About Us

The Story of Joyful Sentiments

How did a family of Italian immigrants become the makers of some of the most meaningful jewelry in America? That's the story behind Joyful Sentiments, a company that has been crafting and preserving beautiful, inspirational jewelry for over four decades. Here is a journey through our history, from our humble beginnings in a war-torn country to our success in the jewelry capital of the world.

A Legacy Born from Courage

Our story begins with Antonio Calandrelli, an engineer who worked on torpedoes for the Italian government during World War II. In 1942, he was invited to join a group of 11 other engineers who were hired by the American government to develop torpedoes for their navy. They left Naples on a perilous voyage across the Atlantic, dodging German submarines along the way. They finally arrived in Newport, Rhode Island, where they set up a workshop and contributed to the war effort.

After the war ended, Antonio was granted American citizenship and brought his wife Emilia and their children to join him in 1947. He found a job in a local jewelry factory, where he applied his engineering skills to making rings. His son Renato followed in his footsteps and became a tool maker, learning the trade from his father.

Building a Family Business with Purpose

The father and son duo soon realized that they had a passion and a talent for creating beautiful jewelry. They decided to start their own business in 1973, along with Renato's brother Gino. They named it American Ring Company.

They set up their factory in Providence, Rhode Island, which was well known as the jewelry capital of the world at the time. They had access to the best materials, machines and tools available. They also had a vision: to create jewelry that would stand the test of time and appeal to customers who appreciated quality and elegance.

Still operating out of Providence, in the 1970s and 80s American Ring continued on its journey to become the single largest producer of jewelry in the world and produced high-quality jewelry for the most prestigious department stores in the country! Not bad for a family business!

Our designs were unique and innovative, and our craftsmanship was impeccable. We had a talented team of designers and artisans who created stunning pieces using the finest materials and techniques. We paid attention to every detail, from the shape and size of the stones to the engraving and polishing of the metal.

A New Vision: Meaningful, Sustainable, Inspirational

Things changed in the early 1990s, when the jewelry industry moved overseas. We unfortunately had to stop making jewelry in Providence, but we didn't want to lose our legacy. We decided to preserve our inventory, our designs, and our molds for future generations. We kept them in a safe place for over 20 years.

During that time, we continued to operate as American Ring, the largest importer of jewelry in the country. We also welcomed the new generation to our family business. Anthony Calandrelli, the son of our founder, joined us in 1978 after graduating college. He brought fresh ideas and energy to our company. He also had a vision: to create jewelry that was more than just beautiful—jewelry that was inspirational, personal, sustainable, and meaningful.

In 2013, he launched our online presence, offering our original pieces from the 1970s and 1980s, as well as new designs inspired by our commitment to creating jewelry for life's most treasured moments. We were amazed by the response from our customers. They loved our jewelry and appreciated its quality and uniqueness.

We expanded our online presence and welcomed the third generation of our family: Daniel Calandrelli, who joined us in 2015.

Joyful Sentiments Today: Turning Moments into Memories

Today, as Joyful Sentiments, we carry forward our family's 50-year legacy with a renewed purpose. We believe that all of life's moments deserve to be commemorated—from celebrating cancer survivors and honoring beloved pets to recognizing dedicated teachers and cherishing family bonds.

We've chosen to focus on stainless steel because it aligns with our values of sustainability and accessibility. Our pieces are durable, hypoallergenic, and designed to become heirlooms—jewelry that can be passed down through generations without losing its beauty or meaning.

Over the years, we've created jewelry for cancer survivors, grieving pet owners, proud teachers, and loving families. Each piece carries a story, a sentiment, a moment worth remembering.

Our Commitment to Making a Difference

We believe in giving back to the causes that matter to our customers. That's why we partner with organizations like the New York Cancer Foundation, donating a portion of proceeds from our cancer awareness jewelry to support those fighting this disease.

When you choose Joyful Sentiments, you're not just buying jewelry—you're supporting a family business with 50 years of craftsmanship, you're commemorating what matters most to you, and you're contributing to causes that make a difference.

A Family of Jewelers, Creating Keepsakes for Your Family

We are thrilled to share our passion for meaningful jewelry with you. We hope you enjoy browsing through our collection and finding your perfect piece—whether it's to celebrate a milestone, honor a loved one, or simply remind yourself of what brings you joy.

Thank you for supporting our family business and keeping our history alive. From our family to yours, we're honored to help you turn moments into memories.