Events & AwardsJun 29, 2023
AGA Opens Entry Period for Bonanno Award NominationsEvents & AwardsJul 10, 2023
Halstead Grant Names 2023 Winner
S. Howell Studio took home the prize in the supplier’s 18th annual contest.
Stephanie Howell, the designer behind Wyoming-based S. Howell Studios, is the winner of the 2023 Halstead Grant, taking home a $7,500 cash grant and $1,000 in jewelry supplies, among other prizes.
Prescott, Ariz.— Stephanie Howell of nature-inspired jewelry brand S. Howell Studios is the winner of the 18th annual Halstead Grant for Emerging Jewelers, the bead supplier announced last week.
Howell will receive a $7,500 cash grant, $1,000 in jewelry supplies, a trophy, and a trip to Halstead’s headquarters in Prescott, Arizona.
She will also take home a feedback report from the judging committee.
It was during a jewelry class at Middlesex Community College that Howell said she, “became enthralled with the fluidity, malleability and permanence of metalsmithing.”
She graduated from Southern Connecticut State University in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in Studio Art. In 2019, Howell founded S. Howell Studios in Moran, Wyoming, home to the Teton Range, where she takes much of her inspiration.
Her latest collection combines mountain motifs with grandidierite stones, a rare teal-hued mineral.
Howell’s jewelry starts at $25 and is priced up to $1,250 for custom and limited-edition pieces. All her pieces are made and packaged with a focus on sustainable practices.
“I am incredibly honored and proud to be this year’s recipient of the Halstead Grant. The rigorous application process pushed me to continually improve and seek guidance, ultimately propelling me towards success and affirming the value of perseverance and professional development in the early stages of my business,” Howell said.
“Winning the grant has provided me with invaluable resources and support, empowering me with a renewed sense of confidence in my entrepreneurial journey.”
Related stories will be right here …
Howell will receive a $7,500 cash grant, $1,000 in jewelry supplies, a trophy, and a trip to Halstead’s headquarters in Prescott, Arizona.
She will also take home a feedback report from the judging committee.
It was during a jewelry class at Middlesex Community College that Howell said she, “became enthralled with the fluidity, malleability and permanence of metalsmithing.”
She graduated from Southern Connecticut State University in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in Studio Art. In 2019, Howell founded S. Howell Studios in Moran, Wyoming, home to the Teton Range, where she takes much of her inspiration.
Her latest collection combines mountain motifs with grandidierite stones, a rare teal-hued mineral.
Howell’s jewelry starts at $25 and is priced up to $1,250 for custom and limited-edition pieces. All her pieces are made and packaged with a focus on sustainable practices.
“I am incredibly honored and proud to be this year’s recipient of the Halstead Grant. The rigorous application process pushed me to continually improve and seek guidance, ultimately propelling me towards success and affirming the value of perseverance and professional development in the early stages of my business,” Howell said.
“Winning the grant has provided me with invaluable resources and support, empowering me with a renewed sense of confidence in my entrepreneurial journey.”
The Halstead Grant began in 2006 to help emerging designers craft business plans, which is part of the application process. It provides resources for entrepreneurs to set goals and plan clear steps toward creating self-sufficient businesses.
The application process encourages applicants—all in their first five years of business—to strategize for entrepreneurship, touching on marketing, competitive analysis, finances, and production capacity.
Winners are decided on the basis of design and “business prowess.”
“Stephanie presented a plan for authentic artistic expression and financial independence,” said grant founder and Halstead President Hilary Halstead Scott.
“She is proof that ‘artrepreneurs’ can excel creatively and earn a good living in the field. She is an example of hard work and dedication. She elevates nature jewelry to new heights.”
In addition to Halstead Scott, this year’s judging committee consisted of Halstead Director of Finance Brad Scott, Halstead Marketing and Creative Manager Kelli Vanyek Greene, Halstead Studio Coordinator Sylvie Alusitz, and guest judge Michelle Moyer—owner of KP Studio in Phoenix, Arizona and the designer of Michelle Haumont Jewelry.
The 2023 Halstead Grant finalists are Allison Alane Jewelry, Kate Dannenberg Handmade, and Silver Borders. Each received $1,000 cash and $500 in jewelry supplies from Halstead, a change from last year’s three finalist prizes of $500 and six semi-finalist prizes of $250.
Pictured above is jewelry from the 2023 Halstead Grant finalists: Allison Alane Jewelry, Kate Dannenberg Handmade, and Silver Borders.
Last year’s winner was Ope Omojola, designer of Octave Jewelry.
The 2024 application is now available with a May 1 deadline.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
TrendsJul 31, 2026
These Pieces of the Week Are Sweet Edina Kiss’ “Popsicle” pendant and Karina Choudhrie’s “Ice Cream” charm satisfy that summer craving for a sweet piece of jewelry.
MajorsJul 31, 2026
Macy’s Iconic Red Shopping Bag Sign Torn DownThe massive billboard has been in the same spot on the department store’s Herald Square flagship store for decades.
SourcingJul 31, 2026
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Jumps 72%The miner’s ruby and emerald auctions brought in a combined $102.9 million.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
SourcingJul 30, 2026
De Beers Sale in ‘Final, Most Challenging’ Phase, Anglo CEO SaysThe goal is for the De Beers sale to be finished by the second half of 2026, with the subsequent approvals process expected to take a year.
Weekly QuizJul 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2026
JA Heads Back to Washington as New Wave of Tariffs Takes Effect David Bonaparte, along with Tim Haake and Ronnie VanderLinden, continue to lobby for tariff exemptions for diamonds, gemstones, and pearls.
SurveysJul 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Slips in JulySurvey respondents were concerned about the rising prices of food and groceries as well as unemployment.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
EditorsJul 29, 2026
Q&A: The Past and Future of Angola’s Diamond Industry Endiama Commercial Director Elton Escrivão knows people have a lot of misperceptions about Angola. He wants to change that.
MajorsJul 29, 2026
Kevin Reilly Retires After 39 Years in the Jewelry Industry Reilly has been with PGI USA for the last 20 years, leading partnership development and professional education.
FinancialsJul 29, 2026
Kering’s H1 Jewelry Sales Up 14%Boucheron reached record sales while Pomellato found success in its signature collections.
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2026
Lauren Harwell Godfrey Designs a Flag for ArkansasShe was one of more than 120 American designers who created flags for the “United Flags of Fashion” project led by CFDA and Vogue.
ColumnistsJul 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Why Your Job Postings May Be Working Against You Smith reveals the method The Retail Smiths use to help retailers and vendors write better job postings.
FinancialsJul 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Lead the Way for LVMH in H1LVMH’s jewelry and watch brands outperformed the company’s other divisions in an environment the company described as “disrupted.”
CollectionsJul 28, 2026
Lionheart’s New Collection Unites Spiritual Iconography“Sacred Heart” features symbols like crosses, angel wings, the Star of David, and the evil eye as a representation of coexistence.
Events & AwardsJul 28, 2026
The Edge Funding 2 Scholarships Via 24 Karat Club SEUS The scholarships will go to early-career professionals looking to study gemology, bench work and jewelry design, or store operations.
SurveysJul 27, 2026
Jewelry Leads Luxury Market Amid Stabilization, Bain SaysBain & Company delved into the trends shaping the luxury market, the impact of AI, and more in its recent study.
SourcingJul 27, 2026
‘Rubies’ Goes on Display at Harvard MuseumThe exhibition reveals the gemology, geology, and cultural history of the iconic red gemstone.
Policies & IssuesJul 24, 2026
New Trump Tariffs: What They Mean for Jewelry The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ode to ‘The Odyssey’From coin pendants to diamond shields, these old world-inspired jewels are the perfect accessory for an epic journey.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Courtney Leidy’s Silk Cord Pendants Center Unexpected Pairings Our Piece of the Week pairs a checkerboard-cut amethyst with an ivy green silk cord.
PodcastsJul 23, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of RelationshipsMildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.
SourcingJul 23, 2026
De Beers’ Production Jumps 88 Percent in Q2 Production also was up in the first half of 2026 but is expected to “substantially” decrease in H2 as two key mines undergo maintenance.
CollectionsJul 23, 2026
Silvia Furmanovich’s New Collection Travels Back to the 1920s“Art Deco” fuses ancestral techniques, rare materials, and modern perspectives as a tribute to the optimism and curiosity of the movement.
IndependentsJul 23, 2026
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens Casino StoreThe jeweler’s newest store is inside Arkansas’ Saracen Casino Resort.
WatchesJul 23, 2026
Movado Inks Licensing Deal With Kate Spade New YorkThe watch company will design, manufacture, and distribute Kate Spade New York watches.
Policies & IssuesJul 22, 2026
Trump to Put 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods The higher tax is set to go into effect in August and will apply to loose polished diamonds as well as precious and base metals jewelry.
