Events & AwardsJul 13, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
Halstead Names 2026 Grant Winner
Enoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, is the first Native American jeweler to win the award.
This year’s Halstead Grant winner Enoch Platero primarily works in sterling silver and turquoise to create jewelry that blends traditional and contemporary Navajo silversmithing.
Prescott, Ariz.—Enoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, has won the 2026 Halstead Grant for new jewelry businesses.
Platero, the first Native American jeweler to win the award, will receive a $7,500 cash grant, $1,000 in jewelry supplies, a trip to Prescott, Arizona, a detailed feedback report from the judging committee, and a signature trophy.
He was also a finalist for the 2025 Halstead Grant.
The grant, in its 21st year, is an annual award for emerging silver jewelry artists. To be considered, applicants must submit business details including marketing, competitive analysis, finances, and production capacity.
The experience is designed to help jewelry entrepreneurs create a strategy to kick-start their careers.
Related stories will be right here …
Platero, the first Native American jeweler to win the award, will receive a $7,500 cash grant, $1,000 in jewelry supplies, a trip to Prescott, Arizona, a detailed feedback report from the judging committee, and a signature trophy.
He was also a finalist for the 2025 Halstead Grant.
The grant, in its 21st year, is an annual award for emerging silver jewelry artists. To be considered, applicants must submit business details including marketing, competitive analysis, finances, and production capacity.
The experience is designed to help jewelry entrepreneurs create a strategy to kick-start their careers.
Based in Utah, Platero primarily uses sterling silver and turquoise to create jewelry that blends traditional and contemporary Navajo silversmithing.
He is an alum of the University of New Mexico and the University of Utah Center for Lifelong Learning.
Platero discovered jewelry making through searching for a creative outlet, and his hobby quickly turned into a business, the grant program said.
His goal is to make jewelry that lasts, feels grounded, and lets the wearer bring their own meaning to it.
He creates every piece by hand with a focus on structure, symmetry, and balance.
His pieces typically range from $500-$1,500, with options for larger statement pieces.
The artist also exhibits in a variety of shows and teaches workshops throughout the southwest region.
“Over 21 years of awarding grants, we have recognized a broad range of silversmithing styles. This is our first award to a traditional Native American jewelry artist. We are proud to honor Enoch Michael’s accomplishments and enormous potential,” said Halstead Grant founder and Halstead President Hilary Halstead Scott.
Platero commented, “This grant marks an important step for Enoch Michael, validating the discipline behind the business and the standards guiding the jewelry. I am grateful for Halstead’s recognition and for the confidence they have placed in its future.”
The Halstead Grant also awarded finalist prizes of $1,000 cash and $250 in jewelry supplies to Abigail Leaventon Jewelry, Cassidy Kaufman Jewelry, and Solaris Forge.
The 2027 Halstead Grant application is now available online.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOsFormer Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in EthiopiaThe labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry CollectionThe “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary CongressThe former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace AwardsThe employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit JewelryThe package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
IndependentsAug 27, 2026
Jessica McCormack to Open First West Coast StoreThe new location in Costa Mesa, California, marks the brand’s second store in the United States and fourth standalone location worldwide.
