Origins of Alex and Ani
Alex and Ani was founded in 2004 by Carolyn Rafaelian, who comes from a jewelry-making family in Cranston, Rhode Island. Her great aunt started Cinerama Jewelry in the 1960s, where Rafaelian learned the trade. She eventually took over the company, but had a vision to launch her own jewelry brand focused on empowerment and spiritual symbols.
Rafaelian named the new company after her two daughters, Alexa and Andrea. She started by designing five cocktail rings and quickly expanded into a full collection of bracelets, necklaces, earrings and more. The signature expandable wire design allows Alex and Ani‘s bracelets to fit most wrist sizes.
Over the past 15+ years, Alex and Ani has grown exponentially into a billion dollar business with over 1,500 employees. They‘ve also given back – donating over $70 million to charitable causes. The brand has a cult-like following, especially among women drawn to the spiritual symbols and charms used in many designs.
Pros and Cons of Alex and Ani Jewelry
Here are some of the key advantages and disadvantages of shopping with Alex and Ani that I found in my research:
Pros
- Huge selection with over 2,000 unique designs across bracelets, necklaces, rings etc. New styles released frequently.
- Most bracelets priced affordably between $25-$50. Great value for the quality.
- Pieces made from recycled eco-friendly metals. Nickel, lead and cadmium free.
- Expands charitable partnerships each year to give back to causes like breast cancer research and wildlife conservation.
- Special occasions like birthdays, holidays etc. make bracelets more sentimental.
Cons
- Bangles and thin chains may feel delicate and prone to damage for some.
- Simple style might not appeal to those wanting opulent, bold pieces.
- Plating on base metals can wear over time with frequent use. Sterling silver recommended for longevity.
- Made in China. Some may prefer American-made for political or quality concerns.
- Numerous complaints of poor customer service and issues getting responses.
An In-Depth Look at Top-Selling Alex and Ani Bracelets
Alex and Ani bracelets make up the bread and butter of this brand‘s business. The patented adjustable wire design accommodates most wrist sizes while still feeling secure. I‘ll review some of their most popular bangle picks:
Aunt "Trusting Guide" Charm Bangle
This charming bangle is perfect for gifting to a beloved Aunt. An "Aunt" charm dangles from the antique silver or gold finish wire bracelet, along with three decorative beads. The back of the charm reads "A trusting guide, forever by my side". At just $29, it combines affordability and sentimental value.
The wire adjusts from 2" to 3.5" so it should fit average adult wrists well. It‘s thoughtful without going overboard. Your Aunt may wear it daily as a reminder of your special relationship.
Friends "You‘re My Lobster" Charm Bangle
Fans of the iconic sitcom Friends will get a kick out of this cute charm bangle. One charm reads "You‘re my lobster" while a little red lobster dangles next to it. The reference is from a classic scene where Phoebe insists lobsters mate for life, like soulmates.
The trio of additional charms complete the look. I‘d suggest this $44 piece for you and your BFF to exchange and wear on your next binge session, or even as bridesmaids gifts. The shiny silver finish and recognizable quote make it a fun, affordable accessory.
Sunflower Charm Bangle
Sunflowers have such cheerful symbolism – warmth, happiness, longevity. This sunny Alex and Ani bangle bottle that feeling into jewelry form. The 3D sunflower charm pops in gold-tint while small cutout beads circle the adjustable antique silver or gold wire.
I‘d gift this to my sister or mom to remind them to "turn towards the sunlight" even on difficult days. It‘s an affordable $29 so you could get one for yourself too. The motif is trendy while still feeling personal.
Pull Chain Cross Bracelet
Christian women will appreciate this unique take on religious jewelry. Rather than a dangling cross, the symbol is incorporated into a pull chain design. The cross sits securely between two lengths of .925 sterling silver or gold chain.
The pull chain allows you to clasp the bracelet securely while avoiding a swinging cross pendant. It feels modern yet still showcases traditional faith. Priced at $69, this makes a thoughtful communion or christening gift she can cherish for years to come.
Alex and Ani Necklaces to Shop For
Alex and Ani also sells a variety of necklaces based around spiritual symbols, protective amulets and meaningful charms. I‘ll highlight a few top picks below that caught my eye:
Hamsa Necklace
The Hamsa is an ancient Middle Eastern talisman thought to thwart the ‘evil eye‘. This delicate Alex and Ani necklace depicts the symbol in .925 sterling silver or 14k gold. The hand design has an eye embedded in the palm to reflect that protective intention.
On the 18-21" chain, this feels like a more elegant, symbolic take on their signature pull chain bracelets. Customers praise the quality and meaning behind this $89 necklace. It works for many religious backgrounds too.
Elephant Necklace
In some cultures, elephants represent prosperity and wisdom. If you love these gentle giants, Alex and Ani‘s elephant necklace celebrates their strengths. The petite elephants charm looks almost hand-carved out of recycled precious metals.
The 15-18" chain ensures it falls flatteringly around the collarbone. This pick combines wildlife conservation with a personal reminder to harness resilience and intuition.
Moon Necklace
Tune into your spiritual side with this celestial-inspired necklace. A delicate crescent moon charm dangles from its base metals chain. Choose between silver, rose gold or yellow gold tones to match your vibe and wardrobe.
Fans say this Alex and Ani necklace feels somehow both mystical and modern. The $89 price tag sits below most solid gold jewelry too. Layer it with other dainty pieces for an effortlessly bohemian look.
Saint Christopher Necklace
Saint Christopher is the patron saint of travelers in Catholic tradition. According to legend, he once carried a child across the river who later revealed himself as Christ. He kept them safe on their journey.
If you often find yourself on the move, this Saint Christopher pendant necklace makes for a special travel companion. The etched saint medal pairs nicely with the Rafaelian silver or gold finishes.
This design is currently on clearance for $19 – a steal compared to the original $38 pricing. Snap it up and stay protected on life‘s bumpy roads ahead!
What Do Customers Have to Say About Alex and Ani?
Searching reviews reveals plenty of devoted Alex and Ani fans – but also some critical feedback around quality and customer service. I wanted to highlight the full spectrum of experiences in my evaluation.
On Influenster, over 1,200 reviews average out to 4.5 out of 5 stars. Positive reviews focused on the meaningful designs, ability to collect and stack bracelets, and affordability. Many call them ideal gifts with a personal touch.
However, reviews on other sites like TrustPilot and Yelp paint a less rosy picture. Alex and Ani‘s customer service earns just 1.7 out 5 stars across 46 TrustPilot ratings. Issues included incorrectly processed orders, terrible experiences getting responses from customer service representatives, and misleading return policies.
Similarly, 62 Yelp ratings average 2.5 stars. Customers complained bracelets and necklaces tarnished rapidly and charms fell off. Delayed or botched delivery was another common grievance.
Clearly, while many love building an Alex and Ani collection, quality control and customer service seem to be pitfalls for the brand. Unsatisfied shoppers should understand return policies before purchasing.
The Verdict: Is Alex and Ani Worth Buying?
If you adore collecting jewelry with personal meaning behind each new charm, Alex and Ani will delight you. The vast selection ensures you always find new pieces to add. Fans praise the affordable prices too – most under $100 even for solid silver.
However, those wanting heirloom-quality investments might feel letdown by plating and delicate chains. You may spend more time replacing items or untangling necklaces. I‘d skip Alex and Ani for fine jewelry gifting to avoid any quality disappointments.
While Alex and Ani gives to charity and uses eco-conscious metals, made-in-China manufacturing undercuts the brand‘s mission for some. If American-made pieces are important to you, this likely isn‘t the brand for you.
Overall, I recommend Alex and Ani for shoppers wanting fun, spiritual-themed accessories to refresh their daily look. The costs stay modest enough that replacing a bracelet or two down the road won‘t break the bank. Just don‘t expect them to last decades.
How to Save on Alex and Ani Jewelry
Alex and Ani offers several ways to enjoy savings across their charm-packed collections:
- Check the Sales section to shop markdowns up to 40% off original prices. Selection varies.
- Buy 2, Get 3rd bracelet 50% off automatically applied savings when you add 3 to cart
- Enter code LOVE during checkout for "Buy 3, Get 4th bracelet free" deal on full-priced bangles
- Sign up for email list to get 15% off your first order
I‘ll be keeping an eye out around major holidays for any Alex and Ani coupon codes or additional stacking promos too!
Where Can I Buy Alex and Ani Jewelry?
You‘ll find the largest selection of authentic Alex and Ani pieces on their website AlexandAni.com. However, their products are also carried at various partner retailers:
- Chapters
- Bella Gia Boutique
- Walmart
- Amazon
- eBay
- Nordstrom
Be careful purchasing from unauthorized sellers, as you may receive low-quality counterfeit pieces. Stick to reputable vendors for the real deal.
The Last Word
I hope this in-depth Alex and Ani jewelry review helped unpack the pros, cons and true customer experiences with this brand. They provide fun, affordable and meaningful accessories to many. Just don‘t expect heirloom-quality at these inexpensive price points.
Their expanding charity partnerships and sustainable focus offset some quality concerns too. Ultimately Alex and Ani creates a spiritually optimistic world to adorn yourself with. Just balance that delight with realistic bracelet longevity expectations.
