Handmade Jewelry Blog by Jewelry Designer John S Brana
The creative process Blog of San Francisco Jewelry Designer John S. Brana. In-depth articles on designing and marketing handmade jewelry and handcrafted fine art jewelry.
Maroon Copper Patinated Leaf Handmade Earrings by San Francisco jewelry designer John S Brana
These gorgeous Maroon patinated Copper Lily Pad earrings truly make an artistic statement.
Price:$90.00
 Lime Anodized Aluminum Lily Pad Earrings |
Celebrate all things green–and immortally stylish. These lime anodized aluminum earrings do just that courtesy of a dangling lily pad. Meticulously handmade with a mesmerizing mix of texture and light that captures the season’s most-wanted look in jewelry.
Price:$40.00 |
For April, win these beautiful 3-Tiered Copper Lily Pad Earrings by entering your email address on any pop-up hang-tag that appears on www.johnsbrana.com . Your entry carries over month to month, so there’s no need to re-enter every month.
Each month will feature a different piece of jewelry, so enter now!
Congrats to our March 2011 Jewelry Freebie Winner -Niki Parker of New York City, New York!!
Click here to see the contest rules.
Facted Amber Sterling Silver Tree Branch Ring
Designer Jewelry – A Fountain of Inspiration
One only has to look at the wide selection of designer jewelry found in stores all around the world to know that there is a great deal of creativity to be found within the talented individuals in this field. But where does this fountain of ideas come from? Within this profession, the best artisans will look to a variety of sources for inspiration on how to create truly innovative designer jewelry. The ideas are already there. They just have to be sparked by a certain scene, event or emotion first. Afterwards, a first class fashion accessory can be brought to life.
Despite the fact that most people consider their neighborhood ordinary, the best jewelers show their true creativity by finding sources of inspiration within these local areas. The architecture in some districts can provide a range of design ideas that can then be used to create stunning pieces of jewelry from gold-filled pendants to wire wrapped earrings. This applies whether the buildings are modern or traditional, as creating a structure is just as much an art form as designing and forming an elegant piece of handmade jewelry. Both are great examples of the talent and ingenuity of humankind as a whole.
Copper Lily Pad Earrings with Red Patina
Nature – An Abundance of Inspiration for Designer Jewelry
Jewelers who love to travel can find inspiration further afield. Often, this leads to more exotic creations such as copper leaf earrings and coral bracelets. Of course, these ideas come from a range of sources as the world is full of breathtaking sights. Nature provides a lot of these, as mountains, oceans and plains are all beautiful scenes that can inspire a master jeweler to create a number of new designs. As well as this, the different cultures and people found around the world are also a fountain of ideas that can be used to create unique pieces of jewelry.
Finally, the best artisans will form their range of designer handmade jewelry from ideas that spring from within, drawing from experiences and emotions to create a range of items that most people will admire. These pieces are very personal as each contains a part of the craftsman’s past and inner psyche. This is how the best jewelry is often made as the creator desires the final product to be perfect. After all, rings, necklaces and bracelets inspired from mental and spiritual sources will need to properly reflect the character, thoughts and soul of the jeweler as he or she wishes.
Of course, a combination of all of these sources will create a more diverse range of jewelry, so it is not surprising that the best craftsmen are always on the lookout for inspiration no matter where they are. The spark can come at any time and so a jeweler must be aware of their surroundings to take advantage of any new ideas that suddenly pop into mind. Through this, they will be able to create a selection of earrings, bracelets and pendants that will be completely unique in this world and that will be snapped up by designer jewelry lovers worldwide.
Brass Large Tear Drop Handmade Earrings with Garnets
When shopping for handmade jewelry, it is important to pay careful attention to the quality of the products that are being sold. After all, some pieces can be quite expensive and you should make sure that they are worth the price before you hand over your hard-earned cash. There are a number of characteristics to look for when choosing a necklace or bracelet from any jewelers shop. These include how the items look, how they feel when worn, whether they can be used in a variety of situations and how good the craftsmanship is.
Appearance
The main function of any piece of handmade jewelry is to make the wearer look stunning, enhancing their physical features. This applies whether we are talking about gemstone earrings or aluminum bracelets. In either case, the best quality handmade jewelry will look fantastic, able to bring out the wearer’s best features and drawing the attention of others. This should be the first thing that you notice when shopping for high quality accessories. If they look like they are worth a million dollars then they probably are.
Lime Anodized Aluminum 3-Tiered Lily Pad Earrings
Comfort
The next aspect to check when shopping for first-rate accessories is how well they fit you and whether or not they can be worn for long periods of time. The best quality metallic necklaces and gemstone rings will be light enough so that they can be worn for hours, and gently molded so that they do not cause chafing and cuts when taken on and off. The true master jeweler can fashion their particular types of products in such as way so that the wearer does not feel any ill effects while out and about.
Versatility
As well as this, the most creative artisans can design handmade jewelry which can be used in a wide range of circumstances. After all, there is nothing better than purchasing a flashy handmade bracelet or a stunning gemstone pendant that can be worn at the office, the nightclub or the local coffee shop. The finest pieces will allow you to look your best anywhere and anytime. When shopping for handmade jewelry, think about whether the item that you are looking at can be worn in both formal and informal occasions or not.
Craftsmanship
Finally, the way in which a piece of handcrafted jewelry is made is very important. By using the most effective techniques, a craftsman can create rings and bangles that will retain their original appearance for a long time to come. They will not fade and they will not break, so that you can use them for years after you have purchased them. This is the most important consideration to make when choosing fine jewelry as it will ensure that the item that you buy will remain useful far into the future.
Of course, it will be essential to focus on all of the above if you wish to purchase accessories that are truly worthwhile. Take your time and do your research and you should be able to add some high quality items to your handmade jewelry collection.
Teal Anodized Aluminum Lily Pad Earrings
So, it has been ten years since your wedding day. You still love one another as much as you did when you first gazed into each others eyes, and you are obviously searching for some way to celebrate that deep, shared emotion. The traditional tenth anniversary gift is made from aluminum, as the malleability of this material reflects on how flexible the two of you have had to be to still feel so strongly for each other. While this is a nice sentiment, you might need the following tips to purchase the perfect aluminum gift for your loved one.
Just recently, there has been a trend for jewelers to create accessories out of aluminum. Due to the material’s unique properties, these talented craftsmen and women can form stunning designs that will look great on any occasion and that will not cost you a fortune. The sleek look that can be found on the many unique aluminum earrings and bangles now available will definitely please your special someone. And, due to their sheer affordability, you can even purchase several matching pieces of jewelry for a complete collection. Finding a great aluminum gift for your partner is not as difficult as it sounds.
Aluminum 1-5 Inch Cuff with Bark Texture
As for shopping for your special guy, you can now find a wide range of aluminum accessories for men. While jewelry such as bracelets and necklaces are not so common, you can still purchase a smart looking watch for your special man that is made out of this lightweight yet versatile material. Remind him of all those years that you have spent together in love and harmony with one of these classic time pieces. You may even be able to get matching designs so that the two of you can share in this gift, just like you have both shared the past decade together.
If jewelry is not your thing, there is also a rich selection of aluminum home ornaments which can be purchased for your tenth wedding anniversary. Wall hangings, antique tins, clocks, wine coolers – these and many more items are now available to help you celebrate the happy occasion. Of course, you may have to look a bit harder for them, but the effort will be well worth it, especially as you show how much you care for your husband or wife in the process. All you have to do is shop around, and you will be sure to stumble upon the perfect gift.
As you can see, finding the ultimate present for your loved one on your tenth wedding anniversary is not as hard as you originally thought. Whether you buy a stylish aluminum bracelet or a quaint aluminum vase is completely up to you and will depend on the taste and personality of your special someone. Fortunately, there is a variety of suitable items out there, all waiting for you to make a decision. Do not worry though, because your aluminum anniversary is sure to be a magical moment anyway, whatever you choose to buy.
For February, win these beautiful 3-Tiered Copper Lily Pad Earrings by entering your email address on any pop-up hang-tag that appears on www.johnsbrana.com or on the entry form below. Your entry carries over month to month, so there’s no need to re-enter every month.
Each month will feature a different piece of jewelry, so enter now!
Congrats to our January 2011 Jewelry Freebie Winner -Helen Flaton of New York City, New York!!
Click here to see the contest rules.
Phlox Anodized Aluminum Lily Pad Earrings
An intense violet gleam blooms from these fabulous lily pad earrings. Shimmer and shine in head-turning style with these 2″ Anodized Aluminum Lily Pad Phlox earrings. Meticulously crafted with a mesmerizing mix of texture and light that captures the season’s most-wanted look in jewelry.
Price:$40.00
Bark Nu Gold (Red Brass) Large Tear Drop Earrings
Fashionistas and models alike are itching to get their hands on the hottest new jewelry designs. Instead of gold, silver, or platinum, however, they’re flocking towards a vintage metal with a bright future: brass. Although more recently the metal of choice for locks, keys, and doorknobs, brass has been making a new appearance on fashion runways everywhere.
Jewelry styles using this surprising choice of metals range from delicate to chunky, from vintage to modern. Whether you’re in to steam punk fashion or are looking for something a bit more delicate, brass may be just what you’ve been looking for. Brass jewelry ranges from large, dramatic bangles and rings to dainty beaded earrings – no matter your fashion style, there’s likely a brass design to suit you.
Nu Gold (Red Brass) 3 Tiered Lily Pad Earrings
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, and has long been prized for it’s artistic appeal. Jewelry artisans are now turning to red brass or Nu Gold as a design medium, and the result is both beautiful and amazing. Brass is as flexible as gold or silver, and can be worked and shaped into nearly any design. It can be left with a matte finish or buffed to a glossy shine; this flexibility makes it a popular material for designers to work with.
Brass jewelry is not for the faint of heart; chances are, if you’re wearing it, you’ll get attention. Most brass jewelry designs are both beautiful and unique. The sheen of brass is sure to draw attention to your accessories from those who are fashion conscious; after all, it’s clearly not gold or silver. If you like to turn heads and be on top of the newest and hottest fashion trends, brass is clearly your metal of choice.
Brass jewelry offers a unique appeal with a break from the traditional styles we’re used to seeing. If you want to shake things up this season, consider accessorizing with brass. This metal offers an antique shine for nearly any outfit, and the design options are virtually limitless. If you’re ready to shake up your fashion accessories for a new season, consider purchasing a brass piece or ensemble today.
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!
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 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.
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.
