The provided sources primarily detail the business operations, legal challenges, and product offerings of Alex and Ani, a Rhode Island-based jewelry company. While the sources mention the March birthstone in relation to a specific product – a silver ring featuring peridot, August’s birthstone – and briefly allude to birthstone-themed rings, they offer limited direct information about the gemstones themselves. This article will focus on Alex and Ani’s connection to birthstones, specifically the March birthstone as indicated by the search query, and the available information regarding their product lines, while acknowledging the scarcity of detailed gemological data within the provided materials. The article will also touch upon the company’s history and recent events as documented in the sources.
A Brief History of Alex and Ani
Alex and Ani was founded in 2003 by Carolyn Rafaelian. Initially, Rafaelian served as the company’s interim CEO following the departure of Giovanni Feroce in March 2014. In April 2015, Harlan Kent was appointed president, a position he held for less than a year before resigning in April 2016. Prior to his role at Alex and Ani, Kent was the CEO of Yankee Candle and C. Wonder. The company experienced a period of transition with these leadership changes, as documented by a local news outlet reporting on Kent’s departure.
Birthstone-Themed Products and Collections
The sources indicate that Alex and Ani has offered birthstone-themed rings, specifically mentioning a silver ring featuring a March birthstone. GiftologyAZ.com lists a “March Birthstone Ring - Silver” as part of their collection, priced at $26.00, though it is currently sold out. The company also features collections tied to popular culture, including Beetlejuice and Polly Pocket, and offers a variety of bracelets categorized by style – Maximalist, Minimalist, Timeless, and Glam. These collections demonstrate a broad product range, with birthstone rings representing a segment of their offerings. The company also offers themed bundles, such as an “Evil Eye” bundle, and seasonal promotions, like a “Spooky Season” collection.
Legal Challenges and Business Practices
In 2019, Alex and Ani filed a lawsuit against Bank of America, alleging discriminatory lending practices. The lawsuit claims the bank fraudulently alleged a default on a line of credit granted in 2016, leading to over $1 billion in expenses, lost revenue, and reduced market value for Alex and Ani. The company alleges that the bank’s actions were motivated by a desire to remove women from positions of power within the organization, referencing a previous situation where a male CFO allegedly allowed the bank to charge excessive fees. The suit further claims that the bank initially presented Alex and Ani’s founder, Carolyn Rafaelian, in advertisements to showcase its commitment to diversity, but later engaged in discriminatory practices. The case is identified as Alex and Ani LLC v Bank of America NA, 19-cv-6929, filed in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York.
Product Range and Accessories
Alex and Ani’s product line extends beyond jewelry to include accessories such as magnetic gift boxes, jewelry travel pouches, and polishing cloths. These items are offered at varying price points, with the polishing cloth priced at $3.00 and the magnetic gift box at $3.90. The company also offers bangle sets, including “Mama” and “Aunt” themed sets, and bracelets with inspirational messages like “Spill the Tea.” The availability of these accessories suggests a focus on providing a complete gifting experience alongside their jewelry offerings. The company also offers gift-wrapped sets, indicating a focus on special occasions and gifting.
Limited Gemological Information
The provided sources offer no direct gemological information regarding the March birthstone, aquamarine, or any other gemstone. There is no mention of chemical composition, hardness, refractive index, or mining locations. The only reference to a birthstone is the mention of a “March Birthstone Ring - Silver” and a “Bullseye” necklace featuring peridot, August’s birthstone. Therefore, a detailed discussion of aquamarine’s properties is not possible based on the available materials.
The Significance of Birthstones
While the sources do not elaborate on the historical or metaphysical significance of birthstones, the company’s offering of birthstone-themed jewelry suggests an awareness of their cultural importance. Birthstones have been associated with specific months for centuries, with varying traditions and interpretations across different cultures. The practice of associating gemstones with birth months likely originated in ancient times, with the belief that these stones possessed unique powers and could bring good fortune to those born during their corresponding month. The popularity of birthstone jewelry continues today, with many individuals choosing to wear stones that represent their birth month or the birth months of loved ones.
Current Promotions and Collaborations
Alex and Ani frequently runs promotions and collaborates with other brands. Current promotions include free standard shipping on orders over $80, a 20% discount on Evil Eye bundles, and deals on affirmation bracelets starting at $18. The company has also collaborated with Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry and Oak and Luna on a collection of understated essentials, and with Mattel on an 80th-anniversary collection. These collaborations demonstrate a strategy of expanding their reach and appealing to diverse customer segments.
Conclusion
The provided sources primarily focus on the business operations and legal challenges of Alex and Ani, with limited information regarding the gemstones themselves. The company offers birthstone-themed jewelry, including a silver ring featuring the March birthstone, but the sources do not provide any gemological details about aquamarine or other gemstones. The company’s history is marked by leadership transitions and a recent lawsuit alleging discriminatory lending practices. Despite these challenges, Alex and Ani continues to offer a diverse range of jewelry and accessories, with a focus on themed collections and promotional offers. The limited scope of the provided materials prevents a comprehensive discussion of the March birthstone, aquamarine, and its significance. Further research utilizing dedicated gemological resources would be necessary to provide a detailed analysis of this gemstone.