Belcourt.
The iconic Gilded Age mansion in Newport, Rhode Island with a rich history dating back to the 19th century.
It’s now owned by Carolyn Rafaelian, one of America’s iconic entrepreneurs, with a mission to bring the captivating stories of art, history, and culture to the masses.
Her vision is for Belcourt to enrich lives through immersive galleries of exhibitions, mesmerizing concerts, engaging social gatherings, enlightening speaker series, and more.
Carolyn Rafaelian is the founder of Alex and Ani, a brand she built from her family’s Rhode Island factory into a nationally recognized symbol of meaningful design and American craftsmanship. After closing her chapter with the company, she launched &Livy and founded Metal Alchemist, a precious-metals atelier and the exclusive manufacturer of the Liberty Copper collection. Carolyn also restored Belcourt of Newport, where she now preserves and stewards original Statue of Liberty copper and armature as part of the Liberty Belcourt Project.
Carolyn Rafaelian founded Alex and Ani in 2004 inside her father’s jewelry factory. What began as a heartfelt idea—creating jewelry with meaning—grew into a brand that resonated with millions. She developed the expandable bangle and a symbolic design language that helped define a new category in American jewelry. Alex and Ani became known for its intention-based products, support of local artisans, and philanthropic partnerships that benefited causes nationwide. After many years of leading the company, Carolyn’s chapter with Alex and Ani came to a close. Leaving something she created was difficult, but it opened the space for her next evolution. That evolution became &Livy;, a brand that continues the spirit of meaningful design, and Metal Alchemist, a precious-metals company dedicated to craftsmanship, innovation, and American-made production. Metal Alchemist now serves as the exclusive manufacturer for Liberty Copper, transforming historic Statue of Liberty materials into artifacts honoring America’s ideals.
During this time, Carolyn also undertook the restoration of Belcourt of Newport, bringing the 1895 architectural landmark back to its original integrity and transforming it into a cultural home for creativity, preservation, and heritage. Today, Carolyn leads the Liberty Belcourt Project, stewarding original Statue of Liberty copper and Eiffel-engineered armature bars housed at Belcourt. Through this work—and her companies &Livy; and Metal Alchemist—she continues her lifelong commitment to meaningful creation, American craftsmanship, and preserving stories that endure.
Carolyn Rafaelian
Owner - Belcourt of Newport
Metal Alchemist is Carolyn Rafaelian’s dedicated metals company, focused on the art and science of working with precious metals. It represents her commitment to blending traditional metalwork with innovative processes. Metal Alchemist is the exclusive manufacturer of Liberty Copper artifacts, transforming the original Statue of Liberty copper into lasting pieces that honor American heritage. For Carolyn, this company is about alchemy in the truest sense—turning raw materials into meaningful creations through both craft and ingenuity.
&Livy is where Carolyn Rafaelian continues the journey she began with Alex and Ani, still made in the original Rhode Island factories. Within &Livy comes the next evolution of her iconic bangle design. The sentiment and meaningful messages are now engraved directly onto the metal, offering a new way to wear and share personal meaning. In essence, &Livy; is a natural extension of Carolyn’s original vision: timeless design, crafted with the same dedication to quality and meaning.
Sakonnet Vineyard, set in the tranquil landscape of Little Compton, Rhode Island, proudly holds the title of New England’s oldest vineyard, established back in 1975. Spanning over 169 acres of beautifully preserved farmland, it is not just a winemaking estate but a living piece of agricultural history.
Under Carolyn Rafaelian’s stewardship since 2012, the vineyard has flourished as both a producer of fine wines and a guardian of the local landscape.
Known for its commitment to community and conservation, Sakonnet has long been an anchor of wildlife preservation and sustainable farming. It’s a place where the land is lovingly maintained, ensuring that the vineyard’s legacy as an agricultural gem continues for future generations.
In every sense, it’s a testament to the harmony of heritage, nature, and the art of winemaking.
Bar & Board Bistro is a restaurant and bar located at 282 Thames Street in Newport, Rhode Island. It operates inside a renovated historic bank building, which still features the original bank vault behind the main bar.
The restaurant is known for curated boards of charcuterie, cheeses, breads, and accompaniments, raw bar offerings like fresh oysters, seasonal small plates, elevated comfort dishes, and craft cocktails with a well-selected wine list.
The space includes a main dining room with a long marble bar, a pergola-style outdoor patio, and an upstairs Leopard Lounge for dining, cocktails, and private events.
Bar & Board has become a popular destination for locals and visitors due to its central Newport location, consistent food, and stylish atmosphere. It serves as a contemporary social hub that complements the historic character of the city. In that spirit, Bar & Board stands as the culinary extension of the same vision that shapes Belcourt’s architectural heritage and Sakonnet’s agricultural legacy—a seamless blend of history, hospitality, and the art of gathering around the table.
Wickford Woodwork Studio sits right in the heart of Wickford Village, Rhode Island. Since 2007, we've been known for crafting exquisite live-edge tables, the finest artisan cutting boards, and one-of-a-kind furniture—all made right on-site. At our retail space on 35 Brown Street, you can explore these unique pieces. The quality and beauty of our hand crafted pieces become heirlooms, treasured and passed down for generations to come.