It’s easy to see why Carol Brodie is the queen of affordable luxury jewelry on Home Shopping Network (HSN). Her passions are luxury, jewelry, having her own television show, and empowering women. “I’m empowered by women everywhere,” Brodie says. “If there’s one thing I do in life, it’s that I hope I empower them in return.”
For a woman who walked away from Harry Winston after nearly a decade, Carol Brodie’s career has skyrocketed. During her years with Winston, Carol was not only the face of the brand, but she’s credited with expanding Harry Winston’s appeal to a younger clientele, as well as dressing red carpet celebrities in borrowed jewelry.
“I PRESENT MORE JEWELRY IN ONE MONTH THAN MOST JEWELRY STORES DO IN A YEAR.”
“Harry Winston was the brand nobody could afford unless you were really, really rich or really, really famous and you could borrow. Most women couldn’t afford us, so that’s why I started my brand. I wanted to be the attainable Harry Winston.
“For the woman I’m catering to at HSN, my feeling was she would rather eat milk, cereal and a banana, for a month, to be able to afford one $200 piece of jewelry. Hence, ‘Rarities: Fine Jewelry with Carol Brodie’ was born.
“Women’s Wear Daily did this story: ‘From Harry Winston to HSN: Carol Brodie’s Reinventing Luxury.’ I launched a luxury brand on a mass medium during a recession.”
Brodie attributes much of her success on HSN to her honesty. “I’m with these women between nine and 14 hours a month. If I can’t be authentic, I can’t sell. That’s just the way it is.”
In addition to her experience at Harry Winston, Brodie was Chief Luxury Officer for CurtCo Media, publisher of luxury magazines Robb Report, Worth and Art & Antiques. “It’s been a lot of hard work… By the time you’ve reached 50, you’re either reinventing your career because you stayed home and had kids—and you’re like, ‘what am I going to do at 50’—or you’re on this trajectory because you’ve never stopped the marathon.”
One of Carol’s favorite mantras is “Fear, plus fearless, equals my best energy.” In 2012, following surgery for a malignant melanoma on her face, Brodie needed a mantra and more. “I spiraled into a horrible depression, not only because of the cancer, but because I had my face horribly cut up. I wasn’t sure I would ever be able to go on camera or date, again. I was always the big girl with the very pretty face, so when I had my face cut open, I thought, ‘I won’t even be the pretty girl.’”
It’s hard to imagine that anything could stop Carol Brodie. She’s a gutsy woman who knows what she wants and knows how to get there. She’s a living embodiment of another one of her favorite mantras: Knowledge is power, and style is empowerment. “I don’t sell jewelry. I sell empowerment.”
9 thoughts on “Carol Brodie”
Hi Carol, I often watch you when on HSN and just love your unique pieces of jewelry! I just purchased the “Platinum colored Moonstone 30″ necklace”. It’s beautiful but a little big/heavy for me to ware everyday, I have a request….was just wondering if it’s possible to make the same necklace (could be different lengths) in very small-mini size stones, with still keeping the different shapes of the stones? Trying to get the look of small diamonds could even be with cord vs metal. You’re the expert on what looks best- I really love all of your moonstone & labradarite – goes with everything and the facets are stunning!
keep up the good work and thanks for listening!
Julie
hello Carol, I watch you on HSN and I miss out on Rarities 15.89ctw Black Spinel Bangle Bracelet, I have purchase many of your jewelry, but I miss this on and it really mean a lot to me if I have this bracelet in my collection of your. do you think that you can make this bracelet for me? it sold out for 199.00 but the regular price on hsn was 249.00 I would pay any one of those price I just want and need this bracelet. (large) this really would make my day please let me know if they can hold this for me I do have account at hsn and they can put it on there and email that you have it.
thanks
Hi Carol, I love to watch you on Hsn. PLEASE bring back the black spinel saddle ring. It’s SO BEAUTIFUL. I need to purchase three in size 7. Thank you
Hi Carol, I purchased the Rarities Turquoise and Gemstone Marquise-Shaped Ring from HSN and one of the small round turquoise stones fell out and I absolutely love this ring it is so unique and beautiful. I was so disappointed when I contacted HSN and they stated there was nothing they can do because I purchased the ring a year ago and they had no phone number to contact you directly. I am not looking for a refund all I would like to do is replace the small stone it would be a complete waste of such a beautiful ring especially when I have only used it a few times on a special occasion. Please advise on what I can do. Thanks in advance.
Did you ever get a customer contact number for your piece to be fixed because I’m having the same issue with an enhancer. Called hsn and they told me the same thing. I just want it fixed and i will pay the cost. I dont want to just take it to any jewelry. Please help. Majewelrydesigns@yahoo.com
Melanie, From what I can determine, you’d be better off taking it to a good jewelry repair place. As long as the stones are there, a good jewelry repair store can fix most anything. Brenda
Hi Carol,
I purchased a Rarities 20” white pearl necklace from HSN with irregular pearls and round pearls with black spinel beads in between with a magnetic closure. While taking it off the string broke apart. Fortunately, I did not lose any parts. Would it be possible for you to restring it for me? I do not want to return it to HSN since it is sold out and I would not be able to replace it. It is my favorite necklace and receive compliments all the time. I hope you can help me. Thank you for designing such a unique and magnificent piece!
Hi Susan, I’m answering for Carol. Her line does not repair jewelry, but take it to a store in your town, perhaps one that sells beads or a jewelry/watch repair place where you live. I’ve done that with other necklaces and it worked great. xoxox, Brenda
Hello Carol,
I love and have several of your pieces bought thru HSN.
I have a question about the center stone of my Spinel Tourmaline evil eye ring, the stone fell off and I would like to replace it so I can continue to wear the beautiful ring.
I already spoke to HSN but they no longer carry the ring.
Can you point me in the right direction?
Thank you,
Isis
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