Events & Awards

Octave Jewelry Chosen as Winner of 2022 Halstead Grant

Events & AwardsOct 17, 2022

Octave Jewelry Chosen as Winner of 2022 Halstead Grant

Helmed by designer Ope Omojola, Octave embraces color and combines sharp geometric lines with organic shapes.

20221017_Halstead Grant winner Octave.jpg
Ope Omojola, the designer behind Octave Jewelry, is the winner of the 2022 Halstead Grant, taking home a $7,500 cash grant and $1,000 in jewelry supplies, among other prizes. Omojola makes her jewelry in Brooklyn, New York.
Prescott, Ariz.—Octave Jewelry, a brand that combines organic shapes with sharp geometric lines, is the winner of the 2022 Halstead Grant, supplier Halstead Bead announced last week.

Ope Omojola, who was born in Nigeria and currently lives and works in New York City, is the designer of Octave Jewelry.

Omojola started her jewelry-making career by taking a weeknight class on jewelry making at the 92nd Street Y in New York.

Her work marries her interest in anthropology—specifically, how individuals communicate through dress and adornment—with her lifelong creative practice of prioritizing material, color, and movement.  

The result is a bold and colorful collection that combines hand-cut stones with lampwork glass and sterling silver details. 

“Ope is a rare creative talent,” said Hilary Halstead Scott, Halstead president and founder of its grant. 

“She masterfully combines lapidary stone cutting, hot glass working, and metalsmithing skills to create a bold, fashion-forward jewelry collection. We were thrilled to see such an innovative combination of materials and techniques.”
 
As the winner of the grant, Omojola receives $7,500 cash plus $1,000 in jewelry supplies; a trip to Prescott, Arizona, where Halstead Bead is headquartered; features in Halstead print publications; detailed feedback from the grant judging committee; and a signature trophy.
 
She said: “I’m so honored to be this year’s Halstead Grant recipient. The application process was the culmination of months of rethinking what running a business meant to me.  

“It’s incredibly validating to have explained my vision and see it supported in such a tangible way, and I'm so excited to continue to move toward my goals. Thanks to the Halstead team for the support, and such wonderfully detailed feedback.”

 Related stories will be right here … 

The Halstead Grant also awards cash prizes to finalists and semi-finalists, $500 and $250 each, respectively.

The 2022 finalists are: Caitlin Albritton Jewelry, Stellar Metal Jewelry, and Phantasm Jewelry.

The semi-finalists are: Katelyn Elyse Jewelry, Jennifer Metesh Studios, Earthbound Silver, 9th Generation, Benjamin Ripley Jewelry, and Mae & Lang Jewels. 

Pieces from both the finalists and semi-finalists are pictured below. 


Launched in 2006 by Halstead Bead, the Halstead Grant was created to help kick-start the careers of emerging silver jewelry designers and promote new talent and creativity in the jewelry industry. 

In order to apply, designers must answer questions about their business plan, including marketing, competitive analysis, finances and production capacity, in addition to providing pictures of their jewelry. 

Calls for entries for the 2023 Halstead Grant will begin in January. 

The Latest

Surveillance image of Macy’s jewelry thief
CrimeFeb 13, 2025
Macy’s Employee Foils $1.5M Jewelry Theft

The employee confronted the thief, causing the suspect to flee and leave behind the suitcases full of jewelry.

Namdia rough diamonds
SourcingFeb 13, 2025
Namibian Diamond Co. Suspends CEO, COO After Deadly Heist

Namib Desert Diamonds also put its security manager on leave following last month’s robbery that left one employee dead.

Royal Chain models in 14-karat gold fashion links
CollectionsFeb 13, 2025
Royal Chain Releases Its Spring 2025 Catalog

More than 400 new pieces are featured in the supplier’s latest catalog.

Top Image.png
Brought to you by
3 Ways to Capitalize on America’s Newfound Love of Colored Gems

Colored stones are stepping into a jewelry spotlight typically reserved for diamonds—are you ready to sell color?

Azra Mehdi pink sapphire ombré heart dog tag necklace in 14-karat rose gold
TrendsFeb 13, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Hearts for Valentine’s Day

This curation celebrates love with heart-shaped jewelry of all shapes and sizes.

Weekly QuizFeb 13, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Jewelers Relief Fund logo
Policies & IssuesFeb 13, 2025
Jewelers Relief Fund Reopened to Aid Victims of LA Fires

The fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.

3 natural diamond engagement rings by Marrow Fine, Stephanie Gottlieb, Single Stone, and Sylvie Jewelry
TrendsFeb 12, 2025
5 Engagement Ring Trends Expected to Rule 2025

From chunky bands to vintage diamond cuts and bezel settings, these are the trends experts are seeing take over the bridal market.

Resolutions - 2025.jpg
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers

The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.

Jean Prounis cushion-cut diamond engagement ring
EditorsFeb 12, 2025
Q&A: Marion Fasel on the History of Diamond Engagement Rings

Fasel discusses researching her new book, the most enduring engagement ring styles, and the diamond shape Taylor Swift will pick.

De Beers Jewellers Embrace Bracelet
CollectionsFeb 12, 2025
De Beers Jewellers’ New High Jewelry Pays Homage to the Beauty of Trees

The “Essence of Nature, Chapter One” collection echoes trees and roots, literally and figuratively, through three sets of high jewelry.

Shree Ramkrishna Exports (SRK) diamonds
SourcingFeb 12, 2025
SRK Announces Notable Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Late last year, the India-based diamond manufacturer recorded emissions per carat that are 34 percent lower than the industry average.

Peter Smith
ColumnistsFeb 12, 2025
Peter Smith: 9 Store Manager Archetypes

Smith details the types of store managers he’s encountered, with the goal of helping retailers find a person who’s a fit for their store.

myGemma showroom
TechnologyFeb 12, 2025
MyGemma Now Offers Consignment Service

The secondhand reseller stocks pre-owned designer jewelry and watches, along with other luxury goods.

 Ghirardelli Chocolocket
CollectionsFeb 12, 2025
Ghirardelli Is Slipping Chocolate Into a Locket This Valentine's Day

The limited-edition “Chocolocket” fits a mini square of Ghirardelli chocolate inside.

Police cars with lights on
CrimeFeb 11, 2025
2 Men Charged With Selling Stolen Jewelry, Watches in NYC Diamond District

One of the men is said to be connected to the South American crew charged with burglarizing Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow’s home.

Bulgari x MB&F Serpenti watch
WatchesFeb 11, 2025
Bulgari, MB&F Launch Reimagined ‘Serpenti’ Watch

The brands immersed one of Bulgari’s most famous historical icons in MB&F’s ultra-mechanical universe of haute horlogerie.

Boucheron Power of Couture campaign
FinancialsFeb 11, 2025
Boucheron a Bright Spot as Kering’s Full-Year Sales Sink 12%

The luxury titan’s full-year performance was weighed down by struggling sales at its star brand Gucci.

Midas Chain Diamond and Gemstone Jewelry
MajorsFeb 11, 2025
Midas Chain Releases First Diamond Collection

The jewelry manufacturer has launched more than 100 pieces made with natural diamonds.

Tacori Stilla ring
SurveysFeb 10, 2025
Jewelry Resilient in 2024 Even As Luxury Sales Slipped, Says Bain & Co.

Bain & Co.’s latest report on the luxury market examines why the market’s customer base is shrinking and how to appeal to consumers in 2025.

Counterfeit Cartier “Juste Un Clou” bracelet
CrimeFeb 10, 2025
Counterfeit Jewelry Kept Kentucky Customs Agents Busy in January, CBP Says

Officers in Louisville seized 28 shipments of fake jewelry and watches that would have been worth more than $27 million if genuine.

Hearts On Fire Inside Out Collection Bracelets
CollectionsFeb 10, 2025
Hearts on Fire Flips Jewelry ‘Inside Out’ in New Collection

The collection centers on the art of tailoring, inspired by designs that feature folded fabrics, such as a tuxedo lapel.

JW Marriott Hotel in Nashville Tennessee
Events & AwardsFeb 10, 2025
Select Jewelry Show Heads to Nashville

The trade show has added a new location to its fall line-up.

Jade Trau Ladybird Charm
CollectionsFeb 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jade Trau’s ‘Ladybird’ Charm

From the brand’s latest collection of lucky charms, the ladybird is seen as a bearer of good fortune and a ward against negative energy.

Rough diamonds from De Beers’ Gahcho Kue diamond mine in Canada
SourcingFeb 07, 2025
De Beers’ Production Guidance Slashed, Anglo Anticipates Another Writedown

The moves come amid a prolonged period of lower demand for diamonds, particularly in China.

Stuller Bench Jeweler Workshop
Events & AwardsFeb 07, 2025
Registration Opens for Stuller’s Bench Jeweler Workshop

The workshop returns in March, along with the “Battle of the Benches” mini challenge series.

Windsor Jewelry in Indianapolis, Indiana
IndependentsFeb 06, 2025
106-Year-Old Jewelry Store Saved by New Owners

Two attorneys purchased Windsor Jewelry, which was set to close, and will retain all existing staff at the downtown Indianapolis store.

Two images of Adam Heyman in Sri Lanka
MajorsFeb 06, 2025
Oscar Heyman Employee Celebrates 60 Years With the Company

Adam Heyman joined the family business in 1965, just weeks after graduating from Columbia Business School.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy