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

Who Knew Handcrafted Jewelry Could Be So…Interactive?

January 15, 2009 By John S. Brana 6 Comments

Always an innovator, John S. Brana launched three new websites this month and even gave a sleek new face lift to his home site, www.johnsbrana.com. Each new site targets a specific customer based on their desire for gold, silver, or copper jewelry and features search and comparison features unparalleled to any handcrafted artisan in the industry. See for yourself at www.handcrafted-gold-jewelry.com, www.handmade-silver-jewelry.com, and www.handmadecopperjewelry.com .

Jewelry buyers may now perform side-by-side comparisons on any number of their favorite pieces to determine just the right style, texture, gemstone, size and price. Visitors may participate in a live community poll to tell the designer specific preferences such as their favorite gemstone, karat or quality of gold, and type of earring they prefer. Those with the most discerning tastes can find exactly what they are looking for by narrowing their search, and if you just can’t decide, customers can add their favorite items to a wish list and be notified if those items go on sale through various RSS Feeds.

"After seeing the fashion and jewelry industries suffer this holiday season, I decided I would make it easier for customers seeking handcrafted fine jewelry to find me," says Brana of his business strategies. "And when they do find me, I want to be sure I’m giving them the styles they want." Brana is known for his handcrafted jewelry designs inspired by the landscapes of San Francisco and has been consistently experimenting with new textures, such as embossing, or adding new layers to his metallic collection of "SOMA" jewelry. New styles are available online now.

For more information and to view all jewelry styles please visit:

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.

Zinette.com Features Handcrafted Fine Jewelry by John S. Brana

November 25, 2008 By John S. Brana 1 Comment

Zinette.com Cover featuring Amber and Onyx Necklace by John S. Brana Handcrafted Fine Jewelry

See jewelry designs by John S. Brana showcased in the November edition of Zinette.com, San Francisco’s latest online magazine detailing the city’s fashion, art culture and nightlife. A chunky and dramatic bracelet of amber, onyx and citrine gemstones from John S. Brana’s Barbary Coast Collection graces the cover which was shot at San Francisco’s Phoenix Hotel featuring swimwear from LA designer, Bantu. Click and drag through Zinette’s eye-catching layout for an additional photo spread featuring designs from his Sea Cliff Collection, including a “hidden pearl” ring, sterling silver shell earrings and anticlastic cuffs styled in the club setting of Bambuddha Lounge.

Barbary Coast Amber and Onyx Neklace - Pacific Heights 14K Gold Citrine Cocktail Ring - John S. Brana - Handcrafted Fine Jewelry

Fold Formed Fine Silver Earrings - Hammered Sterling Silver Anticlastic Bracelet - Pearl in a Shell Ring - John S. Brana - Handcrafted Fine Jewelry

Finally, travel to the Mission District to dine at Lolo’s and enjoy its kaleidoscope of bohemian décor and sip wine while styled in John S. Brana’s Sonoma–inspired chain maille jewelry.

Hammered Fine Silver Necklace and Serpentine Grape Chain Maille Necklace by John S. Brana Handcrafted Fine Jewelry

Gentry Magazine – South Bay – features Barbary Coast Carnelian Necklace by John S. Brana

November 22, 2008 By John S. Brana 1 Comment

Gentry Magazine - SouthBay - November 2008 - Features Carnelian Barbary Coast Necklace by Jewelry Designer John S. Brana - Page 68.

John S. Brana’s Barbary Coast Carnelian Necklace is featured on page 68 of the November 2008 issue along with other fine jewelry by Thalia Jewelry, Stephen Webster, DeBeers, and Bulgari.

A BRANA BEAUTY Wearing John S. Brana’s Carnelian necklace ($1,285) to that next luncheon will get everyone talking—in a good way. Further enhanced by gold freshwater pearls and gold vermeil beads. this striking necklace adds elegance to a black V-neck wrap dress or a white cashmere turtleneck with black wool pants.

Barbary Coast Carnelian Necklace by San Francisco Jewelry Designer John S. Brana

Gentry can be found at various locations throughout the San Francisco Peninsula and South Bay – from Hillsborough to Los Altos, and Cupertino Hills to the Almaden Valley. Click here to find out more about Gentry.

Handcrafted Fine Jewelry by John S. Brana Accessorizes “Hatwalk 2008″ – Video

October 31, 2008 By John S. Brana 1 Comment

The Asian American Cancer Support Network, www.aacsn.org, hosted its fourth annual fundraising gala, Hatwalk 2008 to raise money and awareness to fight the effects of cancer on communities of Asian ethnicities. The focus of the 2008 show was on the Filipino community. "Hatwalk celebrates the value of hats and the comfort they bring to individuals undergoing cancer treatments. Guests enjoyed a three-course dinner, silent auction, and fashion show, concluding with a runway finale featuring cancer survivors adorning pink hats in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. John S. Brana, a San Francisco-based handcrafted jewelry designer, was proud to accessorize these brave women with his bold, wearable art jewelry designs as they strutted down the runway. Styling by Karri Ann Frerichs – Altitude Promotions

John S. Brana – Handcrafted Fine Jewelry to Accessorize Cancer Survivors in “Hatwalk 2008″ Fashion Show

October 8, 2008 By John S. Brana 4 Comments

The Asian American Cancer Support Network, www.aacsn.org, is proud to host its fourth annual fundraising gala, “Hatwalk 2008” to raise money and awareness to fight the effects of cancer on communities of Asian ethnicities. This year, the focus will be on the Filipino community. The event takes place Saturday, November 1, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Hotel Burlingame, 1333 Bayshore Highway, Burlingame, CA.

“Hatwalk” celebrates the value of hats and the comfort they bring to individuals undergoing cancer treatments. Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner, silent auction and fashion show, concluding with a runway finale featuring cancer survivors adorning pink hats in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. John S. Brana, a San Francisco-based handcrafted jewelry designer, is proud to accessorize these brave women with his bold, wearable art jewelry designs as they strut down the runway.

“I wanted to be apart of this show because I understand the importance of cancer awareness and how it affects so many of us,” said the designer who’s jewelry will embellish the evening wear ensembles of up to 17 cancer survivors. John S. Brana’s jewelry designs may also be seen at a trunk show and artist collaboration taking place the following week, Thursday, November 6, 4p.m. to 7p.m. at Art People Gallery in the Crocker Galleria, San Francisco.

To reserve tickets to “Hatwalk,” please visit www.aacsn.org and click on the “Purchase Tickets” link.
To view Brana’s entire collection of San Francisco-inspired handcrafted jewelry, visit www.johnsbrana.com.
For information and media requests, please contact Karri Ann Frerichs at karriann@altitudepromotion.com or 402.490.2579.

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.

Jewelry Trends from the Centurion Jewelry Show

February 10, 2008 By John S. Brana Leave a Comment

While cautious about the year ahead, designers at this year’s Centruion Jewelry Show in Tucson, Arizona (Feb 2-6) had not entirely reined in their creativity. The Centurion is the crem-de-la-crem of the fine jewelry industry. As reported by JCK, look for these emerging trends to influence jewelry designs throughout 2008:

“Elongated Pear and Oval shapes. Designers are taking the traditional pear and oval and stretching them for dramatic, sensual shapes in everything from cut stones to metal forms. The shapes are especially effective in drop earrings, pendants, and statement-making rings.

Opacity. The season’s favorite stones are opaque. Onyx continues to be strong but high-quality opal is vying for attention as well. Also watch for dreamy moonstones accented by faceted gems.

Free-form design. Many designers are using free-form elements similar to scribbles and loops.

Enameled elements. Enamel serves as the ultimate way to incorporate the season’s fashion trends into jewelry, with a literal translation of patterns and colors that blend with precious metals.”

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.