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
The grading lab said the search for her successor is underway.
In this special op-ed, designer Jules Kim calls on big brands to collaborate with independent creators instead of copying their designs.
Several jewelry designers are lending a helping hand to charities in Los Angeles amid the raging wildfires.
The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
A pioneering figure in gemology, he is remembered for his spirit of generosity, curiosity, and joy.
The peak selling days leading up to Christmas did not meet the jewelry retailer’s expectations.
Schneider brings over 20 years of luxury and fashion industry experience to his role as a key member of the brand’s global leadership team.
A Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
Gemfields said the Zambian government revoked the 2019 suspension of the tax with no warning.
With versions in 18-karat gold and platinum, the wearables company is blending health technology and fine jewelry.
The executive brings more than two decades of industry experience to the role.
The New York City-based retailer is bringing its curation of jewels to a pop-up shop at Love Binetti in Palm Beach, Florida.
Created by JA and DCA, the fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.
Adrien Brody received his first Golden Globe while wearing the “Mozi” brooch, which depicts a spill of traditional Chinese calligraphy ink.
The pair will work together to support independent retailers in India with marketing assets, training materials, and other tools.
Officers in Champlain, New York valued the jewels, if genuine, at nearly $30,000.
The “Moonlight Rhapsody” collection is overflowing with gemstones, from raw opal to morganite and spessartite.
The artist collaborated with industry creatives on the project, which features five fictional stories and five corresponding paintings.
Nine jewelers donated jewels for a raffle to support the Children’s Hospital Foundation at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Miss Piggy shared her thoughts on being fabulous, the importance of accessories, and how to be your own cheerleader.
“Promise by Effy” includes fashion jewelry and engagement rings.
The Texas-based jeweler is closing all three locations.
Zendaya’s ring, featuring an east-west set elongated cushion-cut diamond, is said to be from British designer Jessica McCormack.
Micro-influencers, customer reviews, and shoppable videos are going to be key to getting customers’ attention, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Garnet is comprised of a group of minerals, giving those with a birthday in January options when it comes to their birthstone.
The annual award, created in memory of business coach William “Wag” Wagner, went to a retailer in Fairfax, Virginia.
Retailers and vendors can ask customers to make a donation by rounding up to the next dollar at checkout.