Jewelry Designers | Handmade Jewelry Blog by Jewelry Designer John S Brana

John S Brana – Handmade Fine Jewelry is featured by the San Francisco Chronicle

September 26, 2008 By John S. Brana 9 Comments

“A ring, a necklace or a bracelet can be more than a metal or stone object,” wrote Carolyne Zinko, Fashion Writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. “It can also be the keeper of a memory – just ask its owner, or its maker,” (as published in an article entitled “New techniques, timeless tales at jewelry exhibition,” September 25, 2008 in the San Francisco Chronicle.)

Aquamarine Gemstone Necklace with Italian Mesh Ribbon and Handmade Hammered Silver

This fashion journalist stopped by each of the 21 fine jewelry designers’ exhibitions to learn the stories behind the jewelry during her attendance to the Designers by the Bay event this August. As anyone who creates for a living knows, and as Ms. Zinko understood, jewelry, fashion, and all forms of art in general are personal and often emotional for its creator. Everything has its reason.

For John S. Brana, newcomer to the fine jewelry scene and first-time exhibitor at this event, his reason is to honor his creative upbringing and his inspiration is the city around him. John enjoyed the chance to show his hand-crafted creations to industry professionals, retailers and his peers as he reached into his case time and again to tell his stories and inspirations while curious attendees modeled his jewelry.

Future opportunities to view his work and to meet John S. Brana in person include:

Saturday, October 11. Heritage Boutique Trunk Show featuring John S. Brana. 4556 Dublin Blvd., Dublin, CA 94568. 925.560.6591.

Thursday, November 6. Art People Gallery Artist Exhibition and Trunk Show featuring John S. Brana and Klaus Lange. Crocker Galleria, 50 Post St. #41, San Francisco, CA 94104. 415.956.3650.

John S Brana Expands Fine Jewelry Collection Exclusively for Designers by the Bay event hosted by Shreve & Co.

August 14, 2008 By John S. Brana 4 Comments

John S. Brana is introducing to his collection new fine jewelry designs in 14K, 18K gold, and fine silver exclusively for the 12^th Annual Designers by the Bay and Fine Jewelry Showcase, Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. The most exciting creations include stunning cuffs in 14K and 18K gold sculpted and texturized by hand in his San Francisco studio. More than 200 guests well known in the Northern California jewelry industry are expected to attend this premier event to be held at Shreve & Co., 200 Post Street, San Francisco.

“As a first time exhibitor, I definitely wanted to bring stand-out pieces” said Brana who is best known by his clients for meticulous attention to handcrafted details in the bridge jewelry category. Brana has always worked with fine and sterling silver, bronze, copper, and semi-precious gemstones, and has embellished several designs with 14K and 18K gold. This event, however, serves to unveil his first fine jewelry collection including major creations using 18K gold.

The continual growth of Designers by the Bay, presented by the Women’s Jewelry Association, Northern California Chapter, has lent it the reputation for being the region’s premier fine jewelry event. Only 15 select jewelry designers will showcase their collections and guests may enjoy complementary wine and hors d’oeuvres. To RSVP for the event, please visit www.designersbythebay.com. To view current collections by John S. Brana, please visit www.johnsbrana.com. For more information and media requests regarding John S. Brana – Distinctive Jewelry, please contact Karri Ann Frerichs at 402.490.2579 or karriann@altitudepromotion.com.

New Jewelry Designs Exclusively for Designers by the Bay

John S. Brana Will Showcase New Fine Jewelry Designs at Designers by the Bay Event Hosted by Shreve & Co.

July 26, 2008 By John S. Brana 1 Comment

John S. Brana – Distinctive Jewelry will feature his handcrafted fine jewelry collections at the 12^th Annual Designers by the Bay and Fine Jewelry Showcase. This event will take place Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. and will be held at Shreve & Co., 200 Post Street, San Francisco. More than 200 expected guests will be the first to see John S. Brana’s latest creations in silver and 14K-18K gold.

“Being the premier fine jewelry event in Northern California, I am honored to be given the opportunity to exhibit my designs at such a prestigious event,” said Brana who will showcase for the first time at this event presented by the Women’s Jewelry Association, Northern California Chapter. Guests will enjoy Brana’s latest designs including large carat gemstone solitaire rings set in hand-sculpted and hammered silver and 18K gold from his SoMa and Pacific Heights Collections. Delicate filigree earrings, dramatic sculpted and anticlastic cuffs and new designs in 18K gold wire-work pendants set with large solo gemstones will also be featured.

The continual growth of Designers by the Bay has lent it the reputation for being the premier fine jewelry event in Northern California. More than 20 jewelry designers will showcase their collections and guests may enjoy complementary wine and hors d’oeuvres. To RSVP for the event, please visit www.designersbythebay.com. To view current collections by John S. Brana, please visit www.johnsbrana.com. For more information and media requests regarding John S. Brana – Distinctive Jewelry, please contact Karri Ann Frerichs at 402.490.2579 or karriann@altitudepromotion.com.

“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

John S. Brana – Distinctive Jewelry now at Monkey on Chestnut – San Francisco, CA

December 12, 2007 By John S. Brana Leave a Comment

For those readers that live in San Francisco, you can now find selected pieces from my Monterey, Pacific Heights, SoMa, and Sea Cliff collections at Monkey on Chestnut in San Francisco’s famous Marina District. Monkey on Chestnut, named after a Monkey seen gathering jewelry from the ruins in Cow Hollow after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, is located right on Chestnut at Fillmore (2025 Chestnut). The store includes the works of over 100 local jewelry designers and vintage dealers. Come by and you’re in for a treat!
SoMa Jewelry Collection

Jewelers’ Circular Keystone features jewelry designer John S Brana’s “Pearl of the Sea Ring” in What’s New in Jewelry – December 2006

January 16, 2007 By John S. Brana Leave a Comment

JCK – Jewelers’ Circular Keystone – www.jckonline.com - is currently featuring my “Pearl of the Sea Ring” in the “What’s New in Jewelry” December 2006 issue. The monthly section of “What’s New in Jewelry” features new designs and upcoming jewelry designers in the Fine Jewelry industry. John S. Brana’s “Pearl of the Sea Ring” from the Sea Cliff Collection is featured on page 88.

The Sea Cliff Collection features unique pieces that are bold in scale and accented with dramatic sea creatures, unusually shaped beads, and precious and semi-precious gemstones. Because each piece in this line of marine-themed necklaces, rings, and brooches is fashioned from hand-selected elements, no two are alike. The result is striking jewelry that truly makes a splash. Click here to see more of the Sea Cliff Collection.

The Bead Shop Features John S. Brana – Distinctive Jewelry

December 26, 2006 By John S. Brana 1 Comment

The Bead Shop Features John S. Brana - Distinctive Jewelry

In celebration of its 25^thanniversary 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