Dynamic shapes and countless layers of richly textured semi-precious gemstones define this show stopping collection which also features gold vermeil, 14K gold, and fine and sterling silver. For those who love a statement piece, the Barbary Coast collection is perfect for those who choose to build an ensemble around their jewelry.

Selections from the Barbary Coast Beaded Gemstone Collection

Selections from the Monterey Collection

Selections from the Sea Cliff Collection

Photographer: Jar Concengco
Models: Lena B. (dark blonde), Isle D. (brunette)
Stylist: Karri Ann Frerichs, Styling Asst: Punam Patel
Makeup: Cosmetics Couture
Jewelry: John S. Brana
Silk Accessories: Klaus Lange
Location: Pacifica, California

John S. Brana is introducing to his collection new fine jewelry designs in 14K, 18K gold, and fine silver exclusively for the 12^th Annual Designers by the Bay and Fine Jewelry Showcase, Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. The most exciting creations include stunning cuffs in 14K and 18K gold sculpted and texturized by hand in his San Francisco studio. More than 200 guests well known in the Northern California jewelry industry are expected to attend this premier event to be held at Shreve & Co., 200 Post Street, San Francisco.  

“As a first time exhibitor, I definitely wanted to bring stand-out pieces” said Brana who is best known by his clients for meticulous attention to handcrafted details in the bridge jewelry category. Brana has always worked with fine and sterling silver, bronze, copper, and semi-precious gemstones, and has embellished several designs with 14K and 18K gold. This event, however, serves to unveil his first fine jewelry collection including major creations using 18K gold.

The continual growth of Designers by the Bay, presented by the Women’s Jewelry Association, Northern California Chapter, has lent it the reputation for being the region’s premier fine jewelry event. Only 15 select jewelry designers will showcase their collections and guests may enjoy complementary wine and hors d’oeuvres. To RSVP for the event, please visit www.designersbythebay.com. To view current collections by John S. Brana, please visit www.johnsbrana.com. For more information and media requests regarding John S. Brana – Distinctive Jewelry, please contact Karri Ann Frerichs at 402.490.2579 or karriann@altitudepromotion.com.

New Jewelry Designs Exclusively for Designers by the Bay

Selections from John S. Brana’s men’s jewelry collections as well as several women’s jewelry pieces are now available at GIVEN, 575 Castro Street, San Francisco. This Castro neighborhood lifestyle boutique is a local favorite for art, home accessories, and, of course, contemporary jewelry. Customers will enjoy unique textures in fine silver jewelry sets including rings, pendants, bracelets and cufflinks from John S. Brana’s Reptile, Redwood and Tonga men’s collections.

“John Brana’s jewelry is a perfect fit at GIVEN,” said Nick Romero, owner of Given which is in its second year of business. “All the work by our store artists share a common theme: creativity, beauty and just a hint of the unexpected combined with unmistakable quality. John’s jewelry has all of these aspects in abundance!" San Franciscans may best know this boutique location as the former camera store and recent set of Milk, a documentary of the 1970’s gay and civil rights activist, Harvey Milk.   Romero was most drawn to the raw, geometric texture found in Brana’s Tonga collection of fine silver chunky bracelets, cufflinks, rings and pendants. In addition to eight different men’s styles, GIVEN will also sell several women’s jewelry pieces including a chased link necklace, bracelet and earrings in 14K gold-filled and two hand-sculpted copper cuffs. 

John S. Brana began crafting his jewelry collections by hand in his West Portal studio overlooking the Pacific Ocean after leaving a career as vice president of finance for the Charles Schwab Corporation in 2003,. Brana’s creative influences come directly from neighborhoods in and around San Francisco, including Nob Hill, Pacific Heights, Seacliff and Sonoma. To view all styles available by John S. Brana, please visit www.johnsbrana.com. For more information and media requests regarding John S. Brana – Distinctive Jewelry, please contact Karri Ann Frerichs at 402.490.2579 or karriann@altitudepromotion.com.

Niche- Artists Showcase - A special section highlights some of the best artists you will find in NICHE.  Purchase works for the busy season ahead.  Page 96. San Francisco-inspired wearable art jewelry by John S. Brana includes anticlastic, hammered, filigree, and beaded gemstone collections in silver, copper, 14kt - 18kt gold and bronze. 

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.