About Alex and Ani

Alex and Ani is a renowned American jewelry retailer and manufacturer located in Cranston, Rhode Island. Founded in 2004 by Carolyn Rafaelian, the company was named after the first names of Rafaelian's two daughters. The company's mission is to create jewelry that adorns the body, enlightens the mind, and empowers the spirit. The firm initially operated out of a factory established by Rafaelian’s father in 1966 and has steadily grown into an influential force in the jewelry industry, with all products made in America. The first Alex and Ani retail store opened in Newport in 2009, and the jewelry quickly gained national attention, even being featured in national department stores. High-profile collaborations and partnerships, such as the custom pieces commissioned for the Newport Folk Festival and Newport Jazz Festival, have significantly bolstered the brand's profile. In addition, they launched the Charity By Design program in 2011, donating 20% of sales to various charitable organizations, showcasing their commitment to social responsibility.

Under the leadership of CEO Giovanni Feroce, who joined in 2010, the company saw massive expansion, skyrocketing annual sales and increasing visibility through strategic partnerships, such as those with the New England Patriots and Disney Parks. Despite changes in leadership over the years, including the brief tenures of Harlan Kent and Cindy DiPietrantonio, Alex and Ani continued to innovate and expand. For example, in 2016, the company acquired original copper from the Statue of Liberty, launching the Liberty Copper Collection. However, the company's journey has not been without challenges. Legal and financial hurdles, including a notable lawsuit against Bank of America and subsequent restructuring deals, have tested the brand's resilience. In 2021, Alex and Ani filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, attributing their financial troubles to operational difficulties, supply chain issues, executive turnover, and the COVID-19 pandemic's impact. Despite these setbacks, the company remains dedicated to its core principles of producing high-quality, meaningful, and sustainable jewelry.

Alex and Ani prides itself on incorporating corporate consciousness across all business directives. Sustainability is a cornerstone of their ethos; they utilize recycled materials and eco-conscious processes in manufacturing their products. The brand’s jewelry, which includes bangles, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and rings, is known for its patented sliding mechanism that replaces traditional clasps, making each piece fully adjustable and one-size-fits-all. The company's commitment to positive energy is woven into every aspect of their products. Each piece is not only crafted with positive intent but also designed to carry its unique symbolic energy. The goal is to empower the wearer and reflect their individual qualities, making every piece of jewelry a personal talisman. Alex and Ani also emphasize the importance of community and employee well-being, offering in-house coaching and innovative courses to foster personal growth and a balanced life. Through their Charity By Design and other outreach initiatives, they channel resources into organizations working to improve quality of life globally. As of 2023, despite significant downsizing and store closures, Alex and Ani continues to adapt and maintain its mission of promoting mindfulness and positive energy through beautifully crafted, sustainable jewelry.