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Friday, March 27, 2009

Berk's "Dragon Centerpiece" added to GIA Collection.


Reported in the GIA Insider this month:

Robert Mulligan, whose wife was a fan of jewelry designer Barbara Berk, recently donated Berk's "Dragon Centerpiece" to the GIA Collection. This intricate piece was donated along with a double strand of golden bronze cultured freshwater pearls and a four-strand white cultured freshwater pearl necklace. The hand-woven 22K and 18K gold Centerpiece is a clasp that is worn in the front and can be detached and used with many different strands of pearls for a variety of looks.

Berk, a Graduate Gemologist (G.G.), created the Centerpiece using Soumak, an ancient rug-weaving technique. She says the Dragon is an early example of her use of the Soumak pattern, which laid the foundation for the more complex designs she creates today.Steve Workman, a GIA jewelry manufacturing arts instructor, examined the Dragon Centerpiece before it was put on display. "This is an exceptional piece and there is no easy way to make it," he said. "The gold weave must be done by hand, and it's very time-consuming and meticulous work."

Berk is pleased her piece will be on display at the Institute's Carlsbad campus."While getting my G.G. was a critical component that enabled me to change careers, I had no idea when I started that I would be creating jewelry. So it's personally a great honor that the GIA Museum wants my work represented in its collection," Berk says. "I hope the students will take advantage of the opportunity to closely examine my woven gold jewel."The "Dragon Centerpiece" and two sets of pearls were purchased by Mulligan's late wife, Eileen, whom Berk remembers fondly: "We met opening night at the first retail craft show in which I exhibited. She was such a pleasure to work with. She was very special to me."

Thursday, March 26, 2009

John S. Brana


I just discovered John via his Twitter feed and I have to admit I love his work.

John S Brana is a fine jeweler in the California Bay Area. I am going to share the info from his latest newsletter...

On www.johnsbrana.com, you will find collections of distinctive handcrafted designer jewelry, one-of-a-kind pieces, and limited editions designed to set the wearer apart from the crowd. I create each piece in my San Francisco studio and work primarily in sterling silver, 14K gold-filled wire, and 14K - 24K gold.

All faceted gemstones, fresh-water pearls, hand-carved semi-precious and precious gemstones are hand-picked by myself to insure the highest quality possible, offered at the best value. Whether classic or contemporary, each piece is unique, and meticulously handcrafted.


The surrounding nature of the San Francisco Bay Area is my primary source of inspiration. Whether I'm driving down the coast, strolling through a park, or tending my garden, the natural world shows that the creative combinations of colors, textures, patterns, shapes, and symbols are endless.

Check out this talented Jeweler at: http://johnsbrana.com

Monday, March 23, 2009

GIA "Mini" Jewelry Career Fair at JCK Las Vegas


The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has introduced a condensed version of the popular GIA Jewelry Career Fair with this event focusing more on how to thrive in a challenging economy.. This GIA "Mini" Jewelry Career Fair will debut May 31 during JCK Las Vegas.

Sponsored by JCK Events, it will include a “Working to Win” panel with some of the industry’s top executives and career coaching sessions with business leaders providing advice in various subject areas, including resume review, career information, design, networking, entrepreneurship and starting your own business. Although there will be no on-site recruiting, GIA will provide information on the career opportunities being offered by show exhibitors and buyers.

“This is an especially critical time for GIA to provide its services and network of industry leaders in support of those pursuing a career in gems and jewelry,” said Kathryn Kimmel, vice president, chief marketing officer, and founder of the GIA Jewelry Career Fair. “Whether attending this event as a first-time job seeker or as a seasoned professional looking to re-invent themselves, this event will provide invaluable information.”

This according to an article on JCK Online http://snipurl.com/eeb84 [www_jckonline_com]

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