RI-Made Jewelry Coveted by Hollywood Starlets

You may have seen a stack of their signature expandable bangles on the likes of super starlets such as Jessica Simpson or Miley Cyrus, spotted their earrings in one of your favorite fashion mags (including last month’s Lucky) or seen the jewelry getting props on the blogs. But you probably didn’t know that the increasingly popular Alex and Ani jewelry line is designed and produced in Rhode Island. Ocean State native Carolyn Rafaelian created the line ten years ago, naming it after her two daughters. The jewelry with a spiritual bent was soon getting scooped up by everyone from Courteney Cox to Oprah (and you know what happens when the Big O endorses something).

Happily, there are some upcoming opportunities to get up close and personal with these highly coveted gems. On Monday, June 8, Alex and Ani opens its first retail store in Newport, at 1 Bowen’s Wharf. The two floors of jewelry will include a custom necklace station and a bangle bar.

And tonight, Kristina Richards’ new Newport store will be the scene for an Alex and Ani trunk show. Guests will be able to meet Carolyn Rafaelian, sip some wine and get 10 percent off any Alex and Ani purchase. The show goes from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kristina Richards Studio, 17 Touro Street.

For more information on Alex and Ani jewelry, visit alexandani.com.