Alex and Ani Founder Carolyn Rafaelian Has Launched a Fine Jewelry Line
The new brand, Metal Alchemist, focuses on unisex, classic jewelry designs.

This month, she launched Metal Alchemist, a brand that designs, forges, and crafts its jewels completely in Rhode Island.
Metal Alchemist’s in-house master metalsmiths utilize a proprietary weeks-long bonding process to refine their metals, all of which are mined in the United States.
The company says its metals are “forged to alchemical standards of purity that create wearable, energetic tools.”
A spokesperson for Metal Alchemist explained its proprietary bonding process utilizes the purest metals available—99.99% pure silver, 99.99% pure gold, and 99.95% pure copper—to formulate its various alloys.
At launch, Metal Alchemist has three collections: “Precious Bonded Metal,” “Woven Metal Mesh,” and “Intention Wire.”
They’re produced in a wide range of metals, including stainless steel, sterling silver, gold fill, 14-karat gold and 18-karat gold. Jewels currently range from $28 to $2,800 retail.

Metal Alchemist has partnered with Reeds Jewelers as its initial exclusive retail partner. Pieces will be stocked at Reeds’ 62 stores in 13 states, as well as on Reeds.com.
“This new venture is incredibly special to me, because it combines elements of my culture, my beliefs, and one of my passions—fine jewelry,” said Rafaelian.
“Metal Alchemist jewelry is the first of its kind in so many ways—from the quality of the precious metals to our proprietary refining and bonding processes that we do in-house, right here in Rhode Island, to working with ancient alchemical techniques in a whole new way. We knew partnering with Reeds was the right decision for this launch because they also value quality, craftsmanship and customer experience.”
Senior Vice President of Merchandising at Reeds, Judy Fisher, added: “Reeds is honored and proud to support Carolyn Rafaelian as her exclusive partner to introduce Metal Alchemist.
“Carolyn’s new brand is launching in an extraordinary way because it is based on the principles of alchemy. Carolyn’s long history in jewelry manufacturing makes her an expert in the properties of precious metals, and each metal has individual energy properties that she is unleashing in new and exciting ways.”
Shoppers can also find Metal Alchemist for sale on the company’s website, as well as at its very own storefront in New York City.
Rafaelian founded Alex and Ani in Rhode Island in 2004. The company’s inexpensive, expandable wire charm bracelets became wildly popular in the early 2010s, but as their popularity waned, the company grappled with debt and legal battles.
Rafaelian left the company in 2020. Alex and Ani emerged from bankruptcy in 2021 and secured additional funding last summer.
The Latest

Moti Ferder stepped down Wednesday and will not receive any severance pay, parent company Compass Diversified said.

The miner announced plans to recommence open-pit mining at Kagem.

Michel Desalles allegedly murdered Omid Gholian inside World of Gold N Diamond using zip ties and then fled the country.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore shares her favorite looks from a night of style inspired by Black dandyism.


Sponsored by Instappraise

CEO Beth Gerstein discussed the company’s bridal bestsellers, the potential impact of tariffs, and the rising price of gold.

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

The brand’s first independent location outside of Australia has opened in Beverly Hills, California.

Cathy Marsh will lead the jewelry company’s efforts in the upper Midwest and western United States.

The company has multiple strategies for dealing with tariffs, though its CEO said moving manufacturing to the U.S. is not one of them.

Connecting with your customers throughout the year is key to a successful holiday marketing push.

Its commercial-quality emerald sale held last month totaled more than $16 million, up from about $11 million in September 2024.

National Jeweler Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff joined Michael Burpoe to talk tariffs, consumer confidence, and the sky-high price of gold.

Designer Lauren Harwell Godfrey made the piece as an homage to the 2025 gala’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”

Expanded this year to include suppliers, JA’s 2025 list honors 40 up-and-coming professionals in the jewelry industry.

Located in Fort Smith, it’s the Mid-South jeweler’s first store in Northwest Arkansas.

The episode about the family-owned jeweler will premiere May 17.

The Houston-based jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot showroom will include a Rolex boutique.

The turquoise and diamond tiara hasn’t been on the market since it was purchased by Lord Astor in 1930.

“The Duke Diamond” is the largest diamond registered at the Arkansas park so far this year.

The childhood craft of making dried pasta necklaces for Mother’s Day is all grown up as the 14-karat gold “Forever Macaroni” necklace.

“Bridal 2025–2026” includes popular styles and a dedicated section for quick pricing references of lab-grown diamond bridal jewelry.

Though currently paused, high tariffs threaten many countries where gemstones are mined. Dealers are taking measures now to prepare.

Located in Miami’s Design District, the 4,000-square-foot store is an homage to David and Sybil Yurman’s artistic roots.

May babies are lucky indeed, born in a month awash with fresh colors and celebrated with one of the most coveted colored gemstones.

The deadline to apply for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship is June 12.