Carolyn Rafaelian

Jewelry and design have always been a part of Carolyn Rafaelian's life. Her father, Ralph, opened a jewelry manufacturing business in 1966. It was there that Carolyn developed her love of design. In addition to designing pieces for her father's business, Rafaelian began to create her own jewelry line. An overpowering sense of belief in those products led Carolyn to start Alex and Ani, the jewelry company named for her two eldest daughters.

It's hard to ignore the force that is Alex and Ani. Founded by Carolyn Rafaelian, the holistic inspired jewelry company has rapidly evolved from a small business to a national brand that consists of retail boutiques, wholesale licensing, cafes, a professional development program and media company. Alex and Ani's bangle bracelets and charms have been sported by the like of teenage girls, Olympians and none other than the Dalai Lama. So how did this SMB from Rhode Island become a household name in just two years? 

Giovanni Feroce, CEO of Alex and Ani, announced a partnership with Bloomingdale's to create an Alex and Ani "Shop Within a Shop" on the second floor of the retailer's flagship Manhattan store located at 59th Street and Lexington Avenue. The "Shop Within a Shop" is currently displayed and will be up until May 15, however, the collection will continue to be available at the upscale retailer.