Inside the Many, Many Homes of This Jewelry Billionaire

In 2009, Ms Rafaelian founded Alex and Ani, a jewelry and accessories company known for affordable bangles with charms titled "Cosmic Balance" and "Path of Life." Each is sold with explanations of their meanings As her empire has grown, Ms.

Rafaelian has collected homes the way Alex and Ani fans collect her bracelets Her goal for her homes is "To fuel creativity for me and everybody around me." To that end, the homes also serve as de facto offices-cum-crash-pads for her top team members, who accompany her as she travels around the country Ms.

Rafaelian saved all the copper removed from the house and said she plans to use it in a coming jewelry line influenced by the motto that appears throughout the house: "Sans Crainte," or "Without fear." Ms Rafaelian said she brings work into her personal homes not for any potential tax benefits-she said she hasn't attempted to take any write-offs-but rather as a reflection of the company's free-spirited ethos "It's a little gem," said Ms.

Rafaelian, who frequently refers to real estate in jewelry terms Ms Rafaelian caresses them as she talks, explaining that she always keeps crystals on hand at work and in her homes. More