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Fall in Line…with Distinctive Jewelry This Season
2008-06-05 21:44:00
Jewelry collections by John S. Brana are on target with the Fall 2008 Ready-to-Wear designer runways. The Fall 2008 season is characterized by gray being the new black…again, the maxi dress in bold patterns and red-carpet glamour, and rich textured fabrics ruched, frayed and displayed in origami folds. Not to be overlooked however, chunky beaded necklaces, jeweled teardrop earrings and undeniable cuffs all played strong supporting roles in collections of main fashion houses. Iconic designers including Louis Vuitton, Lanvin, John Galliano and Yves St. Laurent each showcased standout jewelry pieces, whose themes may be interpreted in the eclectic jewelry collections of John S. Brana. A true talent for combining colors and textures has always been present in several of Brana’s San Francisco-inspired collections, including Barbary Coast and Monterey. This upcoming season, feel free to lighten up a classic turtleneck tucked into belted tro...
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Instore - The Magazine for the American Jewelry Store Owner - June 2008 - F
2008-06-05 18:51:00
Just in time for Father’s Day - Instore - In Front - Men’s Under $500 (page 64) features John S. Brana - Men’s dog-tag pendant in oxidized silver. The cotton necklace (16 to 20 inches) features a hammered silver clasp $135.00. Other gifts include selections from Heather Moore, Edward Mirell, Danielle Miller, Robin Rotenier, and Cherie Dori. ©2008 Distinctive Handcrafted Fine Jewelry Blog by John S. Brana. All Rights Reserved. .
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June’s Birthstone - The Pearl - John S. Brana - Distinctive Jewelry
2008-06-02 02:34:00
Happy Birthday June !  Celebrate your beauty this month in your birthstone, the pearl.  Allow Aphrodite, your inner goddess of love who came from the sea and deems your stone to be sacred, to shine by dangling pearls from your ears and neckline.  Pearl s were once thought to be tears of the gods.  It is the gem of modesty and purity and has been precious to the ancient cultures of the world, including Egyptians, Persians, Hindus and Romans.  Explore the soft and feminine hues of freshwater pearls from the Monterey and Seacliff collections. For birthdays falling under Caner signs, June 22nd through July 21st, the pearl is extra special as it is both the birthstone and starstone associated with this astrological sign.  Geminis, born May 22nd through June 21st, may also find favor in agate, aquamarine, citrine, chrysoprase, peridot and tiger eye. Karri Ann Frerichs, Altitude Promotions ©2008 Distinctive Handcrafted Fine Jewelry Blog by John S. Brana. All Rights...

Guests enjoy wine while browsing art including jewelry by John S. Brana at
2008-05-30 00:26:00
Over 50 guests attended a wine tasting event featuring three boutique wineries from Napa Valley and one Italian wine distributor held at the intimate gallery space of Art People in the Crocker Galleria, San Francisco. Many of the current exhibiting artists were present to showcase their creations including John S. Brana, whose distinctive handcrafted jewelry creations drew attention from attendees and fellow artists alike. Artful jewelry pieces from each of Brana’s seven women’s jewelry collections, all inspired by areas in and around San Francisco, were displayed. Guests were particularly drawn to selections from the Monterey collection, including a pair of teardrop-shaped earrings made of fine silver and wrapped in an olive green Italian metal mesh, priced especially for Art People clients at $95. Many women also enjoyed slipping dazzling gemstone cocktail rings from the Pacific Heights collection onto their fingers. “The wirework setting is incredible,” exclaimed one ...
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Savvy Summer Style… Entertaining with Wine, Bloomingdale’s San
2008-05-29 08:05:00
Handcrafted jewelry designer, John S. Brana enjoyed an entertaining evening with his publicist, Karri Ann Frerichs of Altitude Promotions, and fellow fine accessory designer, Klaus Lange while mingling with other wine enthusiasts at Bloomingdale’s in San Francisco, May 14th. This event was hosted by celebrity event styling expert, Wendy Creed and St. Francis Wine ry sommelier, Chris Silva. Brana, Frerichs and Lange were treated to a sampling of summer dishes prepared by Bloomingdales while event stylist Wendy Creed described interesting ways to entertain summer guests with her A-list event secrets. Silva, St. Francis Winery sommelier, explained just how to pair wines with each dish and how to bring forth the many flavors present in each glass. The event concluded with a Bloomingdale’s tour of specific set designs created by Creed for the event ideas described to the guests. John S. Brana and Karri Ann Frerichs Karri Ann Frerichs accessorized her look especially for this event ...
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John S. Brana - Distinctive Jewelry - Now Available at Art People in the Cr
2008-05-22 06:55:00
John S. Brana – Distinctive Jewelry is now available for purchase at Art People , 50 Post Street Suite 41, on the second floor of the Crocker Galleria. Handcrafted designs from each of Brana’s seven women’s jewelry collections, all inspired by eclectic San Francisco themes, are showcased. Art People is the forth bay area gallery or retailer to carry Brana’s 14K-18K gold, silver, copper and gemstone jewelry collections. Art People hosts monthly art and wine tasting parties open to the public where guests may enjoy creations from resident artists, including John S. Brana – Distinctive Jewelry. The next party will be held Wednesday, May 28, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Brana will also be featured as the artist of the month later this year. Opening reception information will be announced soon. Among the nearly 40 one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces available in the gallery, selections from the Barbary Coast, Sonoma, Seacliff and SoMa collections are exhibited in Art People’s storefr...
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John S. Brana - Distinctive Jewelry - To be Showcased in Magazine Punto Lat
2008-05-13 18:18:00
Distinctive jewelry by San Francisco-based designer, John S. Brana, will accessorize the looks of three apparel sponsors on the runway of “Fashion Model 2008,” for the international release of Magazine Punto Latino. The fashion show/dinner event will be held Saturday, May 24 at the Luxor Restaurant, 101 Brentwood Rd., South San Francisco, at 7 p.m. “I am very excited to sponsor this event,” Brana said. “The Latino community represents some of my best customers.” Over 300 guests are expected to attend, including ambassadors, consulates and area business owners. “Fashion Model 2008” will be advertised nationally on Telemundo stations beginning today. Magazine Punto Latino is a lifestyle, gossip and information magazine targeting Hispanic communities and will be distributed nationally and throughout Central and South America. Expect to see dramatic necklaces with layers of gemstones from Brana’s Barbary Coast collection, giant cocktail rings from the Pacific Heig...
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Bid on a $150 Gift Certicate from John S. Brana - Distinctive Jewelry and S
2008-04-05 16:33:00
April 4th - April 27th, 2008 - Bid on a $150 Gift Certificate from John S. Brana - Distinctive Jewelry and hundreds of other unique deals for the perfect price on the Great KQED-KTEH Auction! Choose from luxurious getaways from Hawaii to Europe, local spa packages and dining experiences, to one-of-a-kind items from John S. Brana - Distinctive Jewelry . This is your opportunity to support great quality programming on KQED and KTEH with your winning bids. All auction proceeds support KQED, KTEH and the programming you enjoy on Northern California Public Broadcasting! Click here to Register and Bid NOW! ©2008 Distinctive Handcrafted Fine Jewelry Blog by John S. Brana. All Rights Reserved. .

John Brana - Distinctive Jewelry on Vacation
2008-03-21 17:42:00
I’ll be on a vacation/buying trip to Europe from March 21st - April 4th.  All orders will be shipped after April 5th. Thanks, John ©2008 Distinctive Handcrafted Fine Jewelry Blog by John S. Brana. All Rights Reserved. .
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John S. Brana - Distinctive Jewelry - Introduces Link and Article Submissio
2008-03-12 06:35:00
Through link building and article submission, John S. Brana - Distinctive Jewelry offers a unique niche resource for jewelry businesses and artists seeking to build an online presence. San Francisco, CA – The John S. Brana Jewelry Link and Article Directory offers webmasters and article publishers a highly optimized niche search engine friendly link directory. Our directory is 100% human edited. All websites undergo an editorial review to ensure specific guidelines are met before addition to the database. Only sites related to jewelry, fashion, and small business development will be accepted. In addition to our link directory, you can also add jewelry and fashion related articles to further build your business: Get your work published for free! Free Publicity – Include a resource box at the end of your article and sell yourself, website, services, or product. Establish yourself as an industry expert By submitting you...

Introducing the Distinctive Nob Hill Collection by John S. Brana
2008-03-01 06:15:00
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 tendril...

Now Browse by Gemstone, Metal, and Price Point!
2008-02-28 18:11:00
Each of us is drawn to our favorite things, a collection that defines who we are and makes us unique. We prefer certain colors, identify with distinctive shapes and place value on bright and shiny things. Some may even verge on a certain aesthetic addiction- an all-black wardrobe, complete households of minimalist square furniture, an entire family of “J” names! It’s okay, we understand. John S. Brana-Distinctive Jewelry recently polled, you- his loyal clients, to learn how we could make www.johnsbrana.com more streamlined and user friendly. You wanted to see what amazing pieces were available in your favorite gemstone or precious metal. You also wanted to narrow by price point. It’s possible your ex-mother-in-law only wore rubies and you never care to see those again! We listened and are excited to introduce the Browse by Gemstone , Metal , and Price Point features found on the lower left columns of all product pages! Now you can find your perfect birthstone...

John S. Brana- Distinctive Jewelry signs Altitude Promotions
2008-02-28 06:06:00
John S. Brana- Distinctive Jewelry has signed Karri Ann Frerichs, Altitude Promotions , as its San Francisco wholesale representative and press contact. Karri Ann launched Altitude Promotions in 2007 with the purpose to represent talented designers to the buying community and to increase the fashion industry’s awareness and appreciation of the local talent working right here in the Bay Area. She moved to San Francisco from Omaha, NE in 2005 and has experience in retail management, fashion column and feature writing, and Fortune 500 corporate event planning. John S. Brana and Altitude Promotions are excited to join forces in 2008 and look forward to providing you with Distinctive jewelry and excellent service. Enjoy life’s beautiful amenities! John S. Brana John S. Brana - Distinctive Jewelry Karri Ann Frerichs Altitude Promotions ©2008 Distinctive Handcrafted Fine Jewelry Blog by John S. Brana. All Rights Reserved. .
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Appel & Frank - Get 50% Off Entrance Fee - March 13th - Spring into St
2008-02-27 05:02:00
If you act now and RSVP online at www.appelandfrank.com, you can receive 50% off the entrance fee. Just enter the discount code DESIGNERSF on the ticket purchase page. (Note, this code is only good for pre-event ticket sales, tickets at the door will be $10 each.) “Spring into Style” San Francisco will be held at the Regency Center - Sutter Room, located at 1270 Sutter Street at Van Ness from 5:00pm to 9:30pm. Over 600 guests will shop from 65 designers, including John S. Brana - Distinctive Jewelry (where I will be launching my new filigree collection - Nob HIll), selling everything from jewelry and clothing, to accessories and more. In addition to the fabulous shopping, there will be complimentary drinks, beauty services, and giveaways. The first 300 guests to purchase tickets at www.appelandfrank.com are GUARANTEED a gift bag filled with fabulous products and offers from: SHOCK Cosmetics CozmoCard Bloomsberry miniTissue Barefoot Wine & Bubbly Attune Pro...
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New Beaded Gemstone Earrings - Barbary Coast Collection
2008-02-21 19:47:00
Are you ready for something different? I have been working on an innovative style of wire wrapped beaded gemstone earrings for spring to the Barbary Coast Collection. These new earrings feature various semi-precious gemstone beads in either Fine Silver, 14K Gold Filled, or 14K or 18K Gold. Current selections include Appetite, Aquamarine, Carnelian, Crystal Quartz, Garnets, Freshwater Pearls, and Peridot. Limited quantities are available online as well as through selected Bay Area retailers. ©2008 Distinctive Handcrafted Fine Jewelry Blog by John S. Brana. All Rights Reserved. .
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Oryx - Inflight Magazine - Qatar Airways - Features John S. Brana Jewelry
2008-02-15 05:11:00
Oryx - The Inflight Magazine of Qatar Airways - January 2008 Style Resolutions   It’s time to make 2008 the year for high-voltage, maximum impact glamour Dress, Ralph Lauren Women’s Purple Label; Shoes, Giuseppe Zanotti; Gloves, La Crasia; Ring, John S Brana - 12 carat Blue Topaz ring set in Sterling Silver from the Pacific Heights Collection- pages38-39 HER Pleated Halter Dress, Issey Miyake USA; Pleated Shrug, Issey Miyake USA; Shoes, Nina; Citrine Gold Ring, John S Brana - 12 carat Citrine ring set in 18k Gold from the Pacific Heights Collection- page 40 Sequin Dress, H&M; Classima Executives Watch, Baume-et-Mercier; Hosiery, Wolford; Shoes, Giuseppe Zanotti; Earrings, John S Brana - Lavender Sea Pearls from the Sonoma Collection - page 42 Oryx - The Inflight Magazine of Qatar Airways is published by The Media Factory FZ - LLC of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.”Qatar Airways flies one of the youngest fleets in the skies.In September 2006 Qatar ...
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Kempinski - Luxury & Lifestyle Magazine - Features John S. Brana Jewel
2008-02-11 04:11:00
Kempinski - Luxury & Lifestyle Magazine - Middle East & Africa - January 2008   The Fashion Files - Look Great in 2008 Join the glitterati and set a shining example for the year ahead HER Pleated Halter Dress, Issey Miyake USA; Pleated Shrug, Issey Miyake USA; Shoes, Nina; Citrine Gold Ring, John S Brana - 12 carat Citrine ring set in 18k Gold - pages 18-19 Dress, Ralph Lauren Women’s Purple Label; Shoes, Giuseppe Zanotti; Gloves, La Crasia; Ring, John S Brana - 12 carat Blue Topaz ring set in Sterling Silver - page 21 Dress, Aurelio Costarella; Shoes, Giuseppe Zanotti; Gloves, La Crasia; Ring, John S Brana - 20 carat Swiss Blue Topaz ring set in Sterling Silver - page 24 Kempinski Luxury & Lifestyle Magazine is published by The Media Factory FZ-LLC of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. “Founded in Germany 111 years ago, Kempinski Hotels has long reflected the finest traditions of European hospitality. Today, as ever, Kempinski is synonymous with ...
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Jewelry Trends from the Centurion Jewelry Show
2008-02-11 02:22:00
While cautious about the year ahead, designers at this year’s Centruion Jewelry Show in Tucson, Arizona (Feb 2-6) had not entirely reined in their creativity. The Centurion is the crem-de-la-crem of the fine jewelry industry. As reported by JCK, look for these emerging trends to influence jewelry designs throughout 2008: “Elongated Pear and Oval shapes. Designers are taking the traditional pear and oval and stretching them for dramatic, sensual shapes in everything from cut stones to metal forms. The shapes are especially effective in drop earrings, pendants, and statement-making rings. Opacity. The season’s favorite stones are opaque. Onyx continues to be strong but high-quality opal is vying for attention as well. Also watch for dreamy moonstones accented by faceted gems. Free-form design. Many designers are using free-form elements similar to scribbles and loops. Enameled elements. Enamel serves as the ultimate way to incorporate the season’s fashion trend...
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Survery: Vote for your most preferred metal
2008-02-05 19:00:00
When buying jewelry, which metal do you prefer most? Brass Copper Silver Gold Plate 14K Gold Filled Yellow Karat Gold (14K-22K) White Gold Platinum Titanium View Results ©2008 Distinctive Handcrafted Fine Jewelry Blog by John S. Brana. All Rights Reserved. .
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Accessorizing with the Right Jewelry - Part 2
2007-12-29 14:39:00
Continued from Dec 21st In terms of matching your jewelry to your clothing, if you are wearing more than one color, your accessories should balance out the entire outfit. For example, if you are wearing black and red, you should have an even amount of red accessories (possibly garnets or coral) and black accessories (onyx or a black silk scarf). Stick with the same color palate for guaranteed success. Wear ruby or garnet earrings with a red top, or a sapphire or blue topaz -accented necklace or pendant with your favorite blue dress. Above all, make sure your jewelry is appropriate for the occasion or event that you will be wearing it to. Utilize your current jewelry wardrobe to its best, and then over time fill in the gaps with complimentary pieces. This doesn’t mean that you have to spend a fortune to augment your jewelry wardrobe or have an extensive jewelry collection. It also doesn’t mean that you can’t mix a piece of fine jewelry with a bridge or costume, just...
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Accessorizing with the Right Jewelry - Part 1
2007-12-22 03:53:00
Accessorizing with jewelry is one of the most simplest and effective ways to make any outfit look great. Selecting a few choice pieces of handcrafted jewelry is no different than choosing your wardrobe. In fact, most stylists and image consultants refer to your overall jewelry collection as a wardrobe, since your jewelry is just as important as the clothes you wear. Just like a picture frame enhances and draws attention to the photo within, selecting the appropriate jewelry emphasizes your best features. How best then to wear the jewelry you currently own? Taking stock of your existing jewelry wardrobe will help you immediately identify pieces you no longer wear, and more importantly, gives you a sense of what looks best for you and your overall comfort zone. Over time, you’ve probably developed a sense of likes and dislikes, favoring gold over silver or necklaces over bracelets. Generally, brunettes, redheads, and grays should wear silver jewelry, while blondes look best in g...
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Appel & Frank - “Spring into Style” San Francisco - Featur
2007-12-14 19:34:00
March13, 2008 - Appel & Frank - “Spring into Style ” San Francisco - 5:00pm to 9:30pm at the Regency Center - Sutter Room, located at 1270 Sutter Street at Van Ness. Over 600 guests will shop from 65 designers, including John S. Brana - Distinctive Jewelry, selling everything from jewelry and clothing, to accessories and more. In addition to the fabulous shopping, there will be complimentary drinks, beauty services, and giveaways. ©2007 John S. Brana - Distinctive Jewelry Blog. All Rights Reserved. .

John S. Brana Launches Bridal Jewelry Collection “Cathedral Hill̶
2007-12-13 23:20:00
January 27th, 2008 - 11:00am to 4:00pm - Bridal Faire at the Claremont Resort & Spa, Berkeley, CA - Join me for the premier of “Cathedral Hill ” — a collection of one-of-a-kind gemstone necklaces and earrings in 14K, 18K, and Fine Silver perfect for bridal and elegant evening wear. In addition, you will also beable to see the latest designer bridal apparel featured in nearly every bridal magazine in a comfortable and elegantly designed high fashion runway show. ©2007 John S. Brana - Distinctive Jewelry Blog. All Rights Reserved. .

Natasha Bedingfield wears Hammered Copper Earrings with Aquamarine from Joh
2007-12-13 00:47:00
New York, NY - November 28, 2007 -Natasha Bedingfield at Rockefeller Center - Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony wearing Hammered Copper Earrings with Aquamarine from John S. Brana - Distinctive Jewelry - SoMa Collection. ©2007 John S. Brana - Distinctive Jewelry Blog. All Rights Reserved. .

John S. Brana - Distinctive Jewelry now at Monkey on Chestnut - San Francis
2007-12-13 00:03:00
For those readers that live in San Franc isco, you can now find selected pieces from my Monterey, Pacific Heights, SoMa, and Sea Cliff collections, along with several pieces of Men’s Jewelry at Monkey on Chestnut in San Francisco’s famous Marina District. Monkey on Chestnut, named after a Monkey seen gathering jewelry from the ruins in Cow Hollow after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, is located right on Chestnut at Fillmore (2025 Chestnut). The store includes the works of over 100 local jewelry designers and vintage dealers. Come by and you’re in for a treat! ©2007 John S. Brana - Distinctive Jewelry Blog. All Rights Reserved. .

Gentry Magazine features 18k Gold Amethyst Earrings from the Pacific Height
2007-12-04 18:18:00
A pair of earrings from jewelry designer John S. Brana will spruce up that white button-down shirt and wide-leg trouser pants. These ornate earrings from the Pacific Heights Collection ($1,235) feature 18k gold cascading swirls and ornate amethyst stones.       Gentry Magazine ’s mission is “to report and reflect on our community at large with intelligence, integrity, sophistication, and quality. Our distinctive coverage of people and personalities, towns and communities, history and travel, culture and events, has earned Gentry unparalleled respect and devotion from its readers.” Gentry can be found at various locations throughout the San Francisco Peninsula and South Bay - from Hillsborough to Los Altos, and Cupertino Hills to the Almaden Valley. Click here to find out more about Gentry.
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Gift Shop Magazine Features Fold Formed Copper Bracelet
2007-11-26 20:36:00
Providing valuable information on products, ideas, and inspiration for the gift retailer, Gift Shop (www.giftshopmag.com) is a one-stop resource on the latest trends and forecasts in the gift industry. Pictured above is one of several Fold Formed Chased Copper bracelets from the Sea Cliff Collection. If you are a gift retailer, Gift Shop provides “simple effective strategies you can put to work to keep the cash registers ringing and inspires with tips you can use to showcase your merchandise for maximum customer appeal. Find out how fellow retailers are using display fixtures, effective lighting, or high-impact color to attract customers and better sales.” Check out the Retailer Forum to get answers from experienced store owners on how retailers can encourage impulse buys and improve customer service. “Gift Shop brings you ideas for better business management from fellow retailers.”
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New Fabricated Jellyfish Earrings
2007-11-14 00:48:00
Here are two new variations I have been working on to compliment my Jellyfish earring designs. Both earrings were fabricated using Sterling Silver and Fine Silver. Please let me know what you think! Resources: Blog for Amber- Andzia’s Amber Jewelry : A Beloved Classic Returns: The Cho.. Fashion Blogger » Blog Archive » Two New Hand Fabricated Men.. Polymer Clay Notes » reiter knits silver and copper
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Vote on Your Favorite Earrings - 50% off the Winning Design
2007-11-07 23:39:00
The votes are in!  From a total of 467 votes, the Fine Silver Earrings won the November E-News Subscriber Poll at 41%.   If you would like to participate in ongoing similar contests, and are not currently a member of E-News, sign up today!
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Sterling Silver Fabricated Anemone Ring
2007-10-30 20:19:00
Here’s a new twist on an old favorite. This ring was fabricated (as apposed to casting) using Sterling Silver sheet and wire, oxidized to enhance detail. My prior Anemone designs (seen here) were all hand sculpted using Precious Metal Clay (PMC). The benefits of fabrication vs. casting / PMC are: 1.) Longer Wear due to greater density (often years longer on ring shanks and prongs); 2.) Crisper and Cleaner detail of a design; 3.) Greater resistance to scratching; 4.) More brilliant polish. If you are interested in finding out more about the fabrication process, I would highly recommend checking out Review: Art of Hand Fabricated Jewelry Design | All Things Metal Clay
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