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Pearl Earrings

November 15, 2010 By 2 Comments

Sterling Silver Amber Chainmail Freshwater Pearl Earrings

Sterling Silver Amber Chainmail Earrings

Pearl Earrings – A Basic Necessity

If you are looking for a classic addition to any outfit, pearl earrings are a guaranteed hit. Simultaneously dazzling and elegant, they are suitable for any formal function or office meeting. Whether chosen for lunch at your favorite restaurant or to complement that floral top or fine-cut summer dress, pearl earrings are the perfect addition to any outfit.

Nature is such a perfectionist, especially when it comes to the pearl. As the only gemstone which does not require any cutting or polishing, it is only expected that craftsmen such as John S. Brana would choose to use these semi-precious stones in their collections. Pearl earrings have been created for centuries, and the image of a lady sporting these shining stones on her earlobes is a picture of style that will last throughout the ages.

Hammered Fine Silver Tear Drop Earrings with Blue Freshwater Pearl Earrings

Hammered Fine Silver Tear Drop Earrings with Blue Freshwater Pearls

Pearl Earrings Come in a Variety of Colors

One attribute to pearls, which makes them almost irresistible for use in earrings, is that they can have different colored hues. John S. Brana has used both the lavender and light blue varieties to create some dazzling freshwater pearl earrings. Whether you choose a long, hanging design, or a simple single stone embedded into the earring, pearls are a definite winner when it comes to fine jewelry.

For a bit of variety, pearls also mix well with other gemstones to create some beautiful patterns and displays of color. One outstanding design example is freshwater pearls combined with garnets in John S. Brana’s hammered fine silver earrings. Of course, there are many more varieties, ensuring that anyone can choose one, regardless of their style or taste.

Matching Sets – Necklaces, Bracelets, and Pearl Earrings

Pearl earrings of any sort will make a fantastic addition to anyone’s personal jewelry collection. They work well on their own, or in creating a set with a pearl necklace or one or two pearl bracelets. Discover the magic of these flawless gemstones today.

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Handmade Jewelry Blog by Jewelry Designer John S Brana
1043 Portola Drive San Francisco, CA, 94127 USA 
 • 415-664-9737
Filed Under: What's New Tagged With: Amber Earrings, Chainmail Earrings, Classic Addition, Definite Winner, drop earrings, Earlobes, Earring, Favorite Restaurant, Fine Jewelry, Freshwater Pearl Earrings, freshwater pearls, Garnets, Gemstones, Hues, jewelry collection, John S Brana, Outstanding Design, Pearl Necklace, Perfectionist, Personal Jewelry, Semi Precious Stones, Silver Earrings, Summer Dress, Tear Drop

Affordable Designer Earrings

November 4, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Aluminum Brass Small Tear Drop Designer Earrings with Peridot

Aluminum Brass Small Tear Drop Earrings with Peridot

Don’t Be a Plain Jane – Wear Designer Earrings!

With a huge range of affordable designer earrings available now, there is no excuse to be a plain Jane! The period when jewelry was a luxury only pursued by the rich, famous and powerful is now long over. These days, anyone can afford to sport a pair of statement earrings thanks to the creativity of John S. Brana and other professional craftsmen. Their diverse collections are full of affordable handcrafted designer earrings that are perfect for anyone, regardless of their taste, personality, or budget.

Aluminum and Copper Make Great Cost-Effective Designer Earrings

By far, the most cost-effective earrings are made out of either aluminum or copper. While these may not seem to be very glamorous metals, they can form some stunning designs in the hands of a master jeweler. To see this, simply have a look at any online catalog of the more popular handcrafted jewelry designers.

Of course, if you are looking for affordable earrings that are a little more colorful, yet still within your budget, you can find what you are searching for in the range of gemstone earrings currently available. With a selection covering semi-precious stones such as amber, garnet, emeralds and pearls, you will be spoilt for choice when out jewelry shopping.

Serpentine Sterling Silver Chainmail Designer Earrings

Serpentine Sterling Silver Chainmail Earrings

Sterling Silver Designer Earrings Make a Great Buy

For those who have a bit more money to spend, but consider gold or platinum jewelry far too expensive, sterling silver handmade earrings can be a great buy. This dazzling metal can be shaped into a multitude of styles, ranging from hoop to chain maille designs, to form a classic look that will suit almost any sort of attire.

With this many choices out there, each as affordable as the next, it is a surprise to see that many women still are not donning a pair of dazzling handmade designer earrings when they are out and about. To find affordable handmade earrings that truly complement both your individual style and the clothing that you are wearing, have a look at the jewelry collections created that feature designer earrings by artisans such as John S. Brana today.

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Filed Under: Silver Jewelry, What's New Tagged With: Aluminum Brass, Chain Maille, Chainmail Earrings, Designer Earrings, drop earrings, Emeralds, freshwater pearls, Garnet, gemstone earrings, Handmade Earrings, Jewelry Designers, John S Brana, Lily Pad, Master Jeweler, Multitude, Online Catalog, Plain Jane, Platinum Jewelry, Professional Craftsmen, Semi Precious Stones, Serpentine, Silver Earrings, Sterling Earrings, Stunning Designs, Tear Drop

John S Brana – Handmade Designer Jewelry – Accessorizes Photo Shoot by San Francisco Photographer Rachel Schwarz

November 2, 2010 By 3 Comments
Sterling Silver Amazonite and Serpentine Chain Mail Necklaces

Sterling Silver Amazonite and Serpentine Chain Mail Necklaces

Sterling Silver Amazonite and Serpentine Chain Mail Necklaces

Sterling Silver Amazonite and Serpentine Chain Mail Necklaces

Sterling Silver Amazonite and Serpentine Chain Mail Necklaces

Sterling Silver Amazonite and Serpentine Chain Mail Necklaces

Red and Turuoise Patinated Tear Drop Earrings

Red and Turuoise Patinated Tear Drop Earrings

Corrugated Sterling Silver Anticlastic Cuff with Sterling Silver Tree Branch Ring set with Moonstone

Corrugated Sterling Silver Anticlastic Cuff with Sterling Silver Tree Branch Ring set with Moonstone

Corrugated Sterling Silver Anticlastic Cuff with Sterling Silver Tree Branch Ring set with Moonstone

Corrugated Sterling Silver Anticlastic Cuff with Sterling Silver Tree Branch Ring set with Moonstone

Corrugated Sterling Silver Anticlastic Cuff with Sterling Silver Tree Branch Ring set with Moonstone and Aluminum Leaf Earrings

Corrugated Sterling Silver Anticlastic Cuff with Sterling Silver Tree Branch Ring set with Moonstone and Aluminum Leaf Earrings

Corrugated Anticlastic Copper Cuff with Red and Turquoise Patinated Tear Drop Earrings

Corrugated Anticlastic Copper Cuff with Red and Turquoise Patinated Tear Drop Earrings

Copper Fold Formed Leaf Earrings

Copper Fold Formed Leaf Earrings

Red and Turquoise Patinated Tear Drop Earrings

Red and Turquoise Patinated Tear Drop Earrings

Model: Ellen Hancock of City Model/ San Francisco
www.ellenhancock.com

Make-Up Artist: Tamra Marie of Look Artist Agency/ San Francisco
www.tamra-marie.com/

Hair Stylist: Preston Nesbit
www.prestonnesbit.com/

Jewelry by John S. Brana
www.johnsbrana.com

Mesh Body Suit & Leather & Mesh Vest by Chelsea Cutrell

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Filed Under: Events, Featured News, Photo Shoots Tagged With: Aluminum, Amazonite, Amber Necklace, Amp, Artist Agency, Caption, Chain Mail, Chelsea, City Model, copper, crystal quartz, Cutrell, Designer Jewelry, drop earrings, Hair Stylist, Hancock, Handmade Jewelry, John S Brana, Mesh Body Suit, Mesh Vest, necklaces, Nesbit, onyx, Photo Shoot, Photoshoot, San Francisco Photographer, Silver Tree, sterling silver, Tear Drop

Textured Metal Jewelry

September 15, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Bubble Embossed Tear Drop Copper Earrings - Copper Metal Jewelry

Bubble Embossed Tear Drop Copper Earrings

Metal Jewelry Textures

A skilled jeweler will be able to create a wide variety of textures on any sheet of metal. These can be used to form pieces of jewelry, which are irregular, smooth or are covered with more detailed patterns such as ripples or bubbles.

Hammered Metal Jewelry

Metal jewelry that has simply been hammered will have a rough, uneven texture due to how the hammer strikes the metal. Pieces such as John S. Brana’s hammered copper bracelets are hand crafted and are very on trend and stylish.

Metal Jewelry Polishing Techniques

To remove the flaws from a piece of metal jewelry, whether from hammering or otherwise, a jeweler generally has to polish it. This is achieved by using a work wheel and a fine abrasive. Polishing is great for creating flawless pieces of jewelry. For something a little more interesting, brushed metal jewelry can be made by rubbing fine sandpaper over the surface. This creates many minute lines and removes some of the metal’s lustre giving it a much more distinctive look.

Embossed Metal Jewelry

Bubble jewelry is formed by embossing the metal’s surface with a pattern of various-sized, connected circles. Examples of this style include John S. Brana’s handmade aluminum bubble earrings, which have a very natural appearance.

Aluminum Cuff with Bark Texture - Metal Jewelry

Aluminum Cuff with Bark Texture

Chased Metal Jewelry

Finally, lines can also be added to metal. These come in a variety of patterns such as the radial design found on John S. Brana’s chased copper scarf ring, or the more natural style of his corrugated copper disc earrings. The diversity of these items is limited only by the jewelers imagination.

The fact that metal is so malleable, means that master craftsmen across the globe can create bracelets, necklaces and earrings which will suit almost anyone’s tastes and which can be worn in a large number of situations. Metal jewelry is so versatile and is a true gift from both these expert jewelers and Mother Nature herself.

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Filed Under: Copper Jewelry, What's New Tagged With: Bark Texture, Brushed Metal, Copper Bracelets, Copper Jewelry, Copper Shield, Earrings, Expert Jewelers, Jeweler, Jewelers, John S Brana, Lustre, Master Craftsmen, Metal Jewelry, Metal Pieces, Mother Nature, Natural Appearance, Natural Style, Radial Design, Ripples, Sandpaper, Scarf, Tear Drop, Textured Metal, True Gift, Uneven Texture

Handmade Jewelry by John S Brana Accessorizes Photoshoot by San Francisco Photographer Rachel Schwarz

July 23, 2010 By 3 Comments
Chased NuGold Bracelets and Cuffs by John S Brana

Chased NuGold Bracelets and Cuffs by John S Brana

Hammered Copper Cuff and Bubble Embossed Disc Earrings

Hammered Copper Cuff and Bubble Embossed Disc Earrings

Turquoise Patinated Bangle and Open Tear Drop Earrings

Turquoise Patinated Bangle and Open Tear Drop Earrings

Photographer: Rachel Schwarz
Models: Naeemah of Je Models/ Yasmin of City Models/ Helena Bianca- Rogue
Spot Light Designers: Leila Hafzi reped by HSMPR, Bao Tranchi, Bryan Hearns, John. S Brana represented by Altitude Promotions, & Shabnam Quassemi
Wardrobe Stylist: Devon Nuszer
Hair & Make-up: Akemi Yagi
Assistants: Nino Palana & Ania Hogan

Brazilian Fire Agate Gemstone Necklace by John S Brana

Brazilian Fire Agate Gemstone Necklace by John S Brana

Turquoise Patinated Brass Bangle - Turquoise Leaf Earrings

Turquoise Patinated Brass Bangle - Turquoise Leaf Earrings

Turquoise Patinated Brass Bangle

Turquoise Patinated Brass Bangle

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Filed Under: Events, Featured News, Photo Shoots, What's New Tagged With: Amp, Ania, Apple Green, Bangle, Bao Tranchi, Bianca, bracelets, Caption, City Models, Cuffs, Devon, drop earrings, Earring, Fire Agate, gemstone necklace, Handmade Jewelry, Hearns, Hogan, John S Brana, Leila, Light Designers, Photoshoot, San Francisco Photographer, Shabnam, Tear Drop, Wardrobe Stylist, Yasmin

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

Fashionable Lightweight Handmade Aluminum Jewelry

May 3, 2010 By 40 Comments
Handmade Aluminum Lily Pad Earrings

Aluminum Lily Pad Earrings

Handmade Aluminum Jewelry

If you favor the sheen and polish of sterling silver, but are wary about the rising cost, you’ll love the look of aluminum jewelry. Fashionable and lightweight, aluminum jewelry has increasingly grown in popularity because its wear demonstrates flair and stylishness while being easy on the budget. High style without the high cost; what could be better?

Fashionistas often choose aluminum jewelry as an alternative to silver for many reasons:

• Larger earrings made from sterling silver, platinum or white gold can feel heavy on your ears while earrings made from aluminum can be as large as you like without causing discomfort.
• Light-as-a feather aluminum bracelets can bring the bling without bringing the noise.
• Aluminum is a metal that can be easily dyed, stamped and shaped into nearly any form a creative designer can imagine and it does not require special care.
• It is also a non-reactive metal that is nickel-free which makes it an excellent choice for many women with a hypersensitivity to other metals.

In addition, there is no need to worry about tarnishing as it requires no polishing to keep it looking bright. Best of all, you won’t have to sacrifice high style while you’re watching your pennies. But don’t assume “affordable” signifies “cheap” when choosing this fun, durable and sleek alternative to sterling.

Handmade Hammered Aluminum Tear Drop Earrings

Hammered Aluminum Tear Drop Earrings

Stylish Aluminum Jewelry

John S. Brana offers an elegant line of aluminum jewelry among our coveted collections, including a hand-hammered aluminum bangle that carries the look of high fashion, as well as embossed, textured and hammered teardrop earrings that can be worn anywhere. Although the metal used may not be considered “precious”, the same artistic vision and creative talent goes into creating pieces of aluminum jewelry as it would into silver or gold designs.

Whether you’re attending an elegant luncheon, romantic dinner, or just hanging out with the girls, you can be comfortable, stylish and fashion forward in lightweight, designer aluminum jewelry.

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Filed Under: What's New Tagged With: Artistic Vision, Bangle, Bling, Creative Designer, Creative Talent, drop earrings, Elegant Line, Elegant Luncheon, Fashionistas, Gold Designs, High Fashion, High Style, Hypersensitivity, John S Brana, Light As A Feather, Lightweight Aluminum, Lightweight Designer, Lily Pad, Nickel Free, Reactive Metal, Romantic Dinner, Silver Platinum, sterling silver, Tear Drop, Teardrop Earrings, White Gold

Win Free Handmade Jewelry Each Month on www.johnsbrana.com!

March 7, 2010 By 8 Comments
Handmade Fine Silver Tear Drop Earrings

Hammered Fine Silver Tear Drop Earrings

Starting March 2010, www.johnsbrana.com will be running a monthly drawing for one featured piece of jewelry.  For March, win these light-catching Hammered Fine Silver Tear Drop 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!

Click here to see the contest rules.

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Filed Under: Events, Sales Promotions Tagged With: Contest Rules, Drawing, drop earrings, Email Address, Free Jewelry, Handmade Jewelry, Hang Tag, Pop Up, Running, Tear Drop, Win Free

Smythe & Cross – Purveyors of Precious Jewelry Features Selected Handcrafted Fine Jewelry by John S. Brana

November 11, 2008 By 2 Comments

Smythe & Cross

December 3, 2008 -  Smythe & Cross – Purveyors of Precious Jewelry, Burlingame,  CA, will be hosting a grand opening and open house from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. at their Burlingame headquarters.  Preview collections of fine and diamond jewelry, along with selected pieces of handcrafted fine jewelry by John S. Brana.  Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served.  RSVP required.  Contact Altitude Promotions for more information.

 14K Gold Chased Anticlastic Cuff

SoMa Collection – 14K Chased Anticlastic Gold Cuff

 

14K Gold and Fine Silver Tear Drop Filigree Earrings

 Nob Hill Collection – 14K Gold and Fine Silver Tear Drop Filigree Earrings

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Filed Under: Events Tagged With: Amp, Anticlastic Jewelry, Beaded Gemtstone Jewelry, Burlingame Ca, Cross Jewelry, Diamond Jewelry, Filigree Earrings, Filigree Jewelry, Fine Jewelry, Gemstone Jewelry, Gold Cuff, Grand Opening, Handcrafted Fine Jewelry, Handcrafted Jewelry, Jewelry Fine, John S Brana, Nbsp, Nob Hill, Open House, Precious Jewelry, Preview Collections, Purveyors, Silver Earrings, Smythe, Smythe & Cross, soma, Tear Drop, trunk show

Spring Colors for the Barbary Coast Collection

January 28, 2007 By Leave a Comment

Tropical Garden Necklace - Amethyst, Jade, Freshwater Pearls, Amber

These are a few of the color combinations I am currently working on for my Spring 2007 additions to the Barbary Coast Collection.

The first necklace features Peridot nuggets, Champagne Quartz, Yellow and Lavender Jade, various colored Freshwater Pearls, Amber, and Ametrine nuggets accented with Vermeil beads. Ametrine, also known as trystine or by its trade name as bolivianite, is a naturally occurring variety of quartz. It is a mixture of Amethyst and Citrine with zones of purple and yellow or orange. Almost all commercially available Ametrine is mined in Bolivia, although there are deposits being exploited in Brazil and India. The color of the zones visible within Ametrine are due to differing oxidation states of iron within the crystal. The different oxidation states occur due to there being a temperature gradient across the crystal during its formation.

The second necklace features rare hand-carved Onyx, Freshwater Pearls, Lava, Stick Pearls, Faceted CZ Tear Drop beads, and is accented with Fine Silver Bali beads.

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Filed Under: Events Tagged With: amber, Amethyst, Ametrine, Bali Beads, barbary coast, Champagne, citrine, Color Combinations, freshwater pearls, Lava, Lavender, Nuggets, Oxidation States, Peridot, Quartz, Rare Hand, Spring Colors, Tear Drop, Temperature Gradient, Vermeil Beads
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