st

In terms of matching your jewelry to your clothing, if you are wearing more than one color, your accessories should balance out the entire outfit. For example, if you are wearing black and red, you should have an even amount of red accessories (possibly garnets or coral) and black accessories (onyx or a black silk scarf). Stick with the same color palate for guaranteed success. Wear ruby or garnet earrings with a red top, or a sapphire or blue topaz -accented necklace or pendant with your favorite blue dress. Above all, make sure your jewelry is appropriate for the occasion or event that you will be wearing it to.

Utilize your current jewelry wardrobe to its best, and then over time fill in the gaps with complimentTropical Garden Beaded Gemstone Necklaceary pieces. This doesn’t mean that you have to spend a fortune to augment your jewelry wardrobe or have an extensive jewelry collection. It also doesn’t mean that you can’t mix a piece of fine jewelry with a bridge or costume, just as long as it works well together.

Consider having at least one signature piece of high quality jewelry that you wear frequently (other than your wedding band). It doesn’t have to be a handcrafted one-of-a-kind designer piece. There are plenty of wonderful pieces on the market that are unsigned but certainly make a fashion statement. Above all, make sure that your everyday or signature jewelry is in good condition. If it’s showing signs of wear, have it repaired, upgraded, or replaced.

Just remember that everyday jewelry should work well with the rest of your wardrobe and should reflect your personal style. Carry out this look when selecting new pieces to add to your jewelry wardrobe. Most importantly, remember that staying within your comfort zone and your personal fashion style goes a long way in making your confidence and personality shine.

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