Beaded Gemstone Earrings
When settlers and traders from Europe arrived on the western coast of Africa during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, they were dazzled by the handmade jewelry that was produced by local artisans.
The designs were like nothing they had ever seen before with their blazing colors and beautiful handmade beads. T
The John S. Brana Handmade Jewelry Barbary Coast earrings collection was inspired by these jewelry designs that became a status symbol in Europe. The collection was named after the term used for the western coast of Africa during the time period as a reference to those gorgeous pieces.
Hammered Fine Silver Garnet Tear Drop Earrings
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Snow Quartz Wire Wrapped Sterling Silver Earrings
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Hammered Fine Silver Tear Drop Earrings with Snow Quartz Gemstones
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Hammered Fine Silver Wire Wrapped Drop Earrings with Peridot
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14K Gold-filled Wire Wrapped Hoop Earrings with Aquamarine Gemstones
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14K Gold-filled Wire Wrapped Spiral Earrings with White Freshwater Pearls
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14K Gold-filled Wire Wrapped Spiral Earrings with Crystal Quartz Gemstones
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Hammered Fine Silver Tear Drop Earrings with Apatite Gemstones
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14K Gold-filled Amazonite Scroll Earrings
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14k Gold-filled Scroll Wire Wrapped Drop Earrings with Apatite
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Peridot Wire Wrapped Sterling Silver Scroll Earrings
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Garnet Wire Wrapped 14K Gold-filled Earrings
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Mountain Jade Fine Silver Wire Wrapped Tear Drop Earrings
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Yellow Jade Wire Wrapped 14K Gold-filled Earrings
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Rose Quartz Wire Wrapped Sterling Silver Earrings
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Blue Obsidian Wire Wrapped Sterling Silver Earrings
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14K Gold-filled Amber Wire Wrapped Earrings
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Amber Wire Wrapped Sterling Silver Earrings
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Onyx Wire Wrapped 14K Gold-filled Earrings - Small
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Onyx Wire Wrapped 14K Gold-filled Tear Drop Earrings
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Amber Wire Wrapped 14K Gold-filled Earrings
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Beaded gemstone earrings are earrings made from drilled natural stone beads wrapped or strung onto a metal frame, so they show solid colour rather than faceted sparkle. This Barbary Coast collection by John S. Brana is inspired by the colourful handmade beadwork that traders found on Africa's western coast.
In Short
Beaded gemstone earrings wrap small natural stones onto metal frames and spirals, so colour runs through the design rather than sitting in one focal stone.
What Is This Collection?
Beaded gemstone earrings use drilled stone beads strung or wrapped onto a metal form, rather than a single faceted stone in a setting. The result reads as solid colour rather than sparkle. Every piece is handcrafted by John S. Brana in his San Francisco studio.
What This Collection Includes
Wire wrapped spiral and teardrop earrings using amber, amazonite, apatite, snow quartz, rose quartz, blue obsidian, peridot and freshwater pearls, on silver and gold-filled metal.
How the pieces differ
Pieces differ by stone colour, by bead size and by whether the metal frame is a spiral, a teardrop or a hoop.
Who this collection suits
Anyone who wants colour for daytime wear, and buyers who prefer natural stone texture to faceted sparkle.
How to Choose
| Option | What it is | Who it suits | Check before ordering |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spiral designs | Beads wrapped along a curling metal form | Movement and a handmade look | Total drop length |
| Teardrop frames | Beads wrapped around an open frame | A more structured shape | Width, since frames spread wider |
| Warm stones | Amber, carnelian and garnet tones | Warm skin tones and gold-filled metal | How the colour reads in daylight |
| Cool stones | Amazonite, apatite, quartz and obsidian | Cool skin tones and silver metal | Whether you want contrast or harmony |
Criteria that matter most
- Bead size – 3mm and 4mm beads read as a band of colour; larger beads read as individual stones
- Metal – sterling silver sharpens cool stones, gold-filled deepens warm ones
- Care – avoid liquid dips, which seep between the wraps and leave residue
Which Beaded Earrings Suit Which Shopper
The criteria that matter are frame shape, stone colour and the metal it is wrapped on. Match your style below.
- You like movement – choose a spiral design with beads wrapped along a curling form.
- You prefer a structured shape – choose a teardrop frame, and check the width.
- You have a warm skin tone or wear gold – choose amber, carnelian or garnet tones on gold-filled metal.
- You have a cool skin tone or wear silver – choose amazonite, apatite, quartz or obsidian on sterling silver.
- You want long earrings without weight – any beaded design works, since small beads on wire weigh very little.
Collection Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Collection | Beaded Gemstone Earrings |
| Made by | John S. Brana, handcrafted in San Francisco |
| Packaging | Gift boxed |
| Returns | See the returns policy |
| Prices, stock and product details last confirmed | 29 September 2026 |
Prices, stock and product details on this page were last reviewed on 29 September 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the difference between beaded and faceted gemstone earrings?
Beaded earrings use drilled stone beads wrapped onto metal, giving solid colour. Faceted earrings use cut stones in settings, which sparkle instead.
Q2. Which stones are used?
Amber, amazonite, apatite, snow quartz, rose quartz, blue obsidian, peridot and freshwater pearls, among others, all hand-selected before wrapping.
Q3. Are beaded earrings heavy?
No. Small beads on a wire frame weigh very little, which is why these work well in longer drop lengths.
Q4. How do I clean them?
Wipe the beads with a soft dry cloth and polish only the exposed metal. Never dip wire wrapped earrings in liquid cleaner, which can work between the wraps.