Filigree Jewelry in Fashion

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

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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Handcrafted Jewelry Designer John S Brana Talks About His Monterey Collection

Karri Ann Frerichs, PR Director of Altitude Promotions interviews San Francisco jewelry designer John S. Brana backstage at “Bella Bikini Fashion Show” by Charleston Pierce at Temple nightclub. Rich hues of the softest Italian mesh metal ribbon is embellished with precious and semi-precious stones or pearls and is available by the piece or in sets of over 30 different colors. John also describes his process of anticlastic metal raising that he uses to produce beautiful one-of-a-kind Sterling Silver, Copper, and 14K and 18K Gold Cuffs and Earrings.

Click here to view the Monterey Collection

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Collections Coming Soon to www.johnsbrana.com

SoMa Collection – Watch for hammered silver and bronze rings set with faceted colored gemstones and cabochons – July 2008.

Nob Hill – Matching rings and pendants in sterling silver, vermeil, and 14K – 18K yellow gold – August 2008.

Muir WoodsNEW – Inspired by the natural beauty of Muir Woods, this collection will feature patinaed silver, copper, and bronze earrings, rings, and pendants in multicolored earthtones…just in time for fall – September 2008.

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

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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Bold and delicate treasures from John S. Brana – Dazzling New Spring/Summer 2007 Collection Unveiled

Inspired by the Bay Area’s natural beauty, jewelry designer John S. Brana presents exciting new additions to his distinctive Monterey and SoMa jewelry collections. Carefully handcrafted with the utmost precision and care, John’s designs evoke the sensual and ever-changing elements of nature.

For the Monterey collection, John features Italian mesh, an extremely fine brass wire that is meticulously woven to resemble a filigree net. Nickel-free, waterproof and heat-resistant, this delicate ribbon is of the highest quality in the world.

A lovely example is the new Mint Leaf earrings, which reminds one of fresh leaves dancing gracefully in the springtime air. Whether you are in a garden or walking along the ocean, John’s designs are a meditation of nature in action.

Aquamarine Italian Mesh Metal Earrings

 

Copper Italian Mesh Metal Earrings

Purple Italian Mesh Metal Earrings

New SoMa designs introduce warm, earthy tones of copper with the cool glints of fine silver. Not only does copper impart healing properties (old-world beliefs suggest wearing copper for pain relief), each piece has a modern touch, mingled with bohemian nuances.

Chased Copper Cuff Bracelet

Hammered Copper Earrings with Aquamarine

Chased Copper Earrings with Amazonite

Chased Copper Earrings with Amazonite

All of the above featured jewelry can be found in my SoMa and Monterey Collection’s along with many other selections in hammered fine silver, copper, 14K Gold Filled, 14K, and 18K Gold.

Bold and delicate treasures from John Brana -
Dazzling New Spring/Summer 2007 Collection Unveiled

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

PR Contact:

Leena Lim Leary

 

415.205.7094

 

leena@theprcafe.com

Bold and delicate treasures
from John Brana

Dazzling New Spring/Summer 2007
Collection Unveiled

San Francisco, CA (April 2007) Inspired by the Bay Area’s natural beauty, jewelry designer John Brana presents exciting new additions to his distinctive Monterey and SoMa jewelry collections. Carefully handcrafted with the utmost precision and care, John’s designs evoke the sensual and ever-changing elements of nature.

For the Monterey collection, John features Italian mesh, an extremely fine brass wire that is meticulously woven to resemble a filigree net. Nickel-free, waterproof and heat-resistant, this delicate ribbon is of the highest quality in the world.

A lovely example is the new Mint Leaf earrings, which reminds one of fresh leaves dancing gracefully in the springtime air. Whether you are in a garden or walking along the ocean, John’s designs are a meditation of nature in action.

New SoMa designs introduce warm, earthy tones of copper with the cool glints of fine silver. Not only does copper impart healing properties (old-world beliefs suggest wearing copper for pain relief), each piece has a modern touch, mingled with bohemian nuances.

Pairing the raw texture of copper with elegant gemstones, it draws out the inner goddess beauty from its wearer.

Monterey and SoMa pieces retails from $55 to $200.

About John Brana

As a child, John S. Brana traveled extensively and learned from his father, an accomplished artist and teacher, how to perfect techniques in metal and resin casting, fabrication, and woodworking. While John had the opportunity to expand his father’s award-winning three-dimensional stained glass business, he chose to pursue a more “practical” career in Finance. After graduating in 1990 from University of Michigan with an M.B.A. in Finance, Brana moved to San Francisco and worked his way up in corporate finance to vice president of The Charles Schwab Corporation. It was his father’s death in 2003 that made Brana re-evaluate his priorities and rekindled his childhood passion for artisan crafts and jewelry.

Bold in scale, unique and precious, John S. Brana’s pieces are perfect for those who enjoy interesting jewelry design and are seeking to make an unusual statement. Brana’s specialty is in fine silver, gold, and gold-filled wire combined with fresh-water pearls, Swarovski crystals, Venetian glass, and precious gemstones—all carefully hand-selected
during John’s frequent trips to Europe, Asia, and throughout the United States.

Selected John S. Brana’s jewelry is currently available at Residents Apparel Gallery (R.A.G), Porcelynne boutique in San Francisco, Marlowe & Company Jewellers in St. Helena, and Tahill Galleries in San Mateo. For an online portfolio, please visit www.JohnSBrana.com.

For Hi-resolution images and media requests, please contact Leena@theprcafe.com or phone 415.205.7094.

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Aquamarine – March’s Birthstone

Hammered Fine Silver Earrings with Aquamarine

Hammered Fine Silver Necklace with Aquamarine

Aquamarine means “sea water” in Latin, alluding to its color. Most natural colored aquamarine is a light blue-green or even light green variety of beryl. Prior to the 1900’s this was the preferred color for aquamarine. Today, aquamarine is routinely heat-treated to remove the green component, thereby producing a permanently colored blue stone. Quite large stones, ranging from several carats to more than ten carats are relatively common.

The most common cut is the emerald type, although mixed oval or pear-shaped cuts are no infrequent. The more intense the blue color, the more valuable the stone. Under magnification, aquamarines usually have a high transparency and clarity. They are also very durable and their color is evenly distributed. Most aquamarine comes from Brazil, where crystals weighing several kilos have been found. Other deposits include Russia, Madagascar, India, Ireland, the United States, and recently Afghanistan.

Aquamarine is commonly believed to be the stone of courage and its calming energies are said to reduce stress and quiet the mind. In ancient times, aquamarine was believed to counteract the forces of darkness and procure favor from the spirits of light. I was commonly carried by sailors as a talisman against drowning.

The above set of earrings, bracelet, and necklace features faceted aquamarine and amazonite nuggets on hammered fine silver and can be found in my SoMa Collection along with many other selections in hammered fine silver, copper, 14K Gold Filled, 14K, and 18K Gold.

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The SoMa Collection

SoMan Women's Jewelry Collection

The SoMa Collection is sleek and contemporary with a surprising bohemian undercurrent. Hammered fine silver, copper, 14K gold filled, or 14K gold give the line a funky urban charm. Semi-precious gemstones, Swarovski Crystals, and pearls add pop to many pieces. The result is that each piece feels like a hidden treasure. This versatile line is as appropriate at swank nightspots as it is at trendy coffee shops. Matching sets available in earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.

Stay tuned for the launch of John S. Brana due out in mid-August.

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