'Simplistic designs that showcase a texture instead of a stone have a wide appeal with men, says Karri Ann Frerichs for San Francisco-based designer John Brana…  Men look for pieces with significant weight that offer durability.

"For these design preferences, John has developed sterling silver collections that focus on textures and minimalistic designs."…

For design inspiration, Brana looks to natural and organic themes to create his signature textures of Redwood, Reptile, Wave, Tonga, and Sierra.  The designer has developed a loyal customer base by turning clients into collections, making it easy to amass a complete collection based on the texture he likes best.' 

Download and read the entire PDF Article here. 

We had a lot of fun this afternoon creating outfits that feature clothing by Lorian Lindsay and jewelry by John S. Brana.  Both designers are available through the Altitude Promotion Showroom. Couturious.com lets you create outfits from an array of designers - choose your model, select a fun background, and put together an outfit that's all your own. Then name the outfit and imagine when and where to wear them. It's a fun and easy way to stylize creative new looks!  All outfits feature styles by Lorian Lindsay and John S. Brana.

Under the Boardwalk is a fun and casual outfit that features Lorian Lindsay's silk chiffon over charmeuse trapeze top and stretch cotton pants.  We love how John S. Brana's green patinated earrings and copper cuff add a pop of color and amp up the charm effect of this outfit.

Art and Wine Tonight features Lorian Lindsay's vintage inspired shirtdress and John S. Brana's teardrop earrings and blue and green bracelet.  This outfit provides a subtle amount of sex appeal that lends the right amount of drama for an evening at an art opening and wine bar.

Shimmy and Shake. What else would you do in this hot little tank dress by Lorian Lindsay?  When paired with John S. Brana's aluminum lily pad earrings and hammered asymmetrical silver cuff it creates a swanky look for a sophisticated house party or night on the town.

In the section “Copper in the Arts,” on Copper.org, contributing writer Rebecca Troutman, discusses the allure of John S. Brana’s copper jewelry designs…

“Brana loves to feature nontraditional metals, his most recent collection thrusting copper and aluminum in the spotlight. His designs are flirtatious and intricate, often with elegant geometric textural elements and clean curves. His new line, named after the South of Market district, “SoMa,” is inspired by the curved angles of the architecture and the “opulent gold rush period” of its heyday.

Posted on December 16, 2009 on The Kind Life with Alicia Silverstone.

“I have to mention my new favorite purse.  It’s the all-vegan Picnic bag in Cream by Amber Pollard.

Amber Pollard is a handbag designer, and just made each of her bags available in vegan materials!  It’s made of hemp, and it’s so chic.  I imagine Kate Moss wearing it.

This would make a great, super nice gift either from a very loved one to you….or as  very generous gift from you to a loved one.

You can check out Amber’s great bags HERE.”

John S. Brana’s rings in the Muir Woods collection are successful among those who like to accessorize with effortlessly chic jewelry. Featured in the “Haute Hippie” editorial of InDesign magazine, Brana’s handmade sterling silver and bronze ring with a 21-carat Lepidochrosite Cabochon is concurrent with the gem trend and reminiscent of a woman at ease with her style.

Celine Homer

“Brana has experimented with, and introduced some of his craft of the most cutting-edge techniques out there. He also created the single most elegant way to represent your Frisco hood. His collections were inspired by various districts in the city, as well as, a few areas that have branded the Bay Area in culture, color, and nature.”

Read the rest of this entry »

“San Francisco is a truly charming city where talented artists frequently show their skills to the public. As we are starting 2009, JWR takes you to the city by the bay to meet skillful designer John S. Brana, and talk about his background, ideas, and his new collection.

Late last year, new work in fine jewelry by the otherwise bridge category designer proved favorable to the crowd at the “Designers by the Bay” event held at Shreve & Co. in San Francisco. The newcomer to the list of 20 established fine jewelry exhibitors showcased textured cuffs, sculpted earrings and intricate filigree scrollwork in 18K and 14K gold and fine silver with gemstones. Now, John is with us to share his views.
Read the rest of this entry »

944.com was present at the sexy lingerie and leather fashion show taking place before Valentine’s Day at Temple Nightclub in San Francisco.  Statement jewelry pieces by John S. Brana could be seen throughout the entire runway production on the female models.
Read the rest of this entry »

Zinette SF “Where Substance and Frivolity Collide” features Bantu Swimwear from Los Angeles in an editorial photo spread including statement jewelry pieces from John S. Brana.  The editorial photo spread is set in San Francisco’s Bambuddha Lounge as well as Lolo Food and Wine Restaurant in San Francisco’s Misshion District.  Handcrafted jewelry pieces featured from John S. Brana include “Sonoma” necklace with jade gemstones, hammered fine silver necklace and bracelet, and a dramatic amber, onyx, citrine and carnelian layered gemstone couture necklace (worn as a bracelet).
Read the rest of this entry »