Modern Colors in Handmade Designer Jewelry

Green Amethyst Bronze Ring - Designer Jewelry

Green Amethyst Bronze Ring

The Changing Colors of Designer Jewelry

The years come and go and trends fade in and out. The world of designer jewelry shifts and changes its look accordingly depending on the global or regional ways of thinking. This winter, expect to see a range of modern colors in jewelry reflecting the world around us and the attitudes of the general public.

Environmentalism in Designer Jewelry

With the Earth just recovering from a global financial crisis and a series of natural disasters, we have all emerged with a new consciousness. Prudence and environmentalism are now governing the way we think and the colors found in modern-day designer jewelry such as the John S. Brana collection reflect this. Filled with earthy colors such as greens, reds, browns and light blues, these items of jewelry bring us all back to nature. Silver is also a predominant color as we forego gold for a more affordable mineral which still looks fantastic.

An Abundance of Colors in Designer Jewelry

When having a look at the best-selling designer jewelry in current collections, it is easy to see an abundance of the above colors. John S. Brana has several items like this on his website. His red patinated copper lily pad earrings remind one of a brisk autumn day with their rich, earthy tones. Compare this to his green amethyst bronze rings which add a dash of green to the browns to form the ultimate natural combination. Both of these items are not too extravagant either and fit with the global consciousness after the financial crisis.

Men's Designer Jewelry - Redwood Sterling Silver Ring

Men's Redwood Sterling Silver Ring

Oxidized Silver Most Popular in Men’s Designer Jewelry

The colors found in men’s designer jewelry have not been affected as much by worldwide events. Men around the world are searching for jewelry which looks functional and bold. Blacks, browns and grays are predominant in these items for the modern man. Colors such as this make these items less like the jewelry we are used to, and more into the masculine pieces that men desire.

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Discover The World Of January Birthstones

Faceted Garnet Citrine Flower Necklace

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.

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Muir Woods Copper Patinated Earrings

Karri Ann Frerichs – Altitude Designers, features Copper Patinated jewelry by jewelry designer John S. Brana at Bloomingdale’s – Stanford.  The Muir Woods collection evokes the serenity and timelessness of this prehistoric redwood forest. Earrings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants and rings are both delicate and exotic. The nature-inspired, handcrafted textures allow the jewelry to be gorgeously warped like the bark of a tree or the rush of river water. Burnt umber, red bronze, smoky lavender, iridescent greens and turquoise hues complete the collection.

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Opal – October’s Birthstone

African Opal Citrine Necklace

African Opal Necklace

Happy birthday October! Your birthstone could not represent you better, as its hues are as varied as the changing leaves and compliment all the dimensions of you. So put forth that color you bring to the lives around you with this multi-faceted African Opal bracelet and necklace.

Here, John S. Brana has hand selected African Opals in hues of deep olive greens and dusty browns. Accented by lava rocks, fresh water pearls, 14K gold plated vermeil beads and clear quartz gemstones, this lusciously green autumn bracelet will draw admirers to your already magnetic charm!

African Opal Citrine Bracelet

African Opal Citrine Bracelet

John S. Brana showcases his signature tri-color style in this African Opal necklace. From the day glow amber and citrine semi-precious gemstones to the turquoise hues of Amazonite, fresh water pearls and Citrine that are ready for night, the African Opal ties it all together creating a statement necklace perfect for your special occasions.

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John S Brana Introduces New Jewelry Collection “Muir Woods”

 

Karri Ann Frerichs, PR Director of Altitude Promotions interviews San Francisco jewelry designer John S. Brana backstage at "Bella Bikini Fashion Show" by Charleston Pierce at Temple nightclub. John discusses his new handcrafted copper patina jewelry collection inspired by the natural beauty of Muir Woods National Park. Earrings, pendants, bangles, and rings feature hues of burnt umber, red bronze, smoky lavender, iridescent greens, and turquoise.

Click here to view the Muir Woods Collection

 


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