Amber is an attractive, yet delicate, fossilized resin extracted from coniferous trees. It has been popularized due to its deep golden color, fashionable versatility, and geological significance. Amber is often recognized in the form of necklaces, rings, and other pieces of jewelry, with some pieces of the gemstone dating back millions of years.  Whether in the form a bracelet or earring, amber is mesmerizing to look at and with the proper care, can last a lifetime.

Brief History of Amber

Amber has a rich history with the oldest pieces dating back 320 million years ago. The gemstone has been traded for more than 13,000 years, believed to be one of the first commercially-traded goods. It remains popular in cultures throughout the world, especially across Europe. Unlike many other types of gemstones, amber has several unique features. Due to its ability to naturally store static electricity, amber is warm to the touch. This adds value to authentic amber jewelry, as well as a great addition to any wardrobe. Amber can be found in more than 256 different colors.

Varieties of Amber

 
There are a multitude of types of amber commonly used in jewelry today. The most expensive, and the best value, is authentic amber. Since these pieces are already very old, they are sure to last many more generations and are often passed down from family to family. Imitation amber jewelry is less expensive, but is just as beautiful as its authentic counterparts. Amber can be found in various color variations, from pale greens and yellows to dark browns and honey-colored pieces. Amber is available in nearly all types of jewelry, including brooches, bracelets, rings, necklaces, pendants, and earrings. It is often paired with silver or gold, but can also be encrusted in copper, brass, aluminum, and other metals. For those who prefer natural jewelry, amber can also be designed with hemp. Many people love amber for its geological history. Some pieces of authentic amber can be found with fossils, insects, and other true specimens forever sealed within the resin.

What to Know about Amber

 Amber is a much softer material compared to other types of gemstones. It requires special care as it’s more susceptible to damage. Even mild chemicals and sudden changes in temperature can cause amber to crack or break. Most authentic types of amber jewelry are rated on a scale of hardness from one to ten. From the Baltic region, Baltic amber is the hardest, making it a popular option for jewelry designers.

Caring for Amber Jewelry

Due to its fragility, amber requires careful care and storage to maintain its bright appearance and to prevent damage to the stone. Amber should not be exposed to any type of chemicals, including hairspray and makeup. If these products must be worn, apply them prior to putting on the jewelry. Perfumes can also cause damage to amber stones, and should not be sprayed on the area in which the jewelry is worn. Amber jewelry is relatively easy to clean. Simply use a soft cloth dampened with luke-warm water. Felt can also be used to gently clean the exterior of the amber stone. Avoid using any chemical-based cleaners or soap to clean the stone, as these can cause irreversible damage. Amber can also be wiped clean if the stone is only dusty or wet. To polish the stone, use a soft cloth with a dab of olive oil. Again, felt works great but a new cloth should be used each time for cleaning. It’s important to store amber properly or it can quickly become dull and tarnished. Keep your amber jewelry in a satin bag or soft, dry cloth whenever you are not wearing it. This will help to prevent it from becoming damaged with other pieces of jewelry. Each piece of amber jewelry should be stored separately to avoid scratching. Whether you choose authentic amber of an imitation piece, you won’t be disappointed with the unique look that amber provides.

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May Birthstones - Emerald, Carnelian, and Chrysophrase

Birthstone jewelry is a reflection of individuality and can promote a sense of style. The birthstone for the month of May is emerald and this traditional green gem has a rich history. From the Egyptians to the Irish, emeralds have been treasured by many ancient and modern societies. Gold and silver necklaces, pendants, rings, bracelets, and earrings encrusted with a May gemstone are the perfect way to accessorize while wearing a piece of jewelry that symbolizes yourself, your family, and people important in your life.

History: Emeralds are believed to have first come from emerald mines belonging to Cleopatra in ancient Egypt, dating back to 330 B.C. The Spanish also prized emeralds and many were brought back from Latin America during the 16^th century. Emeralds have a vast history of being a holy stone – in the past and present – and were desired by many cultures, including the Aztecs.

Features: Belonging to the beryl family of gemstones, emeralds have a rating on the Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness of 7.5 to 8, making them ideal for daily wear. Many pieces of May birthstone jewelry are highly scratch-resistant and durable.

Cuts: Emeralds can be cut in a wide range of shapes to show off their vibrancy. Oval, round, pear-shaped, and hearts are popular shapes used in May birthstone jewelry. The emerald cut maintains a high percentage of the original gemstone, making it the perfect keepsake due to the value.

Colors: While emerald green is the traditional hue associated with May birthstones, there are several shades that help to indicate value. The most costly gems consist of a warm green color. Emeralds that appear too dark or have blue or yellow undertones are usually less valuable. May gemstones that contain a blue-green hue tend to be rare and are pricier then the others. When shopping for May birthstone jewelry, select a hue that appeals to your personality.

Alternative May Birthstones

Green is not the only color of May birthstones, as Carnelian and other bright gemstones are available. Chrysophrase and agate are also acceptable May birthstone colors commonly used in birthstone jewelry. Agate gemstones can be found in many colors, including blue, green, white, and grey. Chrysophrase is typically found in apple green and may have traces of jade. Emerald and alternative colored stones are often incorporated into jewelry and presented as gifts to those born in the Month of May. Ranging in hues from light to deep green, May birthstones are highly fashionable and fit nearly any modern style.

Citrine - A Member of the Quartz Family

As the birthstone for November, Citrine will certainly be in high demand this coming month. A member of the quartz family, the stone comes in a range of colors from pale yellow to brownish red making it suitable for a variety of styles and tastes when it comes to lovers of fine jewelry. Its history, however, has been intertwined with Yellow Topaz as the two stones are virtually identical to the untrained eye. Citrine is much more affordable though, meaning that those on a budget can still purchase a stunning accessory without spending a fortune in the process.

Natural Occurring Citrine is Quite Rare

Although this yellow form of quartz can be found in nature, it is quite rare. In fact, most of the Citrine jewelry sold today uses amethyst and smoky quartz which has been turned into Citrine by a burning process. This alters the stone’s internal chemistry, creating a more appealing yellow color which can then be used to create some beautiful pieces of jewelry. These artificial stones look almost identical to their natural counterparts and it requires an expert eye to truly tell the difference. As such, the overall appearance and style will not suffer as a result of using these burnt gemstones.

Citrine - The Gemstone of Success

Since its discovery, citrine has gained a reputation as a success stone. In the past, it was known as the ‘merchant’s stone’ as vendors used to place it within their money boxes in order to boost their sales and profits. As well as enhancing financial prosperity, the stone is also said to bolster other kinds of success, providing an overall boost to the owner’s lifestyle. As such, it is the perfect gift for those born in November, especially those who are looking for a way to gain some extra benefits by wearing a beautiful piece of gemstone jewelry. As well as promoting success, Citrine is also said to have a myriad of other attributes. When it comes to physical healing, the stone can cleanse the kidney and the bladder, alleviate eye problems, increase circulation and remove toxins from the blood. Psychologically, it has also been known to improve self esteem and self confidence. As such it can be used for those with depression and other destructive tendencies to improve their lifestyle. For the November baby, this is truly a stone which can enhance their life and lead to a whole host of positive results.

Because of all its benefits, Citrine is now used in a wide range of jewelry sold around the world. Since it works well with other stones too, it can be found in everything from bracelets to rings to necklaces alongside other gems, including amber, onyx and garnet. As such, those born in November will be able to find a piece that suits their personality and style with no trouble at all. This is great news for those celebrating their birthday soon as it means that they can receive a stunning piece of Citrine jewelry that will also provide them with a whole host of advantages to their mental, physical and financial well-being.

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.

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.

Coral Jewelry Throughout the Ages

Coral jewelry has been around for millennia. Ancient artifacts from around 41,000 years ago have been found decorated with this colorful stone. Actually, stone is not really the right word here as coral is made up of millions of microscopic organisms. Growing in colonies, they form the beautiful shapes and colors which we easily recognize. These vibrant tones can be seen in items such as John S. Brana's spectacular Pink Coral Garnet Necklace.

Over the ages, coral has been thought to have supernatural properties. Even today, you can purchase coral jewelry for added protection. Black coral is known to guard against misfortune and looks fantastic when polished and set in gold. The pink coral found in pieces such as John S. Brana’s Garnet Amber Carnelian Necklace is thought to bring good health. This pink variety is found in a number of shades from almost white to salmon red and can have marbled qualities.

Variations in Coral Jewelry

There are also some rarer, more valuable types of coral. These variations grow incredibly slowly and so cannot be harvested often without damaging the fragile ocean ecosystem. Red coral was used in jewelry before Roman times and is seen as a truly passionate stone. The rarest coral, however, is gold coral which is only found in a few regions worldwide. Its mysterious chatoyance (a strange, moving inner light) makes this type of coral highly sought-after.

Coral Jewelry Care

Whatever type of coral jewelry you decide to purchase, care must be taken to prevent any damage. Coral is an incredibly soft, porous stone and must be packed away from sharp objects and harsh chemicals in order to preserve its beauty. By properly taking care of a piece of coral jewelry such as John S. Brana's Pink Coral Cinnabar Necklace, you will have an object which will look stunning and elegant for life.

The play of light off an opal makes this one of the most unique gemstones in the world. Those lucky enough to be born in October will be pleased to know that the opal is the birthstone for that month. Whether worn in rings, bracelets or necklaces, this is most definitely a stunning stone which will make a great addition to your jewelry collection. It also has a long history and some very interesting properties which can be used to enhance your lifestyle.

October's Birthstone Throughout the Ages

Opals have long been popular throughout the ages. The Romans used to mine them from the area now known as the Czech Republic, the Aztecs used to source theirs from Mexico, and even the Australian Aborigines mentioned the stone in their ancient stories and folklore. As for its meaning, the Romans perceived the stone as a symbol of purity and hope, while the Greeks believed it gave the wearer the power of foresight and prophecy.

October's Birthstone Brings Good Luck

Nowadays, the opal is believed to be a gemstone signifying good luck, beauty and allure. This dates back to ancient times when Cleopatra wore one to attract Mark Antony’s attention. Some say, however, that this unique stone has the ability to project the energy of the wearer back on his or herself. If you believe in the power of gems, then only wear October's birthstone if you are a person with many positive thoughts and deeds.

Whether you are looking for an item of jewelry for its looks or its meaning, the wide range of opal accessories now available will leave you spoiled for choice. Artists such as John S. Brana have used the stone in items such as boulder opal bronze rings and African opal bracelets. The choice is yours, so have a look to see which particular pieces catch your eye with October's Birthstone.

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.

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!

The History of Peridot in Jewelry

The green and gold hues of the gem, peridot, have been in high demand for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptian priests drank to the goddess, Isis, from cups made out of the stone. This connection with a higher power continued over the ages, and peridot can now be found within many medieval churches and in European artwork, specifically from the baroque period. In modern times, jewelers continue to use this stone to make stunning bracelets, necklaces and much more. For example, many amazing pieces from John S. Brana contain peridot, like his hammered copper earrings and his sterling silver starfish rings.

Peridot is August's Birthstone

Not only do the inner impurities and amazing green color of peridot make it a truly breathtaking gem, but it is also the birthstone for those born in August. Because its interior seems almost alive, peridot is representative of vitality and strength. It signifies inner power and long-lasting relationships, as well as future success and positive growth. The stone is also said to have many mystical properties such as reliving stress, healing the heart, enhancing fame, and boosting the potency of medicinal products. All of this makes a piece of peridot jewelry the perfect gift for all those August babies.

August's Birthstone in Handmade Designer Jewelry

The gem, peridot, looks great no matter where it is used. Everyone from the ancient Egyptians to the baroque artists knew of this fact. Luckily, the stone still looks fantastic today and can be found in modern-day jewelry such as rings and bracelets. John S. Brana's chalk turquoise necklace contains peridots mixed in with the other gems while his gold fold formed leaf earrings also contain the stone. No matter what item catches your eye, that sparkling green found in the peridots within will make it something you wish to wear everywhere, regardless of whether it is your birthstone or not.

Keishi Pearls - A Brief History

Pearls have been a prized element for jewelry for thousands of years. Although the most expensive pearls earn their price for their regular shape, even lustre and smooth surface many “inferior” pearl shapes are now becoming popular for their unique appearance and striking style that they can add to handmade jewelry. Pearls are produced by mollusks when a small irritant such as a grain of sand gets inside its shell. The mollusk feels this as an irritant and coats the particle with a lustrous substance known as "nacre". Pearls tend to take on the shape of the original particle, which is why perfectly round natural pearls are so rare and valuable.

Keishi pearls are formed when the mollusk rejects the irritant before the cultivating process is completed but still produces the nacre in a freeform shape. They can also be formed alongside a cultured pearl in the mollusk. Originally cultivated by Japanese pearl harvesters in the 1920s, keishi pearls were once considered a by-product or a "mistake" since the irritant was expelled before a round pearl could be produced. But there’s no mistaking the reasons why keishi pearls have become so popular in modern jewelry making. Since they are made entirely of nacre, they have a beautiful shimmer and luster and come in a variety of naturally organic shapes, colors and sizes.

"Cornflake" Keishi Pearls

Keishi pearls are also known as "cornflake" pearls because of their irregular shapes and "poppy seed" pearls since the word "keishi" means poppy seed in Japanese. They are generally small in size but are also available in elongated shapes known as stick pearls. Their unique, asymmetrical shapes make them a favorite choice for those searching for pearl jewelry with one-of-a-kind flair and natural beauty. Once considered to be useless and common, keishi pearls are now cultivated mostly in China, Japan and the South Seas and have become a favorite among handmade jewelry designers. John S. Brana offers stunningly beautiful necklaces among his collection made from iridescent cornflake keishi pearls in varied colors, and complemented by sea glass, Swarovski crystals and fine silver.

 Intense. Brilliant. Dazzling. How else could one describe the deep green color of May’s traditional birthstone, the emerald?

Emeralds are among the world’s oldest gemstones and have been discovered in many countries from as early as 1500 B.C. In the 1600s, the Emperor Jehangir of Persia owned a cup made from pure emerald which is now on display in New York City’s Museum of Natural History. In fact, Emeralds are featured in museum exhibits around the world and are also part of the Iranian National Treasury. Emeralds are also included among Queen Elizabeth II’s personal collection and that of actress Elizabeth Taylor.

Emerald is actually a colorless mineral known as beryl and the intense color is derived from iron and chromium impurities. While natural emeralds come in many colors, green is the most commonly prized. Inclusions, or flaws are not unusual and in fact contribute to the character and fire of this gemstone. Fine emeralds are quite rare and are mined around the world in Brazil, Russia and India, while the most famous mines are located in Colombia and Zimbabwe.

Emerald’s natural flaws make the stones relatively fragile. Jewelry cutters developed a special cut specifically named for this gemstone because it helped to enhance its sparkle and brilliance and lessened the possibility of damage to the stone.

Cut Emeralds of today are routinely treated with special oils to enhance their beauty and require special care to maintain their sparkle and luster. Emerald jewelry should not be exposed to solvents or detergents as these can remove the oil, and therefore lessen the beauty and fire of the stone.

This fiery gemstone has a long and colorful history around the world and it is still highly valued in present day. The larger the stone, the more sparkle and brilliance is on display which makes May’s birthstone, the emerald, more highly prized than diamonds by many with a taste for fine jewelry. Green Tourmaline, Tsavorite Garnet, and Carnelian along with Bright Green Gemstones are considered the Alternative birthstones by Gem Dealers, Jewelry Designers, and Jewelry Manufacturers. If you are interested in custom jewelry set with Emeralds or Tourmaline, please Contact Me to request an estimate.

Amethyst is considered one of the most beautiful varieties of quartz, if not the most beautiful. Known as the spirituality gemstone, amethyst expresses the connection between the divine and spiritual side, stimulating clairvoyance. It has a very strong protective role. Amethyst is found mainly in Brazil.

This gemstone is considered a symbol of success, because it stimulates and amplifies intellectual abilities, intuition, self confidence, concentration and spiritual capacities. At the same time, it reduces anger, impatience, nightmares, stress, nervousness, depression, improving communication between people.

Known as a gemstone of power, amethyst has a calming effect on the nervous system, fighting against insomnia. Anybody can place an amethyst crystal under the pillow to have pleasant dreams.

Amethyst fights against addictions (tobacco, alcohol, food), insomnia (it is a cure used for snoring), headaches, allergies, acne, migraines and back pain. Some people claim that this gemstone has beneficial effects on stomach, central nervous system, digestive and endocrine system, eyes and hair. It balances blood sugar and regenerates the entire body.

Crystals of amethyst purify and transform lower energies into higher energies, having a relaxing effect. They are recommended for meditation.

Greeks believe that this gemstone brings love and happiness, while medieval soldiers wore amethyst amulets in battles. If your problems in love are deep, then you need this healing crystal, which will purify your inner energies, balancing your life. Amethyst is known for its power to support major changes in life, whether it's about an intentional change or a painful experience like a breakup or a divorce. It will bring you inner peace and the power to forget and to forgive.

Also, amethyst is used by people who have passed through experiences that have made them feel victimized by a strong and impulsive personality. By wearing such a natural crystal, you will attract positive energies that will help you to receive and offer love. Meditate on your own desires and decide to accept love in your life, supported by the energetic power of crystals.

Amethyst is a perfect gemstone for those born in the  month of February.   Shop these handcrafted jewelry designs by jewelry designer John S. Brana featuring February's birthstone Amethyst.

There are actually two January birthstones; Garnet and Rose Quartz. However, most people only recognize Garnet on a wide scale. The word Garnet is derived from Latin which means grain or seed; "granatus", and it was therefore called thanks to the striking deep red of the gem being so incredibly close to that found in the seeds of pomegranates. However, with a Mohs scale hardness of 6. 5 to 7. 5; biting down a Garnet can not be quite the same sensation as you get from the fruit's seed!

But, many are stunned that Garnet can additionally be found in colors other than red; and some exquisite gems are available in greens, oranges, pinks and violets. These changes in color are caused by the mineral content contained in the gem; these are rarer still than the already obscure red Garnet.

There are a myriad of legends, myths and folklore that surround the Garnet; crossing scores of cultures and eras. In Biblical myth for instance, it is suggested that Noah hung a Garnet on his Ark, so as he may illuminate his journey during the storms.

Probably due to this, and alternate stories in lore, the gift of a Garnet is usually given to hurry home safely a loved one, who is undertaking a journey. Because of its deep red color, it's also highly symbolic of love and desire; and is usually given to January born loved ones by their partner.

Records show that it's been mined for at least 2500 years, though not invariably for its delicate nature; often being employed as a tool such due to its hardness. Whilst traces of this mining were found in Sri Lanka, the Garnet is found in several places across the world including; Africa, India and the United States of America.

The other of the January Birth Stones is the beautiful Rose Quartz that, because the name suggests, ranges from a fragile pale pink, to sorts which deepen up to the hue of a red rose. The colors of the gem are caused by trace amounts of titanium and iron, and in some specimens manganese.

Usually, the value of Rose Quartz is thought by many to make inadequate gems, and certainly can be cloudy. However there are exceptional items found and they're typically carved into wonderful hearts; making for a fantastic gift for loved ones.

Despite not being widely fashionable, it is reputed to be one of the most powerful semi precious stones in the world. It is said to hold many healing powers, with the power to help bring calm, and balance emotions at times of stress, anxiety and even guilt. Whilst Rose Quartz is found across the planet, from Asia to Europe and on to Northern America; it's principally mined in Brazil these days. Brazil has also long been the producer of the finest examples, and, in the proper setting, will create a wonderful various when looking for January birthstones.