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
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary CongressThe former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace AwardsThe employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.
Weekly QuizAug 27, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit JewelryThe package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
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.
IndependentsAug 27, 2026
Jessica McCormack to Open First West Coast StoreThe new location in Costa Mesa, California, marks the brand’s second store in the United States and fourth standalone location worldwide.
FinancialsAug 27, 2026
Movado’s Q2 Sales Up As Younger Consumers Take Interest in WatchesThe fashion watch category was once threatened by the Apple Watch, but consumers are now opting for new wearables, said Movado’s CEO.
SurveysAug 26, 2026
5 Jewelry Insights From The RealReal’s Resale ReportThe report delves into trending styles, the most popular jewelry brands by city, and why Belle Époque jewelry could be the next big thing.
Lab-GrownAug 26, 2026
AGTA Now Requiring Members to Call Lab-Grown Gems ‘Synthetic’The association added the requirement to its revised "Code of Ethics" and released the 17th edition of its “Gemstone Information Manual.”
SurveysAug 26, 2026
Consumer Confidence Dips in August Amid Anticipatory Anxieties Respondents were concerned about the future of the labor market and their income as well as the rising prices of gas and groceries.
TrendsAug 26, 2026
Boucheron’s New Campaign Celebrates Its ‘Question Mark’ NecklacesThe campaign highlights the asymmetrical high jewelry necklace style that the jeweler first created in 1879.
CrimeAug 25, 2026
Florida Woman Scammed Out of $1.5M in Jewelry, Precious MetalsTwo suspects have been arrested in connection with the complex phone scam.
ColumnistsAug 25, 2026
Proof Before Purchase: The Gen Z Way to BuyIn her first column for National Jeweler, Jennifer Shaheen asks jewelers if they know how to connect with the next generation of consumers.
TrendsAug 25, 2026
Brent Neale Celebrates Blackberry Farm’s Anniversary With JewelryThe jeweler partnered with the Tennessee resort to honor its 50th anniversary with limited-edition blackberry pendants and earrings.
EditorsAug 24, 2026
Q&A: Reeds Jewelers VP Genna Zimmer on 80 Years in BusinessThe third-generation jeweler shared how the North Carolina retailer is celebrating this milestone and the love story that started it all.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
Rio Grande, MetalWerx Host Argentium Silver WorkshopThe class, led by renowned metalsmith Cynthia Eid, highlighted Argentium silver as an alternative to gold amid high prices.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
JIS Miami Opens Fall 2026 RegistrationThe show is slated for Oct. 16-19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
CollectionsAug 24, 2026
Francesca Villa Honors Napoleon, His Empresses In New CapsuleThe “Empresses” capsule uses 19th-century medals depicting Napoleon, Joséphine, and Marie-Louise across five one-of-a-kind pieces.
SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRFThe retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMODaniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US OpenIn our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLindenThe industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
TechnologyAug 20, 2026
A New AI-Powered Gemstone Identification App Is HereFounder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.
AuctionsAug 20, 2026
Storied Unicorn Brooch Up for Auction Gallops to New Home The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.
