Gemstones | Handmade Jewelry Blog by Jewelry Designer John S Brana

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.

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Handmade Gemstone Jewelry – A Classic Timeless Look

March 20, 2009 By John S. Brana 3 Comments

When you think of handmade gemstone jewelry, you may think of your weird aunt, still living in the 1960’s and her macramé beaded “creations.” Or, you may think of the junky trinkets sold at your local art and crafts fairs. But not to fear, there is another type of handmade jewelry that is neither tacky, “retro”, nor prone to falling to pieces after a few times of wear.

Modern, high-end jewelers create handmade gemstone jewelry that will stand the test of time and hold up against any piece you could find in any store. “Handmade” does not mean “homemade” – it means that it was crafted by a professional, a craftsman, and someone who cares about and takes pride in the work they do. There is nothing quirky or tasteless about it.

If you have seen the handmade creations of modern jewelers, you will see nothing like what you imagined. Handmade jewelry can be exquisite, intricate, and timeless. Take a look at women walking down any red carpet event and you will see them adorned with many different types of handmade pieces. Jewelry that appears to come from the larger jewelers may well be handmade creations, custom-made for just such occasions. In fact, in many cases, you can’t tell a quality piece of handmade jewelry from those of famous well-know jewelry designers.

When evaluating handmade gemstone jewelry, the first thing you must insist on is quality materials. Only the highest quality metals and gemstones should be used, and all settings and clasps must be the best available. Any reputable jeweler will allow you to see how and where he works, the materials he uses, and often the sources he utilizes to get his materials. A jeweler of character and distinction will want to design a piece of jewelry that you are proud of and one that will attract the attention you deserve.

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Happy Birthday August – Peridot Handcrafted Fine Jewelry by John S. Brana

August 1, 2008 By John S. Brana Leave a Comment

August, you are one year older, and Leo has never looked more fierce! The blazing Sun is the element that represents the ferocity and brilliance of Leo making citrine the perfect August gemstone. This gorgeous summer stone is like holding a piece of the Sun and its lemony color in your hand. Its color is hard to come by in the world of gemstones which makes its glow that much more special.

John S. Brana has captured the warmth of citrine in his Pacific Heights collection. These, and other beautiful August stones such as peridot, are fully showcased in swirling pendants, over-sized cocktail rings, and lovely drop earrings. These jewels are wrapped by hand in 14K gold filled sculpted wire and come in a variety of cuts such as oval, pear, emerald, and marquise. Each piece of this roaring collection is a true conversation starter at any event and is a must-have for all your heat wave outfits.

So get your own piece of the Sun from John S. Brana’s citrine Pacific Heights collection, and enjoy being the fierce Queen that you are. Have a fantastic birthday!

Fine Silver Wire Wrapped Peridot Tear Drop Earrings

Amethyst – A New Addition to the Monterey Collection

February 5, 2007 By John S. Brana Leave a Comment

Amethyst is said to balance out highs and lows, promoting emotional centering. It dispels anger, rage, fear, and anxiety. Alleviating sadness and grief, it supports coming to terms with loss. The Greek word “amethystos” basically can be translated as “not drunken.” Amethyst was considered to be a strong antidote against drunkenness, which is why wine goblets were often carved from it. Supposedly, when a drunken Dionysus was pursuing a maiden called Amethystos, who refused his affections, she prayed to the gods to remain chaste. The goddess Artemis granted the prayer, transforming her into a white stone; humbled by Amethystos’ desire to remain chaste, Dionysus poured wine over the stone she had become as an offering, dying the crystals purple.

Traditionally included in the cardinal, or most valuable, gemstones (along with diamond, sapphire, ruby and emerald), Amethyst has lost much of its value due to the discovery of extensive deposits in locations such as Brazil.

These earrings are made of hammered Fine Silver rings with faceted Amethyst beads on Sterling Silver Chain. The necklace is also made of hammered Fine Silver rings with Purple Italian Mesh Metal Ribbon and faceted Amethyst beads. Both can be found under the Monterey Collection

The Pacific Heights Collection

July 29, 2006 By John S. Brana 1 Comment

The Pacific Heights Collection is characterized by idyllic elegance. Ornate, bold pieces create a legacy of luxury – certain to be perennial favorites. Flowing, cascading swirls of 14K gold, 14K gold filled, and sterling silver wire create a chic, uptown tempo. Gemstones of citrine, gold quartz, smoky quartz, amethyst, blue topaz, and garnets add the final luxurious, breathtaking touch. Matching sets are available in earrings, pins, pendants, and rings.Stay tuned for the launch of John S. Brana due out in mid-August.