Feature: Charm & Chain

Tropical Punch Ring by Erickson Beamon, Charm & Chain

Charm & Chain is the brain-child of Ali Galgano, who in 2008, had the genius idea of offering a highly curated collection of fashion jewelry online. Ali has an amazing eye and rich knowledge of jewelry and gemology, which has helped her to attract some of the top names in the business: Alexis Bittar, Kara Ross and Erickson Beamon among others. As luck would have it, Charm & Chain carries many of the jewelry designers worn by the First Lady. It has become my first stop when trying to identify Mrs. O's lucite bangle bracelets or bejeweled statement necklaces. I was delighted to have the chance to hear a bit of Ali's perspective on Mrs. O's jewelry picks:

MT: Mrs. Obama wears jewelry made by several Charm & Chain designers. As the creative force behind Charm & Chain, will you tell us a bit about what you appreciate in each of these designers?

AG: Alexis Bittar's jewelry is fashion forward but all about wearability -- there is something for everyone in his collection. I love Erickson Beamon because to me, the jewelry is wearable art; the pieces are totally avant-garde, but still approachable. Fenton/Fallon jewelry embraces a distinct downtown edginess and instantly ups the cool quotient of any outfit.  All of Kara Ross' designs feel very luxe, and her use of unusual skins in the pieces -- such as stingray and lizard -- are unexpected and chic. 

MT: Is there another jewelry designer you'd love to see Mrs. Obama wear?

AG: I'd love to see Mrs. O in Dori Csengeri or Lizzie Fortunato Jewels. Both designers create such exquisite pieces with a distinct handcrafted feel. I think given Mrs. O's appreciation of small details, she'd be really inspired by these collections. I'd also love to see her in a one of a kind Lulu Frost piece made with 1920s art deco pieces -- Lulu Frost pieces have a rich history and a distinct specialness, kind of like Mrs. O herself!

Charm & Chain has been so kind as to offer two exclusive offers to Mrs-O.org readers. 

- Mrs. O readers will receive 15% off any Charm & Chain purchase through April 30, 2011 by entering MRSOGIVEAWAY at checkout.

- Mrs. O readers who sign up for the Charm & Chain newsletter now through April 30, 2011 will have a chance to win an Alexis Bittar Gold Crystal Encrusted Crevice Hinge Bracelet, seen below. To enter, sign up for the Charm & Chain mailing list on their homepage, HERE. The winner will be announced during the first week of May.

Enjoy and Good Luck! xx Mrs. T

Comments

[Mrs. T]

In the spirit of full disclosure, please note that no compensation was received for this post, though Charm & Chain does advertise on this blog. I genuinely love their jewelry selection, and thought the exclusive offers to readers would be quite great. xx

[Jestina ( London, England)]

Thanks Mrs T. I recently purchased a pair of Erickson Beamon earrings through debenhams.co.uk and it was money well spent.

[meta]

Thanks so much for this article, Mrs. T. It's due to you that I found Charm & Chain through an ad right here. I love browsing there and discovering new and incredible artists. Congrats to Ali for creating such a wonderful place.

[Adear]

Thanks Mrs. T for keeping this site interesting, informative and fun by occasionally offering these great give-aways

[Jane Grant Tougas]

Am I eligible for the bracelet giveaway if I am already a subscriber to Charm & Chain? Jane

[Charlene in Detroit]

How did I miss this? I saw the website for Charm & Chain and the jewelry is gorgeous! Thanks a lot Mrs. T........you really do look out for us!

[Char]

It's just my size!
Char

[operafanatic]

Gorgeous website. I'd visited it before, but not drilled down on it. I'm kind of surprised Mrs. O has not worn the two designers Ali mentioned, as well as others she carries. The Erasmus necklace Mrs. O wore with the pink Kors dress (and another time as well) reminds me of some of the lines Charm & Chain carries. Beautiful things, and many are very affordable.

Thanks for the reminder, Mrs. T! I"m crossing my fingers for the Bittar bangle - love it!

[Ms. Zosa]

Love the items on Charm & Chain. Has the winner been announced yet?

[Jaclyn]

Check out Clos-ette Too and see what Ali Galgano, founder Charm & Chain jewelry suggests to "take your outfit to the next level and give you multiple options while traveling,” http://bit.ly/qZAQ4f