Events & AwardsOct 05, 2022
Steven Kaiser to Receive Posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award 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.
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 …
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.”
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.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
AuctionsMar 24, 2026
White Diamonds Shine In Christie's Jewels Online SaleThe highest-grossing lot was a Tiffany & Co. ring set with a flawless, emerald-cut diamond of 10 carats.
SourcingMar 24, 2026
AGTA Solidifies Tucson Dates For 2027-2029The next three editions of AGTA GemFair Tucson will feature a five-day show that includes Sunday.
WatchesMar 24, 2026
Christie’s Names New Senior Specialist, WatchesFormer Sotheby’s executive Tom Heap has taken on the London-based role.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
CrimeMar 23, 2026
NYPD Looking for 3 Jewelry Store Robbery SuspectsThe group of women allegedly robbed two Catbird stores and one Gorjana location on the afternoon of March 9.
Weekly QuizMar 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsMar 23, 2026
Movado’s Q4 Sales Rise As Demand Grows From Younger Shoppers, WomenMovado CEO Efraim Grinberg noted continued strength in the fashion watch and accessible luxury segments in the U.S.
TrendsMar 23, 2026
Marco Bicego’s New Campaign Showcases ‘The Art of Craft’After celebrating 25 years in 2025, the campaign marks a new chapter for the jewelry brand with the message that “Identity Creates Value.”
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
FinancialsMar 20, 2026
Macy’s Turnaround Plans Shows Promise, Boosted by Bloomingdale’sPlus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.
AuctionsMar 20, 2026
Sotheby's, De Beers Unveil ‘Jwaneng 28.88’ DiamondThe flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.
TrendsMar 20, 2026
‘Frankenstein’ Costume Designer Is Bejeweled In Brooches for Oscars WinCostume designer Kate Hawley wore three archival Tiffany & Co. brooches, our Pieces of the Week, while accepting her first Oscar.
FinancialsMar 19, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Close 100 Stores, Shutter James Allen BannerThe jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.
SurveysMar 19, 2026
NRF Forecasts 4% Retail Sales Growth in 2026From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.
AuctionsMar 19, 2026
26-Carat Diamond Tops $1M at AuctionThe historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.
Events & AwardsMar 19, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.
AuctionsMar 18, 2026
Collection of the ‘Severely Beautiful’ Lady Wardington Fetches $161KThe model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.
PodcastsMar 18, 2026
Episode 3: An Interview With Jewelry Designer Johnny NelsonFresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.
SourcingMar 18, 2026
Lucara Recovers Nearly 37-Carat Blue DiamondThe “stunning” Type IIb stone was found via x-ray technology at its Karowe mine in Botswana.
MajorsMar 18, 2026
Stuller Releases New Edition of Jewelry Education Book“The Basics of Jewelry” has been updated to include modern topics and visuals.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2026
The Best Moments From the 2026 Gem Awards Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.
SourcingMar 17, 2026
Cruzeiro Mine Debuts ‘Winter Tourmaline’The Brazilian mine’s new collection features cabochons in soft, muted shades like silver and lilac.
TrendsMar 17, 2026
Natalie Portman Is Tiffany & Co.’s New AmbassadorThe Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.
MajorsMar 17, 2026
Kering Establishes Jewelry Division, Appoints CEOThe organizational change follows Kering’s promise of a transformation after declining sales in 2025.
EditorsMar 16, 2026
2026 Oscars Jewelry: One Necklace After AnotherNatalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.
WatchesMar 16, 2026
TAG Heuer Has a New CEOBéatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.
IndependentsMar 16, 2026
Ben Bridge Debuts New Honolulu BoutiqueThe store features the first in-store build for the jeweler’s in-house “Bella Ponte” bridal brand.
AuctionsMar 16, 2026
Bonhams Paris To Offer Antique, Signed Jewels The live fine jewelry auction will take place later this week, showcasing antique pieces, rare gemstones, and signed jewels.
