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Chainmail Jewelry

February 16, 2011 By 24 Comments

Sterling Silver Chainmail Necklace with Serpentine - Chainmail Jewelry

Sterling Silver Chainmail Necklace with Serpentine

Chainmail Jewelry – From Casual to Formal Wear

For a range of elegant designs that are both sophisticated and relaxed, you cannot go past the chainmail jewelry that is currently being retailed by first class jewelers around the globe. Unlike most other styles, these accessories are created to be worn everywhere from a formal restaurant to a countryside vineyard. As one of the most versatile types of jewelry, they are very handy to have in any collection. And, when you consider the fact that most chainmail accessories have to be handmade, this adds a very personal feeling that is unique to each piece of jewelry available.

Chainmail Jewelry – A Diverse Design Style

Chainmail is a very diverse style that can lead to a number of creations only limited by the imagination of the craftsman. This has much to do with the free-flowing nature of the design, which is caused by the ease-of-movement of the numerous metal rings contained within. Because of this, chainmail earrings, bracelets and necklaces can be made that simply have to be seen to be believed. These items almost look soft to the touch, especially if they are adorned with colorful gemstones. Purchasing a complete chainmail collection is also possible and wearing these items together will produce a glamorous, yet easy-going look.

Traditional Chainmail Earrings with Pearls - 14K Gold Filled - Chainmail Jewelry

Traditional Chainmail Earrings with Pearls - 14K Gold Filled

Basic Chainmail Jewelry Designs

While time-consuming to make, these items are not that difficult to produce. By simply creating a silver or gold chain containing several loops of wire, the basic design is born. After this, it is simply a matter of the jeweler turning it into the item that he or she wants. Chainmail bracelets and necklaces usually contain one chain that is adorned with a variety of different gems. Chainmail earrings, on the other hand, can be created using bunched up chains wound around stones of all different colors and sizes. In the hands of a professional, any piece will look magnificent though.

Unique Chainmail Jewelry Sets

As mentioned before, this is a very versatile style of jewelry. Because these bracelets, necklaces and earrings are suitable to be worn anywhere from a wedding reception to a nightclub, they are one of the easiest accessories to dress up in. Simply choose an outfit that is as elegant as your chainmail jewelry and you will be all set to dazzle and shine. Just make sure that the colors of the gemstones match with your clothing though, so that the two complement each other, rather than clashing. With a little thought, these products will help to create the perfect outfit.

Fortunately, these stunning items can be found in all good jewelry stores. Try to shop from craftsmen who actually make their creations by hand, as this can add a unique element to your accessory and will ensure that no one else can copy your look. The right chainmail necklaces, bracelets and earrings will exude grace, confidence and individuality, making for the perfect accessory for anywhere from the office to the park. If you have yet to experience the glamor and style of these exquisite designs, have a look through your favorite jeweler’s catalogue for some chainmail jewelry masterpieces today.

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Filed Under: What's New Tagged With: bracelets, Chainmail Accessories, Chainmail Earrings, Chainmail Jewelry, Chains, Countryside, Craftsman, Design Style, Different Colors, Elegant Designs, Formal Wear, Gems, Gemstones, Globe, Gold Chain, Imagination, Jeweler, Jewelers, Jewelry Design, jewelry designs, Metal Rings, necklaces, pearls, Serpentine, sterling silver, Versatile Style, Wedding Reception

Filigree Jewelry in Fashion

June 5, 2010 By 23 Comments
Fine Silver Tear Drop Filigree Earrings

Fine Silver Tear Drop Filigree Earrings

Fashionable Filigree Jewelry

Filigree is an ornamental metalwork design used in many craft and design areas. In jewelry making its delicate and lacy texture was originally crafted by hammering or rolling gold, silver, copper, or platinum into thin wire and then twisting, bending and soldering the wires to form patterns that closely resembled snowflakes or fine lace. In fact, the word filigree comes from the Latin “filum” meaning “thread” or “spinning” and “gran” which means “grain” or “bead”. Originally, small beads of metal were soldered into the junctions where the wires met in order to add strength to the delicate wirework.

Filigree Jewelry Throughout History

This intricate and delicate design technique dates as far back as the 1600s in Asian, French, Greek and Roman cultures and became very popular in Art Deco filigree jewelry pieces of the 1920s and 1930s in the United States. Flowers, hearts, leaves and paisley patterns were formed into filigree from fine metals and crafted into rings, brooches, earrings and wedding bands. Early examples of this dramatic and elegant fine crafting are on display at the British Museum and at the Louvre.

14K Gold Fine Silver Filigree Large Tear Drop Earrings

14K Gold Fine Silver Filigree Large Tear Drop Earrings

The light and airy feel and subtle beauty of this design endures to present day. While antique filigree jewelry is highly prized, this delicately beautiful metalwork is still quite popular in modern day jewelry design. Enjoy the minute hand craftsmanship of tiny fine silver wires twisted then sculpted into delicate tendrils of open scroll earrings of the Nob Hill Filigree collection featuring sterling and fine silver crafted into sweeping, intricately designed swirls. Our Filigree Tear Drop Scroll Earrings are available in either 14k or 18k gold and fine silver, and are inspired by the classic iron gates that decorate Victorian-era homes and apartments atop San Francisco’s historic Nob Hill neighborhood.

Whether you’re dressing up for a night on the town or dressing down in a hip boho chic look, filigree jewelry adds a classy, feminine touch to your style.

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Filed Under: Silver Jewelry, What's New Tagged With: 1600s, 18k gold, Classic Iron, Delicate Design, Delicate Tendrils, Design Areas, drop earrings, Feminine Touch, Filigree Earrings, Filigree Jewelry, Filum, Hand Craftsmanship, Historic Nob Hill, Iron Gates, Jewelry Design, jewelry pieces, Junctions, Nob Hill, Ornamental Metalwork, Roman Cultures, San Francisco, silver copper, Silver Wires, Subtle Beauty, Tear Drop, Thin Wire, Wirework

Fleur de Lis Jewelry – A Touch of Class

April 14, 2010 By 32 Comments

Sterling Silver Fleur de Lis Earrings with Amethyst

Sterling Silver Fleur de Lis Earrings with Amethyst

Is there anything more elegant and tasteful than silver fleur de lis jewelry? The fleur de lis, a symbol that is well-known throughout the world, has a rich and varied history. Literally translated, fleur de lis means “lily flower” and its origin can be traced back to as early as the Middle Ages throughout Europe.

Over the centuries, the fleur de lis design has come to represent many things and has appeared in jewelry design for hundreds of years. Although it is most closely associated with French royalty, the list of countries where this delicate symbol can be found on coats of arms or flags includes Great Britain, Germany, Spain, Italy and Bosnia. In addition to its use as a royal symbol by various kings and monarchs, it has also been displayed on military uniforms and badges due its resemblance to the tip of a spear. Even today fleur de lis jewelry shows a sense of class.

This popular symbol was also often used in religious art as a representation of the Trinity or in some cases, as the Virgin Mary. As such, it can be found in many old English churches. The fleur de lis design can also be seen atop iron fences, originally intended to be not only decorative, but also to thwart intruders. The fleur de lis has come to be known as a symbol of grace and purity.

In modern times, the fleur de lis symbol is a popular design motif used in home décor and the fashion world, including makers of upscale handbags and jewelry. John S. Brana, a noted designer of fine jewelry uses the fleur de lis pattern in one of his many sought-after and distinctive sterling silver collections.

Fleur de lis jewelry offers a classic design with a timeless quality that never goes out of style.

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Filed Under: Gemstones, What's New Tagged With: Briolettes, Coats Of Arms, Design Motif, English Churches, Faceted Amethyst, Fashion World, Fine Jewelry, Fleur De Lis, Fleur De Lis Design, Fleur De Lis Jewelry, Fleur De Lis Symbol, French Royalty, Iron Fences, Jewelry Design, Lily Flower, Military Uniforms, Religious Art, Royal Symbol, Sterling Earrings, sterling silver, Symbol Of Grace, Timeless Quality, Virgin Mary

A Look at Silver Jewelry Designs

February 20, 2009 By 16 Comments

How does an artist design a piece of jewelry? Where does the inspiration come from? How is the initial look decided upon? How is the piece crafted once it’s design is final?

Well, let’s take a look at how silver jewelry is designed and find out.

A smart jewelry designer will make no piece of jewelry until its design is finalized. The process starts out by creating a series of sketches of the piece, from all angles, taking into consideration how it will be clasped to a wrist or neck to make sure proper fit.  Much of this is learned over time, through trial and error.

The next step is actually creating the piece.  At this point, the jewelry designer must be knowledgeable in a variety of technical skills, commonly referred to as metalsmithing.  Once the type of metal is selected, the piece can be cast, fabricated, or cold connected (riveted, wire wrapped), and then embellished with surface texture and/or gemstones.

Different types of metal vary in softness and malleability – gold and silver are both relatively easy to work with, gold more so than silver.  It pays to be skilled in the basics before tackling a project with either, especially high-priced gold.  You can always take a class at your local adult education institute, or even watch videos on the internet which show you how.  These videos are of course educational, but when it actually comes to working with metal, you need to have a workroom filled with all the necessary tools, and be willing to practice, practice, practice.  Most large cities will have jewelry studios available for rent so that you can "test the waters" before investing in equipment.

Why work in silver instead of gold or platinum? Well, because silver is so much less expensive!  Never buy gold jewelry because it’s a good "investment."  You will always loose on both ends – the buy and sell.    With gold prices fluctuating erratically, why not choose silver jewelry as an option?  Not only are you getting a one-of-a-kind vision of the artist, but you don’t have to worry about where gold is going next!

 

Click Here For MORE Silver Jewelry Designs

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Filed Under: Silver Jewelry Tagged With: Angles, Beaded Jewelry Designer, Buy Jewelry, Designer Handmade Jewelry, Education Institute, Fine Jewelry Silver, Gold And Silver, Gold Jewelry, Gold Prices, Inspiration, Intrinsic Value, Jewelry Design, jewelry designer, Jewelry Gold Diamond, Jewelry Maker, Local Adult Education, Malleability, Men'S Silver Jewelry, Metals, Necessary Tools, Platinum, Silver Jewelry Designs, Sketches, Softness, Surface Decoration, Surface Texture, Taking Into Consideration, Trial And Error, Workroom

Sterling Silver Fabricated Anemone Ring

October 30, 2007 By 4 Comments

Here’s a new twist on an old favorite. This ring was fabricated (as apposed to casting) using Sterling Silver sheet and wire, oxidized to enhance detail.

My prior Anemone designs (seen here) were all hand sculpted using Precious Metal Clay (PMC). The benefits of fabrication vs. casting / PMC are: 1.) Longer Wear due to greater density (often years longer on ring shanks and prongs); 2.) Crisper and Cleaner detail of a design; 3.) Greater resistance to scratching; 4.) More brilliant polish.

Hand Fabricated Sterling Silver Anemone Ring

If you are interested in finding out more about the fabrication process, I would highly recommend checking out Review: Art of Hand Fabricated Jewelry Design | All Things Metal Clay

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Filed Under: Events Tagged With: Anemone, Apposed, Art Design, Art Jewelry, Density, Fabricated Ring, Jewelry Design, New Twist, Oxidized, oxidized silver, Patina, PMC, Precious Metal Clay, Prongs, Resistance, ring shanks, Silver Ring, Silver Wire, Sterling Silver Sheet

The Bead Shop Features John S. Brana – Distinctive Jewelry

December 26, 2006 By 1 Comment

The Bead Shop Features John S. Brana - Distinctive Jewelry

In celebration of its 25th anniversary and introduction of 2007 spring class curriculum “Awaken Your Creativity,” The Bead Shop (www.beadshop.com) of Palo Alto, CA features former student John S Brana. Owner Janice Parsons remarks “Over the past twenty-five years, I have seen students become recognized jewelry designers, bead store owners, and successful importers. I remember when John Brana first walked through the doors of The Bead Shop. John came in to take a class and from then on, he will tell you, he just wasn’t the same. What happened to John happens every day at The Bead Shop; I call it the “Creative Light Bulb Moment”. It’s the instant when a new beader realizes s/he can actually make something… s/he can actually make jewelry! And, when you have that epiphany, you feel fantastic!”

Bold in scale, unique, and distinctive, John S. Brana’s pieces are perfect for those who enjoy interesting jewelry design and are seeking to make an unusual statement. Working in sterling silver, fine silver, 14K, 18K, 22K, 24K yellow and white gold wire, and pure silver and 22k gold precious metal clay, John combines various hand carved semi-precious gemstone beads, fresh water pearls, and natural faceted gemstones to create unique, one-of-a-kind, custom handcrafted art jewelry for both men and women.

For an online portfolio, please visit www.johnsbrana.com

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Filed Under: Press Tagged With: Art Jewelry, Bead Shop, Bead Store, Beader, Class Curriculum, Creative Light, distinctive jewelry, Faceted Gemstones, fresh water pearls, Jewelry Design, Jewelry Designers, John S Brana, Palo Alto Ca, precious gemstone beads, Precious Metal Clay, semi precious gemstone beads, Shop Www, Spring Class, Th Anniversary, Twenty Five Years