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
Estimates on the size and value of the solitaire diamond, which is mounted on a diamond pavé-set yellow gold band, vary.
These half-moon tanzanite earrings totaling 25 carats are part of a special trunk show taking place this weekend in Dallas.
The National Jeweler editors recap the top news, the best jewels, and their favorite stories of the year.
For over a century, Jewelers of America has been the voice of the industry and valuable resource to jewelers across the country.
The highest-grossing lot of the sale was the retired QB’s Rolex Paul Newman Daytona “John Player Special.”
Recent expansion initiatives at the Zambian emerald mine have shown strong production numbers, said Grizzly founder Abdoulaye Ndiaye.
Carrie Forman joins the brand to guide it into the next phase of growth with major and independent retailers in the U.S. and abroad.
While no reputable jeweler would knowingly sell lab-grown stones as natural, it's a growing possibility.
The competition awarded 12 designers, each from a country where De Beers recovers diamonds, with business support and tuition assistance.
The high jewelry collection features 14 one-of-a-kind pieces, with serpent and ribbon motifs winding their way through the collection.
A federal judge gave Benjamin Preacher 59 days in jail, plus 10 months of home confinement and two years of supervised release.
In a CNBC interview, CEO Tehmasp Printer discussed the IPO in India and what declining lab-grown diamond prices mean for the company.
The offering included vintage Rolexes, timepieces worn in “Titanic,” Steve McQueen's watch, and a special Citizen pocket watch.
The 13-piece “Stephanie Gottlieb x Studs” collection is the piercing studio’s first fine jewelry offering to feature the gemstone.
The Brazilian jewelry brand made a home on New York City’s Madison Avenue with exclusive pieces only available at the location.
An Adobe Analytics report explored the rise in mobile shopping, the popularity of Buy Now Pay Later options, and peak shopping hours.
“Ray Griffiths: The Works” tells the story of the master jeweler’s career, which started with an apprenticeship in Australia at age 15.
Davis is the director of business development at Select Jewelry Inc., and Mobley is the jewelry and watch editor at the Natural Diamond Council.
The retailer has been upping its marketing spend to drive revenue growth and brand awareness.
Mike Straub and John Treiber opened Treiber & Straub in 1980 with the goal of bringing Milwaukeeans the best jewelry brands.
The color for 2025, “Mocha Mousse,” embodies thoughtful indulgences and everyday pleasures.
The Yoruba word for ant, “Kokoro” embodies the strength of womanhood in ant society while highlighting responsible sourcing.
The retailer’s jewelry sales doubled, with branded jewelry performing especially well.
The jewelry retailer addressed the lab-grown diamond “disruption,” the price of gold, and its holiday weekend performance.
A more positive view of the current labor market boosted the Conference Board’s index last month.
The director of the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) will be honored for his impact on gemology and dedication to advancing the science.
Sponsored by 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson