Handmade Jewelry Blog by Jewelry Designer John S Brana
The creative process Blog of San Francisco Jewelry Designer John S. Brana. In-depth articles on designing and marketing handmade jewelry and handcrafted fine art jewelry.
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.
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.
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.
Sterling Silver Amber Chainmail Earrings
Pearl Earrings – A Basic Necessity
If you are looking for a classic addition to any outfit, pearl earrings are a guaranteed hit. Simultaneously dazzling and elegant, they are suitable for any formal function or office meeting. Whether chosen for lunch at your favorite restaurant or to complement that floral top or fine-cut summer dress, pearl earrings are the perfect addition to any outfit.
Nature is such a perfectionist, especially when it comes to the pearl. As the only gemstone which does not require any cutting or polishing, it is only expected that craftsmen such as John S. Brana would choose to use these semi-precious stones in their collections. Pearl earrings have been created for centuries, and the image of a lady sporting these shining stones on her earlobes is a picture of style that will last throughout the ages.
Hammered Fine Silver Tear Drop Earrings with Blue Freshwater Pearls
One attribute to pearls, which makes them almost irresistible for use in earrings, is that they can have different colored hues. John S. Brana has used both the lavender and light blue varieties to create some dazzling freshwater pearl earrings. Whether you choose a long, hanging design, or a simple single stone embedded into the earring, pearls are a definite winner when it comes to fine jewelry.
For a bit of variety, pearls also mix well with other gemstones to create some beautiful patterns and displays of color. One outstanding design example is freshwater pearls combined with garnets in John S. Brana’s hammered fine silver earrings. Of course, there are many more varieties, ensuring that anyone can choose one, regardless of their style or taste.
Pearl earrings of any sort will make a fantastic addition to anyone’s personal jewelry collection. They work well on their own, or in creating a set with a pearl necklace or one or two pearl bracelets. Discover the magic of these flawless gemstones today.
Aluminum Brass Medium Circle Earrings with Apatite
Light Weight Aluminum Earrings
Jewelery designers around the world are realizing the potential of aluminum in the creation of stunning earrings and other jewelry pieces. Artisans such as John S. Brana have a range of beautiful aluminum earrings within their catalogs, which are perfect for any woman searching for a piece of jewelry that feels comfortable, is affordable and will protect their bodies. The only difficulty when shopping is choosing which pair of earrings best suits both you and your wardrobe!
Find a superior alternative to sterling silver earrings in the range of aluminum jewelry now offered by skilled craftsmen such as John S. Brana. As a metal, aluminum is lighter, less reactive and considerably more affordable than silver, making it a better choice for jewelry lovers all over the globe.
Fuchsia Anodized Aluminum Lily Pad Earrings
The lightness of aluminum earrings means that they can be worn for a longer time without hurting your ears. Choose from a wider range of styles, such as the aluminum lily pad or bubble embossed earrings created by John S. Brana, without worrying about putting your ears under stress. Their lighter weight also ensures that these are low-noise earrings, which are appropriate to be worn on any occasion.
Choosing aluminum earrings also allows you to protect your bank account. They are much cheaper than their sterling silver counterparts, so that you can build up a more diverse jewelry collection within your household. Own a selection of fashionable accessories perfect for use at home, in the office, or out on the town without spending a fortune.
Finally, aluminum is both nickel-free and non-reactive. Any woman who is hypersensitive to other metals can safely wear items such as texturized aluminum disc earrings without worrying about receiving any adverse reactions. Look your best with aluminum earrings and take care of your health at the same time by purchasing one of these dazzling accessories.
African Opal Citrine Gemstone Bracelet
The play of light off an opal makes this one of the most unique gemstones in the world. Those lucky enough to be born in October will be pleased to know that the opal is the birthstone for that month. Whether worn in rings, bracelets or necklaces, this is most definitely a stunning stone which will make a great addition to your jewelry collection. It also has a long history and some very interesting properties which can be used to enhance your lifestyle.
Opals have long been popular throughout the ages. The Romans used to mine them from the area now known as the Czech Republic, the Aztecs used to source theirs from Mexico, and even the Australian Aborigines mentioned the stone in their ancient stories and folklore. As for its meaning, the Romans perceived the stone as a symbol of purity and hope, while the Greeks believed it gave the wearer the power of foresight and prophecy.
Bronze Ring with Boulder Opal
Nowadays, the opal is believed to be a gemstone signifying good luck, beauty and allure. This dates back to ancient times when Cleopatra wore one to attract Mark Antony’s attention. Some say, however, that this unique stone has the ability to project the energy of the wearer back on his or herself. If you believe in the power of gems, then only wear October’s birthstone if you are a person with many positive thoughts and deeds.
Whether you are looking for an item of jewelry for its looks or its meaning, the wide range of opal accessories now available will leave you spoiled for choice. Artists such as John S. Brana have used the stone in items such as boulder opal bronze rings and African opal bracelets. The choice is yours, so have a look to see which particular pieces catch your eye with October’s Birthstone.
White Coral Chalcedony Necklace
Mother Nature was the original artist. Her beautiful sunsets, stunning mountain peaks, and diverse bird life are just a few wonders which take our breath away. Jewelers around the world have been inspired by these natural masterpieces for millennia and have striven to recreate the beauty and elegance seen all around us. Modern-day artists such as John S. Brana have designed numerous items which take their overall appearance from the ingenuity and creativity of nature itself.
Pearls are an obvious choice for designing jewelry which mimics nature. As the only gemstones which are created by living organisms, pearls require no cutting or polishing to be ready to form splendid looking jewelry. John S. Brana has some interesting examples of pieces inspired by nature within his collection. His onyx and crystal quartz necklaces have pearls intermixed with a range of gems, and remind the viewer of multicolored pebbles on a riverbed.
Copper Lily Pad Earrings - Red Patina
Coral is another natural-looking gemstone and is actually made from a living aquatic creature. These gems come in a range of colors which serve as striking examples of how beautiful nature can be. Again, John S. Brana uses coral to good effect in his range of jewelry. The pink coral cinnabar necklace combines several colors of coral with mollusk shells to create a design which would not look out of place in the warm waters of a tropical reef.
Man can also manipulate these materials to mimic nature. A skilled metalworker can mold and shape copper and bronze to create a very organic look. The red patinated lily pad earrings in John S. Brana’s jewelry collection closely resemble the bronzed fall leaves just before they descend to the ground. The sheer talent and creativity that some of these jewelers possess is made even better through inspiration that only nature could provide.
CALA Apparel Shows
June 21-22, 2010 - Visit Handmade Jewelry by John S. Brana at the CALA Market in the St. Francis Hotel, Union Square, San Francisco from Monday, 6/21 – Tuesday, 6/22. Altitude Promotions will be showcasing the new Marina Collection of Earrings, Pendants, and Cuffs by designer John S. Brana.
View the collections in person – Suite #952 – ST. FRANCIS HOTEL, UNION SQUARE, 335 Powell Street, San Francisco CA 94202 . Parking available at PRIORITY PARKING LOT 490 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Book your appointment by emailing karriann@altitudepromotion.com or calling 415.738.6298.
Karri Ann Frerichs, Altitude Promotions, interviews jewelry designer John S. Brana about his latest patinated handmade copper jewelry collection Muir Woods. See one-of-a-kind copper earrings in a variety of earth-tone colors, including hand-sculpted bronze tree-branch rings set with semi-precious faceted colored gemstones.
Focus Trade Show
January 16-18, 2010 - “The FOCUS” Apparel and Accessories Show, taking place from January 16- 18, 2010 in the California Market Center (CMC) Penthouse on the 13th Floor, A-Wing will feature hand-picked emerging and established lines. “FOCUS is the tradeshow destination for buyers to find the best new, up & coming, artist driven lines. During the January 2010 show, FOCUS will feature many first time exhibitors including Project Runway Season 6 finalist, Althea Harper as well as the latest San Francisco Inspired Handmade Jewelry styles for Summer 2010 by John S. Brana. The January 2010 “FOCUS” Apparel and Accessories Show is also first in a year long partnership with Fashion Business Inc. (FBI) and will present the FBI “Designer Launch Pad Fashion Show” on the FOCUS show floor.
“The FOCUS” Apparel and Accessories Show will begin its 3rd year on the Penthouse of the CMC in January 2010. In that time it has carved out a niche’ featuring the top new, up and coming, artist driven designers and lines, not found anywhere else. January 2010 will feature rising star collections amongst many other great lines. Althea Harper was a contestant on famed TV program,Project Runway’s sixth season. Her line has a unique design aesthetic that combines tailoring, draping and shape to create garments that are both functional and beautiful. Althea Harper will be exhibited along with other lines from the Altitude Fashion Showroom including, Amber Pollard Handbags, Bees Company, India Rose Collection, John S. Brana Jewelry Collection, and Heike Jarick Blue Label Collection. View the latest San Francisco Inspired Handmade Jewelry styles for Summer 2010 by John S. Brana at the FOCUS Trade Show in the California Market Center Penthouse. Booth # 100. You may book your appointment by calling the Altitude Fashion Showroom at 415.738.6298 or emailing Karri Ann Frerichs directly.
