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
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
Weekly QuizFeb 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
At Meeting in South Africa, Support for Natural Diamonds Picks Up Steam Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.
TrendsFeb 10, 2026
Bad Bunny Wears Football-Shaped ‘Desert Diamond’ for Halftime PerformanceLady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.
SurveysFeb 10, 2026
Shoppers to Spend Big on Jewelry This Valentine’s Day, Says NRFJewelry is expected to be the No. 1 gift this year in terms of dollars spent.
FinancialsFeb 10, 2026
Kering Plans Transformation as 2025 Sales Sink 13%As star brand Gucci continues to struggle, the luxury titan plans to announce a new roadmap to return to growth.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
AGTA To Debut ‘Stuller Color of the Year’ Spectrum Awards CategoryThe new category asks entrants for “exceptional” interpretations of the supplier’s 2026 color of the year, which is “Signature Red.”
Policies & IssuesFeb 09, 2026
U.S., India Trade Deal One Step Closer to Being FinalizedThe White House issued an official statement on the deal, which will eliminate tariffs on loose natural diamonds and gemstones from India.
Events & AwardsFeb 09, 2026
JA Now Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsEntries for the jewelry design competition will be accepted through March 20.
IndependentsFeb 09, 2026
James Free Jewelers Unveils Revamped FlagshipThe Ohio jeweler’s new layout features a curated collection of brand boutiques to promote storytelling and host in-store events.
TrendsFeb 09, 2026
These 14 Jewels Will Melt Your Heart This Valentine’s DayFrom heart motifs to pink pearls, Valentine’s Day is filled with jewelry imbued with love.
CrimeFeb 06, 2026
Florida Man Sentenced After Selling Fake Native American Jewelry for a Decade Prosecutors say the man attended arts and craft fairs claiming he was a third-generation jeweler who was a member of the Pueblo tribe.
FinancialsFeb 06, 2026
Pandora’s North America GM Departs Amid Executive ChangesNew CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier shared her priorities for the Danish jewelry company this year as part of its fourth-quarter results.
TrendsFeb 06, 2026
Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi Wear Matching Cece Jewellery Signet RingsOur Piece of the Week picks are these bespoke rings the “Wuthering Heights” stars have been spotted wearing during the film’s press tour.
MajorsFeb 05, 2026
Pandora to Begin Selling Platinum-Plated JewelryThe introduction of platinum plating will reduce its reliance on silver amid volatile price swings, said Pandora.
SourcingFeb 05, 2026
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2026, Anglo Mulls Another WritedownIt would be the third impairment charge in three years on De Beers Group, which continues to grapple with a “challenging” diamond market.
