Halstead Announces 2024 Grant Winner
Caitlin Albritton won the 19th annual Halstead Grant for emerging jewelry businesses.

The annual grant, now in its 19th year, is awarded to jewelry businesses in their first five years, chosen based on jewelry design and business prowess.
As this year’s winner, Albritton will receive a $7,500 cash grant, $1,000 in jewelry supplies, a trip to Halstead’s home base of Prescott, Arizona, a feedback report from the judging committee, and a trophy.
“Winning the Halstead Grant is huge for my jewelry business, allowing me to get in front of my target audience at out-of-state art shows and galleries,” said Albritton.
“I’m so grateful to have Halstead’s support both monetarily and with helpful feedback to keep improving as a small business owner.”
Albritton, who has been an artist since childhood, has a bachelor’s of fine arts in painting from Savannah College of Art and Design and a master’s of fine art in studio art from Maryland Institute College of Art.
In 2020, she began selling her stone inlay pieces.
Through her work, Albritton “aims to inspire a feminine power like water: soft and gentle, yet able to shape stones,” said the organization.
Her signature inlays of women’s figures utilize body language, color, and stone symbolism to portray autonomy.
“Caitlin’s collection of inlay jewelry marries traditional techniques with contemporary designs and color palettes,” said Hilary Halstead Scott, grant founder and president of Halstead.
“She puts so much work and heart into this business. She is a fantastic role model for creative entrepreneurs.”
Since starting her business, Albritton has won multiple art fair awards and grants, including being a finalist for the Halstead Grant in 2020 and 2022.
The finalists for the 2024 Halstead Grant were Niki Leist, Wyncie Evelyn Design Co., and Novaura Jewelry.
They were awarded a $1,000 cash grant and $250 in jewelry supplies.
The 2025 Halstead Grant application is now open.
Applicants must submit jewelry portfolio photos and answer questions about a business plan that includes marketing, competitive analysis, finances, and production capacity.
To apply, visit the Halstead website.
The application window closes May 1, 2025.
The Latest

From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.

The big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.

Marie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.


Ilana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.

It was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

The approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.

The men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.

The bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.

The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.

The industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.

Inspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.

The company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.

The jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.

Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”

Those born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.

The platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.

Jim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.

When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.

The “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.

The jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.

Up for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.

The Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.

The organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.

Saks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
























