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.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeApr 16, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
Weekly QuizApr 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 BoardKalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to MontereyPresented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.
CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
Couture Announces New Show in MiamiThe jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.
CrimeApr 13, 2026
JSA Offers Reward in Oregon Jewelry Store Armed RobberyJSA is seeking information about the gunpoint robbery of a Kay Jewelers location in Oregon’s Washington Square Mall.
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
SourcingApr 09, 2026
AGA To Honor ‘Quiet Leadership’ With New AwardThe Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFOThe Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.
CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a QuestionThe “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.
