Pearl Jewelry – Wear Nature’s Stunning Beauty

14K Gold Filled Chain with Freshwater Pearls and Mother of Pearl

14K Gold Filled Chain with Freshwater Pearls and Mother of Pearl

The Uniqueness of Pearl Jewelry

Amongst all the gems, pearls are the most unique. They are the only stone which does not require any additional cutting and polishing by a master jeweler. Pearls are made of nacre, which is already highly lustrous, meaning that these stunning gems can be added to any piece of jewelry very easily. For this reason, pearls have been used for centuries worldwide. Previously, people had to dive for them in the wilds, whereas now, they are simply farmed. Examples of pearl jewelry are found in John S. Brana’s Sea Cliff collection where it is used for subtle appearance enhancements or to make much bolder statements.

Freshwater and Saltwater Pearls

There are two types of pearls, saltwater and freshwater. Jewelers, such as John S. Brana, use the freshwater variety which comes in a greater number of shapes and sizes. One of the most appealing types is the Keishi pearl which comes in a fantastic array of irregular, but natural-looking shapes. These gems add a very unique appearance to any jewelry that they are added to. Because none of them look alike, they can be used to create necklaces or earrings which are one-of-a-kind works of art. This adds to their overall appeal and makes them highly sought after.

Keishi Cornflake Pearl Necklace

Keishi Cornflake Pearl Necklace

For some examples of how pearls are used within jewelry, have a look at the collection of items from John S. Brana with pieces such as fine silver earrings containing garnets and pearls, and necklaces made of amethyst and Keishi pearls.

The Pearl – June’s Birthstone

With its amazing appearance and versatility, the pearl is a gem which can be worn anywhere on any occasion. Pearl jewelry is a great gift idea for that special someone as it fits in with numerous styles and tastes. The pearl is also the birthstone for anyone born in June, and will make a great belated birthday present!

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Sea Cliff Handmade Freshwater Pearl Jewelry Collection

Karri Ann Frerichs talks about John S. Brana’s Sea Cliff Collection at his Bloomingdale’s – Stanford trunk show. Just like creatures of the sea, no two creations are alike as each is individually handcrafted by jewelry designer John S. Brana. Make a statement with jellyfish-shaped earrings embellished with freshwater pearls, anemone or starfish-shaped rings set with tiny gemstones and coral reef inspired silver anticlastic cuffs.

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San Francisco Jewelry Designer John S. Brana is interviewed by Karri Ann Frerichs

 

San Francisco jewelry designer John S. Brana is interviewed by Karri Ann Frerichs, PR Director of Altitude Promotions backstage at "Bella Bikini Fashion Show" by Charleston Pierce at Temple nightclub. John talks about his Sea Cliff Collection inspired by sea creatures found off the coast of Northern California and introduces the premiere of his Amazonite Jellyfish necklace made especially for this fashion show. The Sea Cliff collection is the perfect way to enjoy the treasures of the ocean everyday.

Click here to view the Sea Cliff Collection

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

 

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
 

 

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Fine Handcrafted Jewelry…from the Hands of an Innovative New Designer

New work in fine jewelry by the otherwise bridge category designer, John S. Brana – Distinctive Jewelry, proved favorable to the crowd at the Designers by the Bay event held at Shreve & Co. August 21.  This newcomer to the list of 20 established fine jewelry exhibitors showcased stunning textured cuffs, sculpted earrings and intricate filigree scrollwork in 18K and 14K gold and fine silver with gemstones.  Perhaps his most beautiful new design is a pair of spiraling 14K gold fold formed leaf earrings encasing strands of 13.5carat faceted peridots which, as so many good design ideas occur, happened by accident.

“I was drilling holes for the earwires using a drill press and instead of turning it off, I accidentally increased its speed and the metal just started flailing and spiraling around the drill bit!” described Brana who created over ten new designs for the event.  “When I finally got it to turn off, it had formed this twisted fan shape and I thought, ‘that’s pretty cool… now how do I do that again?’”  Thankfully, he was able to recreate the shape as it is now available with several gemstone varieties at a suggested retail of $880.  Equally as stunning is a pair of 18K Gold and Fine Silver Filigree earrings

Just as Brana is entering the upper crust of fine jewelry, he continues to develop his lines of bridge category designs inspired by the city in which he creates them, San Francisco.  Among the most commented upon and tried on piece of his collection for the event was his anticlastic copper cuffs.  “Copper is one of my favorite metals.  It showcases amazing texture and its rich, rose gold color is so beautiful on so many people,” said Brana who handcrafts original jewelry designs ranging from $65-$4000.  In the coming months look for new collections including Muir Woods featuring earthy, forest themes, and an artistic collaboration with a German-born chef at sea who captures the images of sea-worn ships in abstract photography and wearable silk art.  To view each of his collections, visit www.johnsbrana.com.  For wholesale and media inquiries, contact Karri Ann Frerichs, Altitude Promotions at karriann@altitudepromotion.com or 402.490.2579. 

 

New Jewelry – SoMa Collection

18K Gold and Fine Silver Filigree Earrings
14K Gold Fold Formed Leaf Earrings with Peridot

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Model Apryl Orr wears selections from the Barbary Coast Collection

Dynamic shapes and countless layers of richly textured semi-precious gemstones define this show stopping collection which also features gold vermeil, 14K gold, and fine and sterling silver. For those who love a statement piece, the Barbary Coast collection is perfect for those who choose to build an ensemble around their jewelry.

 

 

Selections from the Barbary Coast Beaded Gemstone Collection
Barbary Coast Beaded Gemstone Collection - Faceted Garnets and Citrine Necklace by John S. Brana Handmade Jewelry

Barbary Coast Beaded Gemstone Collection - Faceted Garnets and Citrine Necklace

Model Apryl Orr wears Faceted Garnets with Citrine Flowers and 24K Gold seed beaded necklace from the Barbary Coast Collection, with 14K Gold-filled Fold Formed earrings from the Sea Cliff Collection, and 7 carat Marquise Cut Citrine Cocktail ring from the Pacific Heights Collection.  Photography by Klaus Lange.

Barbary Coast Collection - Onyx Earrings and Amber, Crystal Quartz Necklace by John S. Brana Handmade Jewelry

Barbary Coast Collection - Onyx Earrings and Amber, Crystal Quartz Necklace

Model Apryl Orr wears Onyx earrings and Clear Quartz, Amber, and Onyx necklace and matching bracelet from the Barbary Coast Collection, with a 10 carat Marquise Cut Citrine Cocktail ring from the Pacific Heights Collection.   Photography by Klaus Lange.

Nob Hill Filigree Jewelry and Barbary Coast Beaded Gemstone Collection by John S. Brana Handmade Jewelry

Nob Hill Filigree Jewelry and Barbary Coast Beaded Gemstone Collection

Model Apryl Orr wears Amber and Clear Quartz necklace from the Barbary Coast Collection, 18K Gold and Fine Silver Filigree earrings from the Nob Hill Collection, 18K Gold Corrugated Cuff  and Sterling Silver Marquise Cut Citrine Cocktail ring from the SoMa Collection.  Photography by Klaus Lange.

18K Hammered Gold Cuff with Brazilian Fire Agate Necklace - John S. Brana Handmade Jewelry

18K Hammered Gold Cuff with Brazilian Fire Agate Necklace

Model Apryl Orr wears Brazilian Fire Agate necklace from the Barbary Coast Collection, 14K Gold-filled Hammered Cuff from the SoMa Collection, and 14K Gold Fleur-de-lis Carnelian earrings from the Nob Hill Collection. Photography and Red Wheat silk sarong by Klaus Lange.

 

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Handcrafted Fine Jewelry by John S Brana Accessorizes Photoshoot by San Francisco Photographer Jar Concengco

 

 

Selections from the Barbary Coast Beaded Gemstone Collection
Barbary Coast Clear Quartz Necklace by John S. Brana
Barbary Coast Clear Quartz necklace by John S. Brana
Barbary Coast Amber necklace worn as bracelet by John S. Brana

 

Selections from the Monterey Collection
Purple Italian Mesh Metal Ribbon Necklace with faceted Amethyst
Amber Italian Mesh Metal Ribbon Pod Earrings with Amber

 

 

Selections from the Sea Cliff Collection
14K Gold Fold Formed Shell Earrings
Moss Green Sea Pearl Earrings in Fine Silver

Photographer: Jar Concengco
Models: Lena B. (dark blonde), Isle D. (brunette)
Stylist: Karri Ann Frerichs, Styling Asst: Punam Patel
Makeup: Cosmetics Couture
Jewelry: John S. Brana
Silk Accessories: Klaus Lange
Location: Pacifica, California

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

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!
Monterey Jewelry Collection Pacific Heights Jewelry Collection SoMa Jewelry Collection Sea Cliff Jewelry Collection

Recommended Reading

Gift Shop Magazine Features Fold Formed Copper Bracelet

Fold Formed Copper Bracelet

Providing valuable information on products, ideas, and inspiration for the gift retailer, Gift Shop (www.giftshopmag.com) is a one-stop resource on the latest trends and forecasts in the gift industry. Pictured above is one of several Fold Formed Chased Copper bracelets from the Sea Cliff Collection.

If you are a gift retailer, Gift Shop provides “simple effective strategies you can put to work to keep the cash registers ringing and inspires with tips you can use to showcase your merchandise for maximum customer appeal. Find out how fellow retailers are using display fixtures, effective lighting, or high-impact color to attract customers and better sales.”

Check out the Retailer Forum to get answers from experienced store owners on how retailers can encourage impulse buys and improve customer service. “Gift Shop brings you ideas for better business management from fellow retailers.”

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New Textures Added to the Sea Cliff Jewelry Collection

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been experimenting with various textures and techniques to perfect my skills at anticlastic raising. This bracelet was done in sterling silver using traditional anticlastic raising techniques. I tried to pay particular attention to minimizing marring by the forming hammer, sanded using 400, 700, and 1000 grit sandpaper, then buffed to a mirror finish.

Sterling Silver Anticlastic Bracelet

The next texture I tried was chasing. Chasing is a technique that is used to groove, furrow, channel , or indent utilizing the plasticity quality of metal. In this case, I used copper. Chasing is a relatively slow process, but with lots of practice can result in a continuous surface of metal essentially of the same thickness and texture. This is the exact opposite of the previous technique where you try to minimize marring.

 

Chased Anticlastic Copper Bracelet

 

This bracelet uses the same chasing technique, but instead of a chasing hammer, I fashioned a custom hammer by cutting groves into the face of a flat hammer (similar to a meat tenderizer), then fished off the bracelet by raising it.

Texturized Anticlastic Copper Bracelet

The last application was to texturize the copper using a traditional ball-peen hammer.

 

Hammered Anticlastic Copper Bracelet

 

For a great resource article on Anticlastic Raising by Michael Good, check out Jewelry Artist Magazine July 2007 AdornmentCraft

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