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Copper.org Features Copper Jewelry by John S. Brana

March 9, 2010 By 43 Comments

Copper.org Features Handmade Copper Jewelry by John S. BranaFebruary 2010 – Issue #34 – “Copper in the Arts,” on Copper.org features contemporary copper jewelry designs by jewelry designer John S. Brana.  Contributing writer Rebecca Troutman discusses the allure of John S. Brana’s copper jewelry designs…

Texturized Anticlastic Copper Bracelet

Handmade Texturized Anticlastic Copper Bracelet

“Brana loves to feature nontraditional metals, his most recent collection thrusting copper and aluminum in the spotlight. His designs are flirtatious and intricate, often with elegant geometric textural elements and clean curves. His new line, named after the South of Market district, “SoMa,” is inspired by the curved angles of the architecture and the “opulent gold rush period” of its heyday.

Not many other jewelry designers value the unique abilities of copper the way Brana does. In a contemporary jewelry industry founded on the classic value of semi-precious metals and gemstones, his choice of materials like copper, bronze and aluminum is giving a new sheen to the high end jewelry industry. “  Read the entire story on Copper.org

Handmade Brass Turquoise Patinated Bangle

Handmade Brass Turquoise Patinated Bangle

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Filed Under: Featured News, Press Tagged With: Allure, Aluminum, Angles, Contemporary Jewelry, Copper Bracelet, Copper Jewelry, Copper John, Copper.org, Curves, Gold Rush Period, handcrafted copper jewelry, handmade copper jewelry, Heyday, jewelry designer, Jewelry Designers, jewelry designs, Jewelry Industry, John S Brana, precious metals, Sheen, soma, Troutman, Turquoise

Handcrafted Jewelry Designer John S. Brana Showcases Stackable Rings for Designers by the Bay Event Hosted by Shreve & Co.

October 16, 2009 By 6 Comments

John S. Brana is introducing stackable rings and matching bangles and cuffs to his collection of fine jewelry designs in 14K, 18K Gold, and Sterling Silver exclusively for the 13th Annual Designers by the Bay and Fine Jewelry Showcase, Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. The most exciting creations include stunning cuffs in Sterling Silver, 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 second year exhibitor, I will be showcasing upcoming Spring 2010 trends that emphasize sculptural textures, color, and versatility” said Brana who is best known by his clients for meticulous attention to handcrafted details in the bridge jewelry category. Each texture reflects light in its own unique way allowing admirers to easily distinguish between the individual bands and bangles. Numerous “looks” can be achieved simply by arranging textures and color. Stackable rings and bangles come in seven textures handmade in Sterling Silver, Copper, 14K Gold, and 18K Yellow, Green, and Rose Gold, with soon to be released designs set with white diamonds, colored diamonds, and semi-precious gemstones.

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.

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Filed Under: Events, Silver Jewelry Tagged With: 18k gold, Colored Diamonds, Complementary Wine, Continual Growth, distinctive jewelry, Fine Jewelry, Jewelry Category, jewelry designer, Jewelry Designers, jewelry designs, Jewelry Industry, Jewelry Showcase, Meticulous Attention, Northern California Chapter, Select Jewelry, Shreve & Co, Shreve Co San Francisco, silver copper, Stackable Rings, sterling silver, White Diamonds, Women's Jewelry Association

“Muir Woods” Nature-Inspired Jewelry Collection is On Target for 2010 Jewelry Trends

September 8, 2009 By 3 Comments
Faceted Citrine Bronze Cocktail Ring

Current trends in the jewelry industry point to all things green. From nature motifs, to raw gemstones, to all shades of the hue, 2010 trends are reflecting the global consciousness. John S. Brana seems to be slightly ahead of the curve as he premiers his Muir Woods Collection of nature-inspired jewelry to the public at a feature trunk show hosted by Bloomingdale’s – Stanford this October 3 – 4, from 12:00p.m. to 5:00p.m. The Muir Woods collection showcases the designer’s handcrafted jewelry talents in the forms of sculpted tree branches, leaves, flowers, and gemstones in faceted and raw-earth shapes.

Central to the Muir Woods Collection are the interesting handcrafted ring designs featuring beautifully faceted gemstones set in sculpted bronze or sterling silver tree branches. Each branch features bark-like textures and clutch the gemstone as if it were its own secret treasure. The tree branch motif extends into bronze and sterling silver pendants which showcase the raw-earth gemstones that are becoming a very hot trend in the jewelry industry. These stones have not been polished or faceted and present their natural beauty in their original jagged shapes and often opaque clarity. John S. Brana further showcases his metalsmithing talents to create nature-inspired jewelry motifs in his corrugated leaf and origami floral-shaped earrings in 14K gold-filled, sterling silver and copper. Brana enhances the whimsical designs and forest shapes by incorporating brilliant colors through various patination techniques. Emerald greens, brilliant turquoise, fiery reds and oranges, and rustic blacks and browns enhance the leafy shapes of the Muir Woods Collection. Each piece of patinated jewelry appears hand painted with one-of-a-kind color variances as a result of the metallic chemical reaction process used to derive the beautiful hues.

Fold Formed Copper Leaf Earrings with Traditional Green Patina

Fold Formed Copper Leaf Earrings with Traditional Green Patina

“I’m very proud of the Muir Woods Collection because it’s completely unique and I’m one of the few jewelry designers experimenting with different patina finishes,” describes Brana. “It was perfect timing for Bloomingdale’s to contact me about a Fall trunk show.” Muir Woods is John S. Brana’s eighth collection of handcrafted jewelry inspired by the neighborhoods and natural areas in and around his home of San Francisco. For more information regarding the Bloomingdale’s – Stanford trunk show, please visit bloomingdales.com and click on the store locator. For more information regarding John S. Brana’s collections, media inquiries and events, please contact Karri Ann Frerichs, Altitude Promotions by email at info@altitudepromotion.com or call 1.402.490.2579.

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Filed Under: Copper Jewelry, Events Tagged With: 2010 Jewelry Trends, Bloomingdales, Brilliant Colors, Collection Showcases, Color Variances, Copper Leaf, Emerald Greens, Fiery Reds, Global Consciousness, Handcrafted Jewelry, Handmade Jewelry, Inspired Jewelry, Jagged Shapes, jewelry collection, Jewelry Industry, jewelry trends, John S Brana, Latest Jewelry Trends, Muir Woods, Nature Motifs, Raw Earth, Raw Gemstones, Silver Tree, Sterling Silver Pendants, Target, trunk show, Whimsical Designs

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

August 14, 2008 By 4 Comments

John S. Brana is introducing to his collection new fine jewelry designs in 14K, 18K gold, and fine silver exclusively for the 12th 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
Corrugated Anticlastic Sterling Silver Bracelet - Large 18K Gold Chased Cuff Corrugated Anticlastic Sterling Silver Cuff

 

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Jewelry Trends from the Centurion Jewelry Show

February 10, 2008 By 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.”

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Filed Under: Events Tagged With: centurion, drop earrings, Enamel, faceted gems, Fashion Jewelry, fashion trends, Fine Jewelry, jewelry designs, Jewelry Industry, Jewelry Show, jewelry trends, Literal Translation, moonstones, onyx, Oval Shapes, Pear, Pendants, precious metals, Quality Opal, tucson arizona

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 Leave a Comment

JCK - Jewelers' Circular Keystone Features John S. Brana

JCK - Jewelers' Circular Keystone Features John S. Brana - Distinctive Jewelry

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.

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Filed Under: Press Tagged With: Beads, Brooches, Collection Features, Fine Jewelry, Jck, Jewelers, jewelry designer, Jewelry Designers, jewelry designs, Jewelry Features, Jewelry Fine, Jewelry Industry, John S Brana, Keystone, necklaces, Pearl Of The Sea, Sea Cliff, Sea Creatures, Sea Ring, Semi Precious Gemstones