Q&A With Charm & Chain Founder Ali Galgano + Our Holiday Picks

We’re always up for any excuse to don some sparkly accessories, and there’s no better time than the holidays to break out our favorite glittery baubles (and maybe stock up on some new splurges, too!). Designer jewelry retailer Charm & Chain will definitely be contributing to our jewelry collection this year. With favorites like Gorjana and Lulu Frost all in one place, it may be a bit too easy to write (and check off) our holiday wish-lists! We chatted with Charm & Chain’s founder Ali Galgano to find out more about her business and expert accessorizing advice.

How did the idea for Charm & Chain develop?
After moving to Manhattan, I decided to pursue my passion for all things sparkly and enrolled in the graduate program at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). While my focus there was mostly on diamonds and colored gemstones, I loved the courses on design. The principles I learned in the design courses led me to look at the amazing jewelry of NYC in a different way and to appreciate what was possible when designers aren’t limited by the cost of using only fine stones. The city offers an incredibly diverse selection of fashion designers across its specialty boutiques, vintage stores and street vendors. While their pieces were prevalent in the city, there were remarkably few pieces online. We created Charm & Chain to support designers by introducing them to a broader audience, while also providing our customers with access to a highly curated selection of our favorite pieces.

Have you always been interested in jewelry?
Always. I credit my appreciation for jewelry to my mother, who started her career as a fashion jewelry buyer at Neiman Marcus in Dallas. As my friends grew up and amassed wardrobes, I was always more interested in acquiring new pieces of jewelry. I would use one piece to completely transform an outfit—I thought of clothing as more of a canvas.

Who are your top five favorite jewelry designers, and who are some new designers our readers should be on the lookout for?
We’re obsessed, of course, with all the designers we’re fortunate to carry on Charm & Chain. Beyond our collection, my all-time favorite will always be Joel Rosenthal (JAR) and his magnificent stones set in blackened micropavé. As far as new designers we’re particularly excited about, be sure to check out Doloris Petunia’s mind-blowing hand-painted statement styles, Sarah Magid’s bold mix of heavy metals, colorful enamel and fabrics, and Lele Sadoughi’s modern sophisticate aesthetic.

What are your tips for accessorizing during the holiday season?
The holiday season is about being festive, so it’s the perfect time to bring out your bling! This time of year, crystals can be totally appropriate for daytime, so don’t hesitate to throw on something sparkly for work. When it comes to evening affairs, there’s a good chance your clothes will be shimmery, too. To avoid looking like the Times Square New Year’s Eve ball, be sure to maintain balance. A sequin dress looks best with contrasting metal jewelry, while something velvet calls for crystals. And, no matter the season, stick to a statement on your ears or neck—never both.

What is your own favorite piece of jewelry?
Besides my engagement ring, my favorite piece of jewelry is my first pair of Dori Csengeri earrings. Dori’s jewelry is unique in that it’s handcrafted from coiled silk cord and embellished with vibrant glass cabochons—the look is very unusual and striking. When I first started wearing the earrings, they elicited reactions unlike any I’d ever received from something I wore. Colorful, original and backed with a story, they truly represent what Charm & Chain is all about. In fact, discovering this under-the-radar Israeli designer was a central part of what inspired me to start my company in the first place.

How do you sparkle?
I think that I’m so attracted to bold costume jewelry because it represents a certain sense of fearlessness and joie de vivre. Women—myself included—throw on something sparkly because it makes them feel beautiful and confident, and it shows that they want to have fun with life. I try to let my jewelry set the tone for how I want to feel that day—and who wouldn’t want to feel colorful and striking?

Our holiday picks:

1. Lulu Frost Lana Necklace ($313)
2. Coordinates Collection Legend Necklace ($183)
3. Gorjana Super Star Necklace ($80)
4. Jennifer Zeuner Yvette Midi Ring ($220)
5. Lele Sadoughi Triple Drop Earrings, Coral ($134)
6. Rachel Zoe Tiger’s Eye Signet Ring ($95)
7. Gorjana Vesta Ring ($40)
8. Ben-Amun Bridal Crystal Flower Drop Earrings ($120)

For more of our picks, make sure to check out Glitter Guide’s curated shop on Charm & Chain! And if you’re still in need of some style inspiration, our Pinterest board of our favorite holiday jewelry inspirations will take care of your winter accessory wardrobe in no time! Charm & Chain is offering Glitter Guide readers 20% off with the code GG20 — it’s time to stock up on holiday gifts!

This post is brought to you in partnership with Charm & Chain. All opinions are our own.