Fieldwork Assignment #1 : My Alex and Ani bracelets
So these are my two Alex and Ani bracelets! I actually bought these for a birthday present for myself! #Treatyoself (If you get the reference, you are awesome).Â
History of the item
Alex and Ani was founded in 2004 by Carolyn Rafaelian and the name of the company comes from the names of her two daughters. They create “bangle bracelets, necklaces, earrings and rings that adorn the body, enlighten the mind, and empower the spirit”. Due to their high gross in revenue from 2010 to now, they now consist of 1,800 specialty stores such as department stores, 108 Alex and Ani stores and Amazon.
Where the item is made or manufactured
My bracelets were made in America which for me is awesome to hear because the majority of huge retailers leave the country and harmfully impact the countries they manufacture from, also known as flexible accumulation. They specifically manufacture in Cranston, Rhode Island and they aim to restore Rhode Island’s reputation as the Jewelry Capital of the World. On all Alex and Ani bracelets there are three small circle charms; one is their trademark, one is the recycle logo since their jewelry is made out of recyclable materials and one is the made in America symbol. Having their items made in America is a part of their definition of the brand.
Impact on my life
The two bracelets I have represent my astrology. One bracelet is called the Scorpio Two Tone Charm Bangle. The charm has my astrological sign on it. The other bracelet is called the November Birth Month Charm Bangle. The charm is a topaz crystal which represents by birth month. I wear these bracelets every day because my zodiac is a piece of who I am. It gives me a sense pride about the aspects of me and my nature when i wear it. Also, the bracelets stack on top of each other, which to me signifies that they go hand and hand.
Their Employees
Alex and Ani has more than 1,500 employees and the people who make them are fellow community members. They also vendor from their neighbors. Alex and Ani’s website states that, “But we don’t just make jewelry in Rhode Island - we make a difference in Rhode Island”. Each employee that works for Alex and Ani is given time off during work hours to volunteer for charitable organizations. The employee’s lives are comfortable and no one who works for Alex and Ani are being impacted negatively by them. They particularly live just like you and me.
I plan on buying more Alex and Ani bracelets in the future. Not only are their jewelry pieces beautiful physically, they also have beautiful meanings behind each and every one of them.














