Alex and Ani

Rhode Island native Carolyn Rafaelian established her jewelry label in 2004, naming it after her two daughters. Now with shops dotting the East Coast, the eco-friendly, “positive energy” brand brings its uplifting, icon-inspired designs for men and women to Soho—the location of Alex and Ani’s first store in NYC. Handmade from recycled metals, the line is known for its symbolic charms: Bangles, necklaces, earrings and rings ($24–$600) are embellished with historical, religious, universal and spiritual imagery. A serpent coils around the rod of Asklepios—an emblem of medicine and health—in a pendant made from Russian gold ($68), while discs inscribed with script initials dangle from expandable wire rings ($24). A Wall of Love exhibits sought-after symbols and their three-word explanations (the best-selling Path of Life bibelot represents strength, motivation and knowledge, and ranges from $18 to $168), while a Bangle Bar allows shoppers to create their own bracelets (starting at $24 for a single-charm bangle). Having built her business on cultural and environmental awareness, Rafaelian donates 20 percent of Alex and Ani’s proceeds to various charitable organizations, such as the African Rainforest Conservancy (africanrainforest.org), Operation Smile (operationsmile.org) and Doctors Without Borders (doctorswithoutborders.org).