Charles Albert's one-of-a-kind creations

Beth and Charles Albert. "He swept me off my feet."

If you wear Charles Albert jewelry you won’t go to a party and find someone else wearing the same necklace you’re wearing. That’s because Charles Albert’s pieces are amazing, unique, one-of-a-kind creations.

As a child, Charles was something of a rockhound (no, not the music kind. We're talking the stone kind here). As he was growing up in Pennsylvania, Charles would spend hours exploring the lot behind his grandmother’s back yard, discovering fascinating minerals and fossils.

In 1990, after a stint in the Army and earning a bachelor of science degree in management, Charles started his jewelry company. With $60, he bought 60 pairs of earrings from a costume jewelry manufacturer, then sold them to a boutique for double his money. It was a simple plan and he continued to expand his jewelry market. In 1992, Charles met his wife, Beth, who grew up in northern California. “He swept me off my feet,” she says.

Necklace of abalone, strombus and cowry
with multi-shell cuff bracelet
at The Bronze Lady.

Eventually, Charles wanted to sell higher end merchandise. He went to Taxco, Mexico, engaged local silversmiths and sold their jewelry. But, for Charles, that wasn’t enough. Other entrepreneurs were selling the same thing he was. He wanted something different.

That’s where his early interest in fossils and minerals came in. By 1996, Charles was creating fossil, mineral and gemstone jewelry set in sterling silver. They were unique creations, beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces as varied as nature and Charles’ design talents. That’s when Beth started working for the company, too.

But in 2002, Beth was diagnosed with breast cancer. She credits Charles’ support with helping her survive the disease. During her recovery, Beth discovered her creative side and began “designing wonderful pieces of art.” She now serves as creative director for the Charles Albert Jewelry.

For years, the couple created jewelry together and ran the business out of their house. The operation is much bigger now and is based in Pompano Beach, Florida. “The only thing that hasn’t changed is the drive and passion that Charles and I put into each piece of jewelry,” says Beth. “I love my job!”

Along the way, Charles’ work attracted the attention of editorial stylists for some of the most popular fashion magazines. His work has been featured in Allure Magazine, Essence Magazine, Genlux Magazine, Marie Claire Belgium, Vogue Mexico, Vogue Espana, Vogue Germany, Teen Vogue, Elle Mexico and ZINK, among others.

His creations haven’t escaped the notice of the entertainment industry either. Such stars as Mya, Patti LaBelle, Vivica A. Fox, Niecy Nash, Elaine Lancaster (Housewives of Miami), Cat Sadler of E! News and Ke$ha are all fans who can wear his creations confident that nobody else will be wearing the same thing.

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The day Melissa went fashion model

So the other day Kimberly got it into her head to play dress-up. You know, try on this, try on that, see how this looks with that.

Only she wasn't doing the dress-up herself. No. Instead she enlisted the help of Melissa, who wasn't so sure she wanted to be a human Barbie doll at first but then really got into it.

And before you knew it Melissa was modeling items from our Brighton collection and Kimberly become the fashion photographer. (Why, not, huh?) Then Melissa was trying out those oh so colorful Vera Bradley creations. Notice she seemed particularly partial to that beautiful Vera Bradley sun hat.

Melissa looked like she was really going places with all that Vera Bradley luggage. And that great tote bag. Of course, luggage and totes are what Vera Bradley is known for so it's not surprising that she would want to put those into her collection.

And those Vera sunglasses. They are too perfect. (Wendy got into the fun helping Melissa show off that hat with those glasses. What a perfect combination.)

We have to admit that Melissa's a pretty good model. But never fear. There's no star on the dressing room door yet. Melissa will still be on duty to help you even if she occasionally gets a faraway look in her eye and starts daydreaming about runway sessions and studio shoots.

As for Kimberly, the fashion stylist/fashion photographer? Well, you'll find her behind the counter ready and willing to help you find your heart's desire at The Bronze Lady. But watch out. She might start dressing you up, too.

What fun! You never know what might happen at The Bronze Lady.

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