San Francisco Jewelry Designer John S. Brana was recently interviewed by NBC's Bay Area Around Town and Fashion Reporter Nicole Ramirez.   NBC Local Media uncovers and connects their users to all that San Francisco has to offer so they can be true city insiders.  Click here to read full story.

Jewellery World Review - April 2008 - San Francisco-based designer, John S. Brana, introduces the Nob Hill Collection - Pages 49-50

Introducing The Nob Hill Filigree Jewelry Collection by San Francisco-based designer, John S. Brana

John S. Brana - Distinctive Jewelry has added an eighth collection of one-of-a-kind filigree earrings to his diverse line of San Francisco-inspired wearable art jewelry.  This collection features his most open, airy and delicate wirework designs yet available.  The Nob Hill Collection inspires the re-appreciation for the nostalgic architecture of those Victorian-era neighborhoods built around the turn of twentieth century. 

“That was a time when we didn’t have to remind ourselves to stop and smell the roses,” Brana described in his San Francisco studio located in the West Portal neighborhood overlooking the Pacific Ocean.  “We appreciated craftsmanship and weren’t distracted by technology.” 

With this in mind, Brana sought to capture the elaborate scrolls and turbulent twists of the grill work on entrance gates that dot the neighborly streets of San Francisco’s famous Nob Hill.  After twisting three tiny pure silver or 14 karat gold wires, he sculpts the inner tendrils into a paired perfection.  No two sets are exactly the same.  Each design is then encased by a sturdy barrier of flat or half-round sterling silver or 14 karat gold.  Dangling a pair from you ears is a delicate daily reminder that if you can’t stop to smell the roses, you can at least take them with you.

"That demonstrated to me that what makes me happy is to help people celebrate special moments in their life through my wearable art jewelry rather than pursuing a cold corporate agenda like I was doing at Schwab," John said. 

The Nob Hill Collection is the latest addition to Brana’s line of limited-edition jewelry and wearable art collections each as different as their San Francisco neighborhood namesakes.  Just as each city block of this unique American city tells a unique story and every turn tempts a new adventure, Brana’s handcrafted jewelry is also sure to leave a lasting impression. 

Nob Hill Newsroom - Press and Media Coverage - Celebrity Photos

Model Apryl Orr wears 18K Gold and Fine Silver Filigree earrings from the Nob Hill Collection.  Photography by Klaus Lange. 

Model Apryl Orr wears 14K Gold Fleur-de-lis earrings set with Carnelian from the Nob Hill Collection.  Photography by Klaus Lange. 

John S. Brana - Distinctive Jewelry – Introduces The Nob Hill Filigree Jewelry Collection

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contact:
Karri Ann Frerichs, Altitude Promotions

402.490.2579

karri.altitude@gmail.com

 John S. Brana - Distinctive Jewelry adds an eighth collection of one-of-a-kind filigree earrings to his diverse line of San Francisco inspired wearable art jewelry.

San Francisco, CA (March 10, 2008) – Introducing the Nob Hill Filigree Jewelry Collection by John S. Brana - Distinctive Jewelry.  This collection features the most open, airy and delicate wirework designs yet available by the San Francisco-based handcrafted jewelry designer.  Inspired by the iron scrollwork of entrance gates dotting the famous Nob Hill neighborhood, John S. Brana has created this collection featuring pure and sterling silver and 14K gold and gold-filled one-of-a-kind earrings.

The Nob Hill Collection is the latest addition to Brana’s distinct line of limited-edition jewelry and wearable art collections each as different as their San Francisco neighborhood namesakes.  Featuring pure silver and 14Kgold intricate wirework designs outlined in sterling silver or 14K gold-filled unique rounded shapes, these earrings evoke an appreciation for detail and fine craftsmanship reminiscent of the Victorian era of architecture.  Filigree necklace, bracelet and ring designs will soon be available.        

John S. Brana- Distinctive Jewelry collections also include:

• Barbary Coast- a dramatic and colorful display of semiprecious gemstones and metals
• Sea Cliff- surprisingly elegant life-like art pieces of metal-casted marine elements
• Pacific Heights- large faceted solo gemstones encased in elaborate 14K gold-filled settings
• Monterrey- brightly colored Italian mesh metal intertwined through hammered silver links
• Sonoma- chainmail jewelry dripping with berry-like, cascading stones
• SoMa- Chic hammered and sculpted metal statement pieces in copper, silver and gold
• And the Men’s silver-cast jewelry collection featuring cuff-links, bold rings, textured pendent shapes and minimalist silver bracelets.  

To view each of the John S. Brana- Distinctive Jewelry collections or for online orders and to see a list of retailers nearest you, please visit John S. Brana - Distinctive Jewelry www.johnsbrana.com

For wholesale information and media requests, please contact Karri Ann Frerichs at karri.altitude@gmail.com or 402.490.2579.

When was the last time you strolled along California Street and climbed the steps of Mason? Or, if you don’t live in our fair city of San Francisco, when have you last enjoyed the nostalgic architecture of those neighborhoods built around the turn of twentieth century? Do you notice that bricks are no longer laid in those patterns, or that columns today aren’t poured in such grand stature but with such intricate detail?

That was a time when we didn’t have to remind ourselves to stop and smell the roses. We appreciated craftsmanship and weren’t distracted by technology. With this in mind, John S. Brana sought to capture the elaborate scrolls and turbulent twists of the grill work on entrance gates that dot the neighborly streets of San Francisco’s famous Nob Hill. This is the collection of that not yet lost, but very intimate detail.

After twisting three tiny pure silver or 14 karat gold wires then running them through a rolling machine, John sculpts the inner tendrils into a paired perfection. No two sets are exactly the same. Each design is then encased by a sturdy barrier of flat or half-round sterling silver or 14 karat gold. Dangling a pair from you ears is a delicate daily reminder that if you can’t stop to smell the roses, you can at least take them with you. Necklaces and bracelets are coming soon. Enjoy life’s beautiful amenities!

Karri Ann Frerichs

Altitude Promotions

Jewellery World Review Introduces the Nob Hill Collection by John S Brana