October 3, 2012 by Kaitlyn Boisvert

Shopping Downtown: Sequin, a Jewelry Boutique That Truly Shines

By: Mia Lupo-

If you are looking for the perfect jewelry to compliment your wardrobe, Sequin is the place to find the right accessory for all seasons and for any occasion.

Media Credit: Mia Lupo

Co-founded by sisters Kim and Linda Renk in 2000, Sequin seeks to create jewelry that balances artisanal quality and elegant taste. In addition to Newport, the New York based company has locations in Manhattan, Palm Beach, and Chicago. High end department stores Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s, and Henri Bendel in New York, carry Sequin jewelry as well. Several fashion magazine publications have featured Sequin—this year, the brand appeared in Marie Claire, People, Self, and ‘O’ the Oprah Magazine.

Sequin has offered its beautifully crafted jewelry in Newport at three downtown locations since 2010. Each boutique offers different jewelry and a different space, but all of the boutiques maintain Sequin’s polished and modern atmosphere. The 119 Bellevue Avenue store feels airy with its white walls and contemporary chandeliers, whereas the sky blue walls and mirrored vanities at the 182 Bellevue Avenue store (steps away from the International Tennis Hall of Fame) evokes a more preppy vibe.

Walking into a Sequin boutique, you cannot help but smile at the candy-colored bangles, the elegant necklaces and the classic, nautical touches that fit in with Newport’s image. Store Manager Debbie Elliot describes Sequin’s jewelry as “fun, affordable, and easy to wear” and has the ability to complement women from all age groups. A Salve student can come in with her friends on the weekends or pick out the perfect holiday gift for her mom.

Sequin also offers great opportunities for its employees if they are interested in pursuing a career in fashion retail. Brooke Briggs works at Sequin and is proud to say it is “a great place to work.” Briggs, a recent University of Rhode Island (URI) graduate who studied Entrepreneurial Management, currently oversees visual merchandising and inventory at all three Newport boutiques. Briggs interned at Sequin her senior year of college and says she gained valuable insight about sales and management.

The internship at Sequin opened Briggs’ eyes to the “simple things” that go into managing a business—from what to do when a lightbulb goes out on the track lighting to supervising others. Briggs urges that the skills she developed interning at the Sequin boutiques would not have been acquired staying in the classroom. Briggs distinguishes Sequin’s co-founder Kim Renk as a highly established individual in the fashion industry. Renk is very “connected with the fashion world” and presents opportunities to hard-working employees who are willing to take them.

This fall, Sequin carries chunky, link necklaces and neon bangles—two of the season’s major accessories—in addition to their signature bangles in available in every color. Stop into any one of the Sequin’s boutiques to update your fall look today!