October 20, 2023
Aluminum jewelry offers a lightweight, affordable, and low-maintenance alternative to precious metals like gold and silver. John S. Brana's handcrafted aluminum designs allow you to achieve a chic, polished look without the hefty price tag or tarnishing issues. This ultimate guide will explore the world of aluminum jewelry and showcase some of John S. Brana's most popular aluminum pieces perfect for casual chic style.
Aluminum is an ideal metal for jewelry. It's hypoallergenic, so it won't cause skin irritation. It doesn't tarnish or oxidize like silver, so aluminum jewelry retains its shine without constant polishing. It's also extremely lightweight, making aluminum comfortable to wear all day long.
John S. Brana handcrafts aluminum jewelry using traditional metalsmithing techniques like hammering, chasing, and hand-texturing. The resulting pieces have unique textures and shapes that artfully catch the light. Brana's aluminum has a bright silver finish that complements both warm and cool skin tones.
The affordable price point of aluminum makes it possible to collect a variety of John S. Brana designs without breaking the bank. Aluminum is also a fitting 10th wedding anniversary gift, as the traditional gift for a decade of marriage is aluminum.
Cuff bracelets are a perennial fashion essential. John S. Brana's lightweight aluminum cuff bracelets offer chic style in classic and trend-forward shapes.
The Hammered Aluminum Cuff features artisan hammering that adds beautiful texture and dimension. This cuff has clean, geometric lines for a modern look. It makes a versatile addition to any jewelry collection.
For an organic, nature-inspired aesthetic, the Aluminum Bark Cuff mimics bark with hand-chased detailing. The rich texture gives this wide cuff bracelet visual interest. Whether you pair it with other bracelets or wear it solo, the aluminum bark cuff always attracts compliments.
John S. Brana also offers aluminum cuffs with other unique metal finishes like the Linen Texturized Aluminum Cuff. The linen-like finish adds lightweight texture reminiscent of fabric.
John S. Brana's trendy yet timeless aluminum earrings infuse your look with casual elegance. Options range from minimalist drops to dramatic dangly earrings.
The beautifully polished Small Hammered Aluminum Tear Drop Earrings have subtle texture and a slender, elongated teardrop shape. Their medium size works well for both day and night.
For a punch of vibrant color, the handcrafted Orange Anodized Aluminum Lily Pad Earrings feature brilliant orange petals. The anodized aluminum retains its intense hue permanently.
Or take your look back in time with the Chased Aluminum Long Teardrop Earrings. Their elegant, art deco inspired shape shimmers subtly with each movement.
John S. Brana's anodized aluminum jewelry incorporates vivid color to make each piece pop. Anodization permanently alters the surface of the aluminum to display stunning saturated hues.
The Lime Green Anodized Aluminum Lily Pad Earrings showcase the vibrant green of new spring growth. Their unique handmade craftsmanship recreates the delicate details of a living lily pad.
Rich orange reminiscent of autumn leaves shines through in the Orange Anodized Aluminum Lily Pad Earrings. The bold color immediately grabs attention.
Anodized aluminum jewelry adds show-stopping style that effortlessly elevates basic pieces like t-shirts, jeans, and sundresses. The vivid hues lend themselves perfectly to color blocking for fashion-forward looks.
The versatility of John S. Brana's designs means aluminum jewelry suits a wide variety of personal styles. Here are some of the people who will love adding aluminum pieces to their collection:
The diversity of John S. Brana's aluminum designs means there's something to enhance every personal aesthetic.
Aluminum jewelry works for any occasion thanks to its versatile shine and range of textures. Here are some tips on how to wear John S. Brana's aluminum pieces:
The chic metallic shine of aluminum elevates any outfit from casual everyday wear to a night out on the town.
John S. Brana's versatile aluminum designs transition seamlessly from day to night. Here are some favorite pieces to wear dressed up for events and special occasions:
John S. Brana's aluminum jewelry allows you to shine at any special occasion. The metal's versatility suits both formal and festive events.
John S. Brana aluminum jewelry offers gorgeous, high-quality designs without precious metal prices. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted in the USA using traditional techniques. The brand's unique detailed metalwork gives their aluminum an upscale look and feel.
Additional reasons to choose John S. Brana include:
With John S. Brana's aluminum line, you can achieve any aesthetic from minimalist to bold and dramatic. Express both your personal style and outstanding craftsmanship by incorporating aluminum jewelry into your wardrobe.
May 23, 2022
Modern trends are all about pops of bold color, cool shapes, and fashion-friendly pieces for one’s wardrobe. Due to the growing popularity of the retro color blocking trend, more and more people are loving anodized aluminum jewelry. Whether you prefer a brilliant pair of lilac-colored earrings or an attractive green bracelet, anodized aluminum is the trend to try. Not only are these pieces light-weight, but the anodized color is permanent and are sure to last the test of time. They will not fade or discolor unlike many other types of jewelry. The process of anodizing aluminum is one that should be left up to the professionals. Learn more about this process and how it’s being used by jewelry designers everywhere to create chic pieces of jewelry.
Preparation is generally required for any aluminum item that is to be anodized, regardless of shape or size. Before the metal can be anodized, the aluminum must be cleaned well with a strong caustic formula, such as sodium hydroxide. It may need to be heated up to 145 degrees to extract any oils or residues to the surface. Once the metal has been thoroughly cleaned with the caustic solution, it should be rinsed well with deionized water and allowed to dry.
Aluminum anodizing begins when the metal is placed into a solution of acid, while attached to electrodes. These electrodes are attached to an electrical source that sends alternating currents of energy to the aluminum. On average, the voltage used in the anodizing process is between one and three-hundred volts, with the average volts being between fifteen and twenty-one.
Sulfuric acid is a commonly used method for anodizing aluminum. This involves coating the metal in a fifteen percent solution of sulfuric acid. In the acid solution, a cathode is also placed while connected to a negative terminal. The positive terminal should be placed on the aluminum that is to be anodized. On average, this process of anodizing aluminum requires five amps of current at a seventy degree temperature per square foot of the aluminum. When the current is turned on, it releases CO2 molecules which combine with the metal to form an Al2O3 aluminum oxide coating.
Some pieces of aluminum are hard-coated, which leaves a darker finish. When pieces of aluminum jewelry are hard-coated, they are not suitable for dyeing. To hard-coat aluminum, a fifteen percent sulfuric acid formula is lowered to 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The anodizing process requires twenty to one-hundred twenty minutes at twenty-three to thirty-seven amps, depending on the thickness of the coating. Due to the thickness of the aluminum, hard-coating aluminum generally results in a tougher surface area.
Another method of anodizing aluminum uses a less corrosive acid, chromic acid. Since there is less corrosion than there would be using sulfuric acid, the metal is generally easier to rinse. When chromic acid is used to anodize aluminum, it lowers the risk of metal fatigue that can occur during the sulfuric acid or hard-coating methods. The biggest advantage to using chromic acid is that it’s easier to rinse more complex designs. On average, this method of anodizing requires an amp of four per square foot at a temperature of sixty to seventy-five for about ninety minutes.
Many jewelry designers are turning towards anodized aluminum jewelry due to its trendy appearance and versatile color palate. If you love pops of brilliant color and shine, this trend is certainly for you. Anodized aluminum jewelry brings back the retro color blocking trend full force, giving fashionistas everywhere something to get excited about. If you have yet to try anodized aluminum jewelry, don’t miss out any longer.