Handmade Gemstone Pendant Necklaces

April 7, 2011 By jbrana 12 Comments

14K Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Pendant with Amethyst

The Forefront of Today’s Fashion – Gemstone Pendant Necklaces

One item that is making a huge comeback this spring is the pendant, which has been spotted in numerous American magazines already. Celebrities of all types are sporting these exquisite pieces of designer jewelry, which certainly are a fantastic way to complement anyone’s wardrobe. Richly jeweled designs are right at the forefront of today’s fashion world, and it seems like the larger the gemstone pendant is, the better. So, if you are searching for a new addition to your jewelry collection, one that will keep you in trend and in style, gemstone pendants are certainly the way to go.

Add A Flash of Color to Any Outfit with Gemstone Pendant Necklaces

Thanks to the creativity of professional jewelers around the globe, plus the extensive variety of gems found in nature, the range of gemstone pendant necklaces encrusted with these sparkling stones is simply amazing. These elegant designs are a great way to add a flash of color to your outfit no matter what clothes you are wearing. With a few purchases, you can have access to the full rainbow within your personal collection, allowing you to don a gemstone pendant regardless of whether you are going to the office, a restaurant or a nightclub. These items are just so versatile and are suitable for a number of outfits and settings.

14K Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Pendant with Green Gold Quartz

Artisan Handmade Gemstone Pendant Necklaces

Of course, the base material also plays a big part in how a piece of jewelry looks, and also how much it will cost you. Fortunately, there are enough options so that anyone, regardless of their budgets, can get their hands on a pendant necklace of any size. Gold-filled designs will suit those with a bit more money to spend, while silver and bronze pendants are more affordable and will still look absolutely stunning, especially if purchased from a skilled artisan. Remember, as well, that the materials used will determine how durable the piece is and what you will have to do to take care of it.

Once you have purchased your gemstone pendant necklace, you will then be left to choose what to wear it with! The most important thing is that the gem’s colors have to match with the clothes that you put on. Big pendants will always be the center of your outfit, so you must make sure that nothing else competes for attention from those around you. Items such as bright gemstone jewelry will go well with simple clothes that are black, grey or white. If you opt for a more subtle piece, you will need to brighten up your outfit to provide some balance.

So if you are the type of person who loves keeping up with the latest fashion trends, it is time that you went out and purchased a large gemstone pendant today. Join ranks with popular celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Molly Sims, Amy Adams and more, and strut your stuff knowing that you are looking in style and absolutely stunning with your newly-purchased designer pendant. This spring, being fashionable is as easy as choosing a handmade gemstone pendant to wear on your necklace while you are out and about.

Statement Jewelry

June 27, 2010 By John S. Brana 5 Comments

Brazilian Fire Agate Orange Coral Vermeil Necklace

Statement Jewelry – Defining Your Unique Sense of Style

Statement jewelry has boldness, high style, and most of all, presence. It’s the kind of jewelry that makes an immediate and long lasting impression. It doesn’t just show up, it makes an entrance. This is why it is a popular choice for independent women with a strong sense of their own style.

Statement Jewelry 14K Gold Amethyst Pendant

14K Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Pendant with Amethyst

Statement jewelry is big, bold, usually brightly colored, and sometimes layered for an even greater fashion impact. It often includes large and chunky jewels and pearls, either real or faux, mixed with thick chains and pendants. Some statement jewelry includes charms stamped with motivational words or significant dates. It’s meant to be noticed immediately which means that one fabulous statement jewelry piece is all you need to add polish and personality to an outfit. No doubt you’ve seen some terrific examples on international fashion runways and also adorning the ears and necklines of some of the world’s most well-known and well-dressed women such as Nicole Kidman, Sarah Jessica Parker and Cate Blanchett.

Oversized gemstones are a popular choice for red carpet events, while layers of long necklaces and chunky cuffs can add a bit of bling to a little black party dress.

Statement jewelry always brings drama to any outfit and carries a luxe look. Although luxe doesn’t necessarily mean big bucks, the nature of these pieces mean that any investment is well worth the money.

Statement Jewelry Anticlastic 14K Gold Cuff

14K Gold Chased Anticlastic Cuff Bracelet

The trick behind statement jewelry is to choose a size and style that represents you and the fashion statement you want to make to the world. It usually means wearing only one big, bold, eye-catching necklace, chandelier earrings, wide cuff bracelet, or chunky ring as the attention-getting focus of an outfit. Moderation is key; too many bold items make the wrong statement!

John S. Brana features several dazzling and dramatic pieces among his couture collection. Each finely crafted, limited edition item in the collection delivers a statement that declares the wearer to be sophisticated, stylish and uniquely fashion-forward.

Did You Know That Amethyst Has Healing Powers?

February 1, 2010 By jbrana 10 Comments

Natural Amethyst Gemstone

Amethyst is considered one of the most beautiful varieties of quartz, if not the most beautiful. Known as the spirituality gemstone, amethyst expresses the connection between the divine and spiritual side, stimulating clairvoyance. It has a very strong protective role. Amethyst is found mainly in Brazil.

This gemstone is considered a symbol of success, because it stimulates and amplifies intellectual abilities, intuition, self confidence, concentration and spiritual capacities. At the same time, it reduces anger, impatience, nightmares, stress, nervousness, depression, improving communication between people.

Known as a gemstone of power, amethyst has a calming effect on the nervous system, fighting against insomnia. Anybody can place an amethyst crystal under the pillow to have pleasant dreams.

Amethyst fights against addictions (tobacco, alcohol, food), insomnia (it is a cure used for snoring), headaches, allergies, acne, migraines and back pain. Some people claim that this gemstone has beneficial effects on stomach, central nervous system, digestive and endocrine system, eyes and hair. It balances blood sugar and regenerates the entire body.

Crystals of amethyst purify and transform lower energies into higher energies, having a relaxing effect. They are recommended for meditation.

14K Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Pendant with Tear Drop Amethyst

Greeks believe that this gemstone brings love and happiness, while medieval soldiers wore amethyst amulets in battles. If your problems in love are deep, then you need this healing crystal, which will purify your inner energies, balancing your life. Amethyst is known for its power to support major changes in life, whether it’s about an intentional change or a painful experience like a breakup or a divorce. It will bring you inner peace and the power to forget and to forgive.

Also, amethyst is used by people who have passed through experiences that have made them feel victimized by a strong and impulsive personality. By wearing such a natural crystal, you will attract positive energies that will help you to receive and offer love. Meditate on your own desires and decide to accept love in your life, supported by the energetic power of crystals.

Amethyst is a perfect gemstone for those born in the month of February. Shop these handcrafted jewelry designs by jewelry designer John S. Brana featuring February’s birthstone Amethyst.

The Gemstone of Success – Citrine

November 5, 2009 By jbrana 7 Comments

14K Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Ring with Marquise Citrine

Known as the “success stone,” pale yellow Citrine, the gemstone for November, suffers from a case of mistaken identity that sometimes keeps gem lovers away from its beauty and benefits.

In nature the color of Citrine, a quartz crystal, ranges from pale yellow to brown. When cut into a gemstone, Citrine is virtually impossible to tell visually from the more valuable Yellow Topaz. This has led unscrupulous dealers to substitute Citrine for Yellow Topaz, much to the chagrin of bilked customers when they discover the truth, usually at resale.

Most commercial-grade Citrine is actually amethyst or smoky quartz that has been heated to active the ferric impurities that give its yellow color. Citrines produced in this way tend to have more of a reddish or orange cast than natural Citrines, which are usually pale yellow. Brazil produces most of the world’s gem-grade citrine. Citrine is one of three traditional birthstones for the month of November.

14K Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Pendant with Checkboard Cut Citrine

Over the centuries, Citrine acquired a reputation as a “success stone” that promotes prosperity and abundance. It’s sometimes nicknamed “merchant’s stone” because superstitious merchants of times past put Citrine in their cashboxes to bring in money. However, Citrine supposedly also brings about success in unexpected ways. In addition to manifesting abundance, Citrine also promotes generosity, leading those who benefit from its powers to share their wealth with others.

Citrine also is thought to enhance mental clarity, confidence and will power. For these reasons, practitioners of New Age healing arts often recommend Citrine crystals for people who suffer from low self-esteem or even depression. Citrine is though to deflect and dissipate all kinds of negative energies, generating stability in thought and emotion. It’s also believed to reduce self-doubt and self-destructive tendencies, instead fostering happiness and good cheer in those who wear it.

Citrine Bronze Ring

Healers also prescribe Citrines to benefit the digestive system, the endocrine system and the immune system. It’s believed to play a role in eliminating toxins from the body and in overcoming various addictions.

Whether chosen merely for its beauty or for its alleged psychic and physical benefits, sunny Citrine bring a gleam of good cheer to its wearers.

The Endless Shades of Blue Topaz Gemstones

September 5, 2009 By jbrana 6 Comments

It can be as blue as the sky, a slightly greenish blue, or a highly saturated “electric” blue. Whatever its shade, Blue Topaz has a place in beautiful jewelry and intriguing legends.

14K Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Oval Cut Swiss Blue Topaz Ring

Like most topazes, which are quartz crystals, Blue Topaz starts out as a nearly clear or lightly shade crystal. The gem is then irradiated to bring out its blue color and heated to make the change permanent. The color depends on which type of radiation is used.

Bombarding topazes with neutrons in a nuclear accelerator changes the color to the deep green-blue or gray-blue known as London Blue Topaz. Irradiating topazes with electrons in a linear accelerator will produce Sky Blue Topaz. To create the highly saturated colors known as Swiss Blue or Electric Blue, topazes are bathed with a combination of both types of radiation. The gems must “rest” for at least a year if treated with neutrons before their radiation levels cool enough to allow them to be worn by people.

Most blue topaz has a modest value, so there’s little incentive for gemologists to create synthetic versions of the gem. Instead, they use various vapor or diffusion coatings (mainly titanium) to create the “mystic” Blue Topaz, a version that sparkles with red, sea green and teal colors. Unfortunately, this

14K Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Earrings London Blue Topaz

treatment isn’t permanent, and the coating is extremely fragile, so the stones must be handled very gently.

Despite its unusual production methods, Blue Topaz serves as a wonderful gemstone because it has a high refractive index and polishes up beautifully. With a score of 8 on Moh’s Scale of gemstone hardness, Blue Topaz finds its way into many attractive pieces of jewelry.

In mystical and New Age healing beliefs, Blue Topaz carries the same healing properties as all forms of topaz: regulates heart action, promotes glandular health, stops bleeding and reduces fever and inflammations such as arthritis. However, the color of Blue Topaz has gained repute as a stone particularly help for meditation, discernment and forgiveness. Its calm blue quality is said to help its wearers release their anger, especially from old hurts, fostering forgiveness and reconciliation that leads to a calmer, fuller life.

Handmade Jewelry by John S Brana Accessorizes “Babe Be Mine” Fashion Show – Event Photos

May 22, 2009 By John S. Brana 3 Comments

14K Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Onyx Tear Drop Earrings – Barbary Coast Collection with Hammered 14K Gold Bangle – SoMa Contemporary Jewelry Collection

Amazonite Sterling Silver Chain Maille Earrings – Sonoma Collection

Amazonite Sterling Silver Chainmail Bracelet – Sonoma Chainmail Collection with Wire Wrapped Hammered Fine Silver Tear Drop with Amazonite – Barbary Coast Beaded Gemstone Collection

Chased Fine Silver Necklace with Corrugated Sterling Silver Cuff – SoMa Contemporary Jewelry Collection

Amazonite Sterling Silver Chainmail Earrings – Sonoma Chainmail Collection

Corrugated Fold Formed Copper Triangle Earrings – SoMa Contemporary Jewelry Collection

Fine Silver Anticlastic Earrings – SoMa Handmade Contemporary Jewelry Collection

Hammered 14K Gold Filled Necklace – Chased Copper Necklace – Hammered 14K Gold Filled Earrings – SoMa Contemporary Jewelry Collection

Hammered Fine Silver Necklace with Chrysophrase Gemstones – SoMa Contemporary Jewelry Collection

Baby Be Mine, Valentine’s Fashion Fundraiser for MoAD
Produced by Charleston Pierce
Choreographed by Ronnie Reddick
Styling by Karri Ann Frerichs
Handmade Jewelry by John S Brana

“Luxurious Gypsy”…Oscar de la Renta launches couture jewelry collection that is definitely not “shy.”

July 10, 2008 By John S. Brana 3 Comments

Oscar de la Renta has partnered with long-time family friend Loulou de la Falaise, most recognized for her collaborations with designer Yves Saint Laurent, to release a jewelry collection this fall exclusive to Oscar de la Renta boutiques. According to an article in W Magazine’s June 2008 issue, the collection showcases a “chunky, crafty bohemian look” consisting of necklaces, pendants, earrings and bracelets which shares both designers’ “love of exotic, far-flung inspirations,” Venessa Lau (http://www.wmagazine.com/jewelry/2008/06/de_la_renta).

Look for dramatic, “showstoppers” incorporating stones of different colors, sizes and textures, such as smoky quartz, citrine and pearl not to mention precious stones from an Indian jeweler including rubies, diamonds and sapphires. Despite price tags ranging from just under $5000 to upwards of $40,000, “the offerings never skew too precious” and maintain the de la Falaise signature look.

To embody “luxurious gypsy” without breaking the bank, consider jewelry designers channeling similar themes with statement pieces just as bold but significantly more affordable, such as John S. Brana – Distinctive Jewelry, www.johnsbrana.com. Discover this multi-strand beaded necklace featuring eight distinct stones including lemon amber, one of the oldest, rarest, and most valuable ambers in the world, quartz, amethyst and pearl, $1,030. Just as opulent but in a cool monotone is Brana’s fine silver hammered hexagonal link necklace featuring a contrast of off-shaped and spherical faceted aquamarine stones, $800. And nothing captures bohemian style better than a pair of oversized earrings, such as these massive four-inch teardrops in multi-gauge onyx beads wrapped with 14K gold-filled wire, $245.

Be assured this jewelry trend is growing and worth your investment. Chunky jewelry and bold cuffs defined the Fall 2008 runways of major fashion houses, including Louis Vuitton, Lanvin, John Galliano and Yves St. Laurent. Oscar de la Renta’s own Resort 2009 Collection was highlighted on stage with giant floral broaches, disc earrings and multi-hued beaded necklaces. So look to enhance your jewelry collection this season with exotic explorations in color, texture and style, in any budget of “luxurious gypsy.”

Kerri Ann Frerichs

Beaded Gemstone Collections by John S. Brana

Guests enjoy wine while browsing art including jewelry by John S. Brana at Art People Gallery – May 28

May 29, 2008 By John S. Brana Leave a Comment

Over 50 guests attended a wine tasting event featuring three boutique wineries from Napa Valley and one Italian wine distributor held at the intimate gallery space of Art People in the Crocker Galleria, San Francisco. Many of the current exhibiting artists were present to showcase their creations including John S. Brana, whose distinctive handcrafted jewelry creations drew attention from attendees and fellow artists alike. Artful jewelry pieces from each of Brana’s seven women’s jewelry collections, all inspired by areas in and around San Francisco, were displayed.

Two Curious Onlookers Browse Jewelry by John S. Brana

Guests were particularly drawn to selections from the Monterey collection, including a pair of teardrop-shaped earrings made of fine silver and wrapped in an olive green Italian metal mesh, priced especially for Art People clients at $95. Many women also enjoyed slipping dazzling gemstone cocktail rings from the Pacific Heights collection onto their fingers. “The wirework setting is incredible,” exclaimed one guest as she and her friend fitted various rings set with faceted blue topaz, citrine, amethyst and green-gold quartz gemstones, priced from $300-$400.

John S. Brana points out the SoMa Hammered Copper, Silver, and Gold Collection to a customer

Brana’s art colleague and good friend, Klaus Lange was also an exhibiting artist. Lange displayed several abstract photographs taken from ship sides at sea and a selection silk chiffon scarves and sarongs inspired by those images. His silkwear collection, Seaklaus, has developed into an “Art 2 Couture” limited resort collection of wearable art from images of his photographs. The central look of the collection is a classic Japanese kimono with an Elizabethan twist, accessorized with a 24K green quartz gemstone pin with a 14K gold-filled wire setting from Brana’s Pacific Heights collection.

Art 2 Couture by Klaus Lange features a hair pin by John S. Brana

Art People hosts these wine tasting and art events on the last Wednesday of each month. Events are open to the public and entrance fee is $15. The next scheduled event, featuring additional works by John S. Brana and Klaus Lange will take place Wednesday, June 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Jewelry Designer John S. Brana Releases New Fall Jewelry Collection – Barbary Coast

October 18, 2006 By John S. Brana 1 Comment

New for fall, John S. Brana’s most lavish and wild collection is the Barbary Coast Collection. This vibrant collection of unique and one-of-a-kind necklaces, earrings, and bracelets is reminiscent of the buoyant feeling during the California Gold Rush.

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) October 18, 2006 — New for fall, John S. Brana’s most lavish and wild collection is the Barbary Coast Collection. This vibrant collection of unique and one-of-a-kind necklaces, earrings, and bracelets is reminiscent of the buoyant feeling during the California Gold Rush.

Featuring gold vermeil, 14K gold filled, and 14K gold (no silver to be found here) these pieces are perfect for those who want to have fun and make a statement with their jewelry. Completing the look, the pieces are set with dynamically shaped and textured semi-precious beads.

Other John S. Brana’s women’s collections include:

• The Monterey, evoking the magic of the sea with hand-forged metal filled with delicate Italian mesh ribbon.
• The Pacific Heights, featuring comprehensive swirls of 14K gold-filled wire accented with precious gemstones.
• The Sea Cliff, bold in scale and accented with dramatic sea creatures, unusually shaped beads, and precious gemstones.
• The SoMa, sleek and contemporary with a surprising bohemian-urban undercurrent.
• The Sonoma, an epitome of relaxed sophistication.

Selected John S. Brana’s jewelry is currently available at Residents Apparel Gallery (R.A.G), Porcelynne boutique in San Francisco and Marlowe & Company Jewellers in St. Helena. For online orders, please visit John S. Brana

For Hi-resolution images and media requests, please contact Leena@theprcafe.com or phone 415.205.7094.

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Click Here to Download a PDF Version of this Press Release

Handmade Gemstone Pendant Necklaces

14K Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Pendant with Amethyst

The Forefront of Today’s Fashion – Gemstone Pendant Necklaces

Add A Flash of Color to Any Outfit with Gemstone Pendant Necklaces

14K Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Pendant with Green Gold Quartz

Artisan Handmade Gemstone Pendant Necklaces

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Statement Jewelry

Statement Jewelry – Defining Your Unique Sense of Style

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Did You Know That Amethyst Has Healing Powers?

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The Gemstone of Success – Citrine

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The Endless Shades of Blue Topaz Gemstones

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Handmade Jewelry by John S Brana Accessorizes “Babe Be Mine” Fashion Show – Event Photos

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“Luxurious Gypsy”…Oscar de la Renta launches couture jewelry collection that is definitely not “shy.”

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Guests enjoy wine while browsing art including jewelry by John S. Brana at Art People Gallery – May 28

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Jewelry Designer John S. Brana Releases New Fall Jewelry Collection – Barbary Coast

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14K Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Pendant with Amethyst The Forefront of Today’s Fashion – Gemstone Pendant Necklaces

Add A Flash of Color to Any Outfit with Gemstone Pendant Necklaces

14K Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Pendant with Green Gold Quartz Artisan Handmade Gemstone Pendant Necklaces

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Become My Fan on Facebook and Receive Up to 35% Off Featured Jewelry!

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Handcrafted Jewelry

14K Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Pendant with Amethyst

The Forefront of Today’s Fashion – Gemstone Pendant Necklaces

14K Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Pendant with Green Gold Quartz

Artisan Handmade Gemstone Pendant Necklaces