Events & AwardsSep 28, 2021
There’s Still Time to Get Early-Bird Tickets to WJA Awards for Excellence Events & AwardsOct 04, 2021
Halstead Names 2021 Grant Winner
Laura Fortune has won the 16th annual grant for emerging designers.
Laura Fortune is the winner of the 2021 Halstead Grant.
Prescott, Ariz.—Since 2006, Halstead has supported emerging jewelry brands with its annual grant competition.
Now, the Halstead Grant is in its 16th year. The 2021 recipient is Laura Fortune.
The grant is unique in that it judges entries not only on artistic prowess but also on its business potential.
In addition to a jewelry portfolio, entrants outline a busines plan that includes production capacity, finances, marketing, and a market competition analysis.
The application itself is a useful exercise for young brands to “establish clear goals and measurable steps toward self-sufficiency,” Halstead said in a press release.
The Halstead Grant winner receives a $7,500 cash grant; $1,000 in jewelry supplies; a trip to Prescott, Arizona; features in Halstead’s print publications; detailed feedback from the judging committee; and a trophy.
Finalists receive $500 cash grants, and semi-finalists $250 cash grants.
The 2021 finalists are Jennifer Lippman Bruno Design; In the Pines Jewelry; Angely Martinez Jewelry; Katelyn Elyse Jewelry; and Jennifer Metesh Studios. The semi-finalists are 9th Generation; Cassondra Justine; Allison Alane Jewelry Designs; Hamaila; and Hedron Studio.
This year’s finalist, Laura Fortune, worked as a jewelry assistant for 13 years before launching her eponymous collection.
This year, she introduced her “Salvador” collection. It’s inspired by the colors, shapes, and architecture in Portugal, where she previously lived.
Starting at $175, it features colored gemstones and cloisonne enameling.
Fortune said, “I am so honored to receive this recognition and award from Halstead. I create enamel jewelry with a unique playfulness, and it’s incredibly affirming that my perspective on jewelry and business goals stood out to the judges.
“The Halstead Grant gives me the visibility, confidence and financial backing to build my brand and continue to explore imaginative jewelry designs.”
Grant Founder and Halstead President Hilary Halstead Scott said, “Laura represents the best of both artistic craftsmanship and sound business fundamentals. We are proud to recognize her achievements with this award.”
Related stories will be right here …
Now, the Halstead Grant is in its 16th year. The 2021 recipient is Laura Fortune.
The grant is unique in that it judges entries not only on artistic prowess but also on its business potential.
In addition to a jewelry portfolio, entrants outline a busines plan that includes production capacity, finances, marketing, and a market competition analysis.
Designs from 2021 finalists (clockwise from top left) Jennifer Metesh Studios, Jennifer Lippman Bruno Design, In the Pines Jewelry, Angely Martinez, and Katelyn Elyse Jewelry
The application itself is a useful exercise for young brands to “establish clear goals and measurable steps toward self-sufficiency,” Halstead said in a press release.
The Halstead Grant winner receives a $7,500 cash grant; $1,000 in jewelry supplies; a trip to Prescott, Arizona; features in Halstead’s print publications; detailed feedback from the judging committee; and a trophy.
Finalists receive $500 cash grants, and semi-finalists $250 cash grants.
The 2021 finalists are Jennifer Lippman Bruno Design; In the Pines Jewelry; Angely Martinez Jewelry; Katelyn Elyse Jewelry; and Jennifer Metesh Studios. The semi-finalists are 9th Generation; Cassondra Justine; Allison Alane Jewelry Designs; Hamaila; and Hedron Studio.
This year’s finalist, Laura Fortune, worked as a jewelry assistant for 13 years before launching her eponymous collection.
Designs from 2021 semi-finalists (clockwise from top left) 9th Generation; Hedron Studio, Hamaila, Allison Alane Jewelry Designs Ltd., and Cassondra Justine
This year, she introduced her “Salvador” collection. It’s inspired by the colors, shapes, and architecture in Portugal, where she previously lived.
Starting at $175, it features colored gemstones and cloisonne enameling.
Fortune said, “I am so honored to receive this recognition and award from Halstead. I create enamel jewelry with a unique playfulness, and it’s incredibly affirming that my perspective on jewelry and business goals stood out to the judges.
“The Halstead Grant gives me the visibility, confidence and financial backing to build my brand and continue to explore imaginative jewelry designs.”
Grant Founder and Halstead President Hilary Halstead Scott said, “Laura represents the best of both artistic craftsmanship and sound business fundamentals. We are proud to recognize her achievements with this award.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
SurveysApr 03, 2025
2025 Retail Sales to Grow More Slowly Amid ‘Uncertainty,’ Says NRFThe National Retail Federation expects retail sales growth to return to pre-pandemic levels as consumers continue to face inflation.
TrendsApr 03, 2025
Tallulah Willis Imbues Antique Engagement Ring With MagicThe 4-carat, old mine brilliant-cut diamond engagement ring was co-designed by Willis and New York City-based brand Karina Noel.
SourcingApr 03, 2025
Canadian Mine Produces 158-Carat Yellow Diamond Rio Tinto unearthed the diamond at its Diavik mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
CollectionsApr 03, 2025
Buccellati to Open Immersive Exhibition in MilanThe multisensory experience, open April 8-13, will feature the brand’s silver creations among dream-like scenes of natural landscapes.
Weekly QuizMar 27, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesApr 03, 2025
Jewelers of America to Hold Webinar on TariffsThe virtual event will take place April 7 at 3 p.m.
CollectionsApr 02, 2025
Bea Bongiasca’s ‘Tarallo’ Collection Expansion Is a ZooThe pieces in “Animali Tarallo” portray animals from stingrays to elephants through portraits and interpretations of their patterns.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
MajorsApr 02, 2025
Neiman Marcus’ Dallas Flagship Will Remain Open, For NowParent company Saks Global said the iconic location will be open through the holiday season as it decides what to do with the space.
SourcingApr 02, 2025
Winston’s Collection of Natural Color Diamonds Now on Display in D.C. Ronald Winston, son of Harry Winston, donated the diamonds to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
IndependentsApr 01, 2025
Bergman Jewelers in Omaha Closing After 137 YearsThe independent jeweler first opened its doors in 1888.
MajorsApr 01, 2025
QVC Group to Cut 900 Jobs in the U.S.The layoffs come amid the TV shopping channel’s efforts to restructure and focus on live shopping through social media.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
TJS to Host Discussion on Jewelry Industry’s Labor ShortageThe roundtable will take place May 17 ahead of the trade show’s welcome dinner.
CollectionsApr 01, 2025
Monica Rich Kosann Says ‘Good Grief’ in Peanuts Jewelry CollectionThe “Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann” collection features the comic strip’s classic vocabulary across 10 bracelet designs.
Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2025
Watch: What Do We Mean When We Say ‘Recycled’ Gold?Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.
TrendsMar 31, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Dripping in DiamondsDiamonds are not only one of the most prominent gemstones, but the birthstone for those born in April.
MajorsMar 31, 2025
Lashbrook Expands Into Luxury Golf Gifts With AcquisitionThe Utah-based company known for making wedding bands has acquired Doubloon Golf.
WatchesMar 31, 2025
Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin Will Also Head LVMH WatchesThe longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.
CrimeMar 28, 2025
2 Suspects Arrested in $1.7M Smash-and-Grab Robbery of NY Jewelry StoreAuthorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.
SourcingMar 28, 2025
19th-Century Jade Book Now Available in EnglishLotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.
CollectionsMar 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Löf’s ‘The Valentine’ RingThe ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.
SurveysMar 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls in March Amid ‘Gloomy’ OutlookThe Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.
AuctionsMar 27, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring Linked to Witch Trial Judge Goes Unsold at Auction However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.
WatchesMar 27, 2025
Austin Butler Joins Breitling as Brand AmbassadorThe Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.
SourcingMar 27, 2025
Susan Jacques, Gaetano Cavalieri to Headline 2025 ICA Congress The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.
IndependentsMar 26, 2025
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Acquires Fellow NC Independent JewelerThe family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.
WatchesMar 26, 2025
Bulova Celebrates 150th Anniversary With Art Deco WatchesThe “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.
