CRANSTON, R.I. (AP) — While U.S. Olympic officials are catching heat for American uniforms made in China, a small piece of the team's uniform was made in Rhode Island by a jewelry company that's reinvigorating a once bustling jewelry industry.

Cranston-based Alex and Ani produced the commemorative charms for the 2012 London Games. The company makes beaded bangles, bracelets, and other inexpensive jewelry and is one of the fastest growing companies in the state. In 2009 Alex and Ani had 15 employees and one store in Newport; now it has nearly 400 and has recently opened new stores in Colorado and New Jersey.

The Olympic charm has proven to be a hit. Silver medalist swimmer Elizabeth Beisel tweets that she was "more than excited for the Alex and Ani charm" she received.