SourcingJun 21, 2024
Julius Klein Partners With WJA on New InternshipEvents & AwardsJul 15, 2024
Halstead Announces 2024 Grant Winner
Caitlin Albritton won the 19th annual Halstead Grant for emerging jewelry businesses.
Caitlin Albritton’s signature pieces are inlaid figures of women. Her collections also include stone inlay rings, pendants, cuffs, and earrings.
Prescott, Ariz.—Halstead has announced Caitlin Albritton as the winner of its 2024 Halstead Grant for new 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.
Related stories will be right here …
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.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Cast Closes Business, Plans for RelaunchThe jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.
IndependentsJul 01, 2025
Elie Hannoush, Founder of Hannoush Jewelers, Dies at 73He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Claire’s Is Looking for a Buyer, Report SaysThe jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
TrendsJul 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Red Hot RubiesWelcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.
Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJun 30, 2025
State Property’s New Jewelry Tells ‘The Story of Everything’Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.
ColumnistsJun 30, 2025
The Smart Lab: Why Q3 Is the Secret Weapon For Holiday Jewelry SalesThe best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
IndependentsJun 30, 2025
Melanie Grant’s New Book Explores 200 Years of Jewelry“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap RingThe 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers DownsizesRocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired JewelsThe “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 EventThe event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight ContinuesThe Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef JewelryAgents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus PerformersThe designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund RecipientsThe trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for EntriesThe organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local RetailerLori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CollectionThe “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.
