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Stunning Handmade Aluminum Earrings

November 10, 2010 By 1 Comment

Handmade Aluminum Earrings with Brass Wire Wrapped Apatite Gemstones

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!

An Alternative to Silver – Aluminum Earrings

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 Lily Pad Handmade Aluminum Earrings

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.

A Less Expensive Choice with Aluminum Earrings

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.

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Filed Under: What's New Tagged With: Aluminum Brass, Anodized Aluminum, Artisans, Counterparts, Fashionable Accessories, Fuchsia, Jewelery, jewelry collection, Jewelry Lovers, jewelry pieces, John S Brana, Light Weight Aluminum, Lily Pad, Low Noise, Metal Aluminum, Oval Earrings, Realizing The Potential, Skilled Craftsmen, Sterling Earrings, Sterling Silver Earrings, wardrobe

Vermeil Jewelry

June 22, 2010 By 3 Comments
Garnet Pink Coral Carnelian Vermeil Necklace

Garnet Pink Coral Carnelian Vermeil Necklace

Vermeil Jewelry Defined

What is vermeil? Aside from the technical definition, the best way to describe vermeil might be, “a beautiful material used in jewelry making that offers the luster and chic of pure gold without the high cost.” Vermeil, pronounced “ver-may”, is actually .925 sterling silver heavily plated with gold that cannot be less than 10k, and most jewelers of today use at least 14k gold.

Vermeil jewelry differs from jewelry that is sold as  “gold plated” in that “plated” consists of a thinner layer of gold over a base metal such as brass. Over time, the base metal tends to appear through as the gold wears off due to exposure to skin oils and natural wear. Vermeil jewelry maintains its beauty over the long term better due to the thickness of the gold layer used in the production process.

Vermeil Jewelry - Amethyst Vermeil Necklace

Amethyst Vermeil Neckalce

Vermeil has long been favored for its high-style look and feel, and is also stronger than gold plated base metals, making it a choice for luxury items other than jewelry. The Vermeil Room in the White House features an exquisite collection of vermeil serving pieces from English and French silversmiths dating back to the eighteenth century, which were bequeathed to the White House in 1956.

Today, many fine jewelers offer vermeil jewelry among their most stylish and fashionable collections. Jewelry wearers who want the high-end, high quality look of pure gold often choose vermeil as an affordable substitute offering a sense of sophistication and style.

Vermeil jewelry should never be cleaned by machine or with solvents or commercial gold and silver cleaners. It is best maintained by polishing with a soft cloth to prevent scratching and keeping vermeil jewelry pieces in an air-tight bag or closed container can prevent corrosion over time.

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Filed Under: Gold Jewelry, What's New Tagged With: Base Metals, Closed Container, Eighteenth Century, Exquisite Collection, Fine Jewelers, Garnet, Gold And Silver, Gold Jewelry, High Style, jewelry pieces, Luster, Luxury Items, Pure Gold, Silver Cleaners, Skin Oils, Soft Cloth, Solvents, Sophistication, sterling silver, Vermeil Jewelry

Unique Handmade Copper Jewelry

June 12, 2010 By 108 Comments
Handmade Copper Leaf Earrings with Blue Patina

Copper Leaf Earrings with Blue Patina

The Beauty of Handmade Copper Jewelry

Copper jewelry has been worn for hundreds of years, partly for health reasons as some believe that it enhances good circulation and eases the symptoms of arthritis. While those claims have not been scientifically verified, copper has been shown to possess antimicrobial properties (helping to keep away germs and illness). Still, it is more likely that the continued popularity of copper jewelry has more to do with its unique luster and color than it does with its germ-fighting ability!

Copper jewelry is often sought after by those who like an earthy, ethnic look but more and more it can also be found making an appearance among the collections of high end jewelry designers. It offers an affordable alternative to pricier rose gold due to its lovely pinkish hue when copper is at its most natural state. The warmth of copper also makes a pleasing contrast alongside silver’s cool tones.

Fold Formed Corrugated Disc Copper Earrings

Fold Formed Corrugated Copper Large Disc Earrings

Versatility of Copper Jewelry

Many artisans also enjoy working with this metal due to its durability and versatility. Over time, oxidation can cause unpolished copper to darken to a warm brown color which often enhances the look of jewelry pieces. Additionally, exposure to the elements causes untreated copper to form a bluish-green patina that is often coveted by those who appreciate a distinctive look. Talented jewelry designers use this natural discoloration of copper to create unique and innovative patterns and designs.

Uncoated bright copper jewelry can tarnish over time but can be easily restored to its original state. You can purchase commercial cleaning cloths or dip your jewelry in a bath of warm water, a few drops of lemon juice and some salt. Dry with a soft cloth and the original warmth and beauty of your pieces will quickly return. Note: silver polish should not be used on copper jewelry as it is abrasive and can mar the finish.

Handmade copper jewelry by John Brana uses a special process to produce a unique mottled patina in varying shades of blue, green, brown and black in other pieces among his extensive collection of copper jewelry. These pieces are also coated with a protective lacquer that prevents tarnish and stops the jewelry from staining the skin.

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Filed Under: Copper Jewelry, What's New Tagged With: Affordable Alternative, Antimicrobial Properties, Bright Copper, Cleaning Cloths, Copper Jewelry, Copper Leaf, Germs, Handmade Copper, Health Reasons, Hundreds Of Years, jewelry pieces, Lemon Juice, Luster, Patina, Pinkish Hue, Pleasing Contrast, rose gold, Silver Polish, Soft Cloth, Talented Jewelry Designers, Warm Water

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

Given Boutique Will be the First San Francisco Retailer to Carry John S. Brana – Distinctive Men’s Jewelry Collection

August 13, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Selections from John S. Brana’s men’s jewelry collections as well as several women’s jewelry pieces are now available at GIVEN, 575 Castro Street, San Francisco. This Castro neighborhood lifestyle boutique is a local favorite for art, home accessories, and, of course, contemporary jewelry. Customers will enjoy unique textures in fine silver jewelry sets including rings, pendants, bracelets and cufflinks from John S. Brana’s Reptile, Redwood and Tonga men’s collections.

“John Brana’s jewelry is a perfect fit at GIVEN,” said Nick Romero, owner of Given which is in its second year of business. “All the work by our store artists share a common theme: creativity, beauty and just a hint of the unexpected combined with unmistakable quality. John’s jewelry has all of these aspects in abundance!" San Franciscans may best know this boutique location as the former camera store and recent set of Milk, a documentary of the 1970’s gay and civil rights activist, Harvey Milk.   Romero was most drawn to the raw, geometric texture found in Brana’s Tonga collection of fine silver chunky bracelets, cufflinks, rings and pendants. In addition to eight different men’s styles, GIVEN will also sell several women’s jewelry pieces including a chased link necklace, bracelet and earrings in 14K gold-filled and two hand-sculpted copper cuffs. 

John S. Brana began crafting his jewelry collections by hand in his West Portal studio overlooking the Pacific Ocean after leaving a career as vice president of finance for the Charles Schwab Corporation in 2003,. Brana’s creative influences come directly from neighborhoods in and around San Francisco, including Nob Hill, Pacific Heights, Seacliff and Sonoma. To view all styles available 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.

 

Reptile Sterling Silver Cuff Links Reptile Men's Sterling Silver Ring Tonga Men's Sterling Silver Ring
Tonga Men's Sterling Silver Curb Link Bracelet Redwood Oxidized Sterling Silver Cuff Links Tonga Oxidized Sterling Silver Men's Pendant

 

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Filed Under: Men's Silver Jewelry, Sales Promotions Tagged With: Castro Neighborhood, Castro Street, Castro Street San Francisco, Charles Schwab, Charles Schwab Corporation, Collection Selections, Contemporary Jewelry, Creative Influences, Distinctive Men, Fine Silver Jewelry, Given, Harvey Milk, jewelry collection, jewelry collections, jewelry pieces, Lifestyle Boutique, Mens Designer Jewelry, Nick Romero, Nob Hill, oxidized sterling silver, Portal Studio, San Franciscans, San Francisco, Unmistakable Quality

Fall in Line…with Distinctive Jewelry This Season

June 5, 2008 By 4 Comments

Jewelry collections by John S. Brana are on target with the Fall 2008 Ready-to-Wear designer runways.

The Fall 2008 season is characterized by gray being the new black…again, the maxi dress in bold patterns and red-carpet glamour, and rich textured fabrics ruched, frayed and displayed in origami folds. Not to be overlooked however, chunky beaded necklaces, jeweled teardrop earrings and undeniable cuffs all played strong supporting roles in collections of main fashion houses. Iconic designers including Louis Vuitton, Lanvin, John Galliano and Yves St. Laurent each showcased standout jewelry pieces, whose themes may be interpreted in the eclectic jewelry collections of John S. Brana.

A true talent for combining colors and textures has always been present in several of Brana’s San Francisco-inspired collections, including Barbary Coast and Monterey. This upcoming season, feel free to lighten up a classic turtleneck tucked into belted trousers as a solid black or gray ensemble with a chunky gemstone necklace in a tri-tone color scheme. Choose your favorite of these colors and complete the look with a matching clutch and pair of heels and you are ready for the office or a lunch meeting.

A simpler, but just as dynamic, alternative to the chunky necklace is the large pendant. Get ready for the night in your knockout maxi gown by drawing the eye to your low, flirty neckline with a stunning solo gemstone set in an intricate wire setting. Brana’s Pacific Heights collection embodies the statement of luxury you want to make. Adorn you fingers (gloved or bare) in an over-the-top cocktail ring sure to leave a lasting impression. Brana personally selects each gemstone for shape, carat and clarity before creating an elaborate setting unique to each piece.

Browse the Seacliff and SoMa collections for the perfect silver or copper cuff sculpted and hammered exclusively by Brana himself. A subtle texture in your favorite blazer, lace blouse or little black dress is easily enhanced when paired with an anticlastic handcrafted cuff. Finish with the delicate touch of hammered link earrings in fine silver, gold or copper. This style remains contemporary and understated but will continue to draw compliments to your discerning taste.

To view each of John S. Brana’s collections, visit www.johnsbrana.com. For wholesale, event and media inquiries contact Karri Ann Frerichs, Altitude Promotions at karri.altitude@gmail.com or 402.490.2479.

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Filed Under: Events Tagged With: Anticlastic, barbary coast, Bold Patterns, Combining Colors, copper, distinctive jewelry, drop earrings, Eclectic Jewelry, Fashion Houses, Gemstone, gemstone necklace, gold, jewelry collections, jewelry pieces, John Galliano, John S Brana, Luxury, monterey, necklaces, Origami Folds, Red Carpet, seacliff, silver, Subtle Texture, Target, Teardrop Earrings, Textured Fabrics, Tone Color Scheme, Yves St Laurent

Guests enjoy wine while browsing art including jewelry by John S. Brana at Art People Gallery – May 28

May 29, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Over 50 guests attended a wine tasting event featuring three boutique wineries from Napa Valley and one Italian wine distributor held at the intimate gallery space of Art People in the Crocker Galleria, San Francisco. Many of the current exhibiting artists were present to showcase their creations including John S. Brana, whose distinctive handcrafted jewelry creations drew attention from attendees and fellow artists alike. Artful jewelry pieces from each of Brana’s seven women’s jewelry collections, all inspired by areas in and around San Francisco, were displayed.

 

Two Curious Onlookers Browse Jewelry by John S. Brana

 

Guests were particularly drawn to selections from the Monterey collection, including a pair of teardrop-shaped earrings made of fine silver and wrapped in an olive green Italian metal mesh, priced especially for Art People clients at $95. Many women also enjoyed slipping dazzling gemstone cocktail rings from the Pacific Heights collection onto their fingers. “The wirework setting is incredible,” exclaimed one guest as she and her friend fitted various rings set with faceted blue topaz, citrine, amethyst and green-gold quartz gemstones, priced from $300-$400.

John S. Brana points out the SoMa Hammered Copper, Silver, and Gold Collection to a customer

 

Brana’s art colleague and good friend, Klaus Lange was also an exhibiting artist. Lange displayed several abstract photographs taken from ship sides at sea and a selection silk chiffon scarves and sarongs inspired by those images. His silkwear collection, Seaklaus, has developed into an “Art 2 Couture” limited resort collection of wearable art from images of his photographs. The central look of the collection is a classic Japanese kimono with an Elizabethan twist, accessorized with a 24K green quartz gemstone pin with a 14K gold-filled wire setting from Brana’s Pacific Heights collection.

Art 2 Couture by Klaus Lange features a hair pin by John S. Brana

 

Art People hosts these wine tasting and art events on the last Wednesday of each month. Events are open to the public and entrance fee is $15. The next scheduled event, featuring additional works by John S. Brana and Klaus Lange will take place Wednesday, June 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

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Filed Under: Events Tagged With: Abstract Photographs, Amethyst, Art2Couture, ArtPeople, blue topaz, Boutique Wineries, citrine, Cocktail Rings, Crocker Galleria San Francisco, Fellow Artists, gold filled wire, gold quartz, Handcrafted Jewelry, Including Jewelry, Italian Metal, Italian Wine, jewelry collections, Jewelry Creations, jewelry pieces, John S Brana, Klaus Lange, Napa Valley, Pacific Heights, Seaklaus, Silk Chiffon, Wine Distributor, Wine Tasting Event

John S. Brana – Distinctive Jewelry – Now Available at Art People in the Crocker Galleria, San Francisco

May 21, 2008 By 4 Comments

Art People - Fine Art Gallery - Crocker Galleria, San Francisco CA

John S. Brana – Distinctive Jewelry is now available for purchase at Art People, 50 Post Street Suite 41, on the second floor of the Crocker Galleria. Handcrafted designs from each of Brana’s seven women’s jewelry collections, all inspired by eclectic San Francisco themes, are showcased. Art People is the forth bay area gallery or retailer to carry Brana’s 14K-18K gold, silver, copper and gemstone jewelry collections.

Art People hosts monthly art and wine tasting parties open to the public where guests may enjoy creations from resident artists, including John S. Brana – Distinctive Jewelry. The next party will be held Wednesday, May 28, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Brana will also be featured as the artist of the month later this year. Opening reception information will be announced soon.

Among the nearly 40 one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces available in the gallery, selections from the Barbary Coast, Sonoma, Seacliff and SoMa collections are exhibited in Art People’s storefront window. Additional collections available include Monterey Italian mesh jewelry, Pacific Heights gemstone jewelry and Nob Hill filigree jewelry. Necklaces, cuffs, earrings, rings and bracelets are available for purchase.

To view each of John S. Brana’s – Distinctive Jewelry collections, visit www.johnsbrana.com.

For upcoming events and media requests, please contact Karri Ann Frerichs, Altitude Promotions, at karriann@altitudepromotion.com or 402.490.2579

Barbary Coast, Sea Cliff, and SoMa Colleciton in front window of Art People Gallery in the Crocker Galleria, San Francisco, CA

Sonoma Collection at Art People in the Crocker Galleria, San Francisco, CA

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