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Copper Spotlight: John S. Brana
It was a customer request for a piece of copper jewelry that got John S. Brana working in the material.
The “Anticlastic Linen” bangle, named for how the saddle-shaped piece curves in two directions ($70)“Jewelry customers usually think of copper in the dark brown oxidized way, like an old penny,” Brana says. “I wanted to shatter this perception by introducing a sophisticated line of handmade copper jewelry that was exquisitely polished, that didn’t look ‘crafty.’”
It was a customer request for a piece of copper jewelry that got John S. Brana working in the material.
“Ever since, I have favored the metal,” the San Francisco-based designer said. “Its rich color is easily confused with rose gold, and at a fraction of the price, has proved to be one of my hottest-selling lines.”
Brana said copper is an ideal metal for jewelry design because it is malleable, ductile and resilient, perfect for fold forming, anticlastic raising, forging and corrugating. The metal also can be fused, making chain necklaces and bracelets a “breeze to fabricate.”
Brana said his clients very much enjoy copper jewelry.
“Since the introduction of (my copper line) in 2007, I’ve found that my customers buy copper jewelry simply because they like the look of copper, are looking for a more affordable alternative to rose gold jewelry, (are) seeking unique gifts for the seventh wedding anniversary, or are interested in copper jewelry for perceived health benefits,” he said.
Click through the gallery to see 10 pieces of handmade copper jewelry from John S. Brana. All prices listed are retail.
The “Anticlastic Linen” bangle, named for how the saddle-shaped piece curves in two directions ($70)
“Jewelry customers usually think of copper in the dark brown oxidized way, like an old penny,” Brana says. “I wanted to shatter this perception by introducing a sophisticated line of handmade copper jewelry that was exquisitely polished, that didn’t look ‘crafty.’”
Brana’s large corrugated copper Leaf earrings ($65)
The “Portobello Mushroom” ring ($85)
The Linen cuff bracelet ($70), available in four sizes
Prior to launching his jewelry line in 2006, Brana had a “practical” career in finance but “couldn’t necessarily say that I loved my job.” When his father died in 2003, he adopted a new mentality of “Do what you love and explore what you are passionate about.”
The “Chased” drop earrings ($40) measure about 4 inches long and are sealed with a protective coating to prevent tarnish.
It was a TV demonstration with precious metal clay that got Brana interested in experimenting with jewelry design. Having worked extensively with ceramics in high school, he set up a basic design studio in his basement and got to work.
Brana’s 4 mm rustic “Bark” ring ($45)
“My greatest challenge was to transition from a ‘corporate life’ to the entrepreneurial world,” Brana said. “I was fortunate to be introduced to the San Fran. Small Business Development Center … I was able to use their industry expertise and apply it to my business plan. This allowed me to jump-start my business by learning from their mistakes and successes.”
Lily Pad earrings ($65)
This ring holds a 17-carat rutilated cabochon quartz ($225).
The “Bubble Embossed” disc earrings ($35) measure about 1 1/4 inches across.
The “Anticlastic Chased” cuff bracelet ($180)
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