Trends

This LA-Based Jewelry Designer Won the 2020 Halstead Grant

TrendsOct 02, 2020

This LA-Based Jewelry Designer Won the 2020 Halstead Grant

Tin Haus’ Christina Fandino, a grant finalist two years ago, will receive cash, jewelry supplies, features in Halstead’s publications and more.

20201002_Tin-Haus-header.jpg
The Tin Haus “Venom Snake Chain Necklace” is made with fine silver, sterling silver, 14-karat yellow gold and 0.06 total carats of diamonds ($2,318). (Photo credit: Christina Grace)

Prescott, Ariz.—The 2020 Halstead Grant has been awarded to Christina Fandino, founder of Los Angeles-based jewelry brand Tin Haus.

Created in 2006, the annual grant to new jewelry businesses is based on jewelry design and business prowess, Halstead said. Questions on the grant application cover a business plan including marketing, competitive analysis, finances and production capacity.

This year’s judging committee included Halstead President Hilary Halstead Scott, Halstead Marketing and Creative Manager Kelli Vanyek Greene, and guest judge Sarah Rachel Brown, an adornment artist in Philadelphia behind the “Perceived Value” podcast looking at how artists earn a living.

Tin Haus’ Fandino will receive a $7,500 cash grant, $1,000 in jewelry supplies, a trip to Halstead in Prescott, Arizona, features in Halstead print publications, a detailed feedback report from the judging committee and a signature trophy.

Tin Haus designs are inspired by abstract art, nature, ancient cultures, social causes and the spirit of everyday people.


Tin Haus designer Christina Fandino (Photo credit: Angela Shin)All pieces are handcrafted in Los Angeles using traditional jewelry fabrication techniques and raw, recycled 14-karat and 18-karat gold as well as .999 and .925 sterling silver.

Tin Haus jewelry is available online at Tin-Haus.com and through select stockists in California and London.

The brand was a grant finalist in 2018, with this year’s judges noting the significant progress the designer has made in the past two years.

“Christina nailed it. She represents the best of both jewelry collection artistry and strategic planning,” Halstead President Scott said. “It’s exciting to see participants leverage the grant experience into business results. This program is about so much more than winning an award.”

The Halstead Grant also recognizes two tiers of strong entries as finalists, who receive $500, and semi-finalists, who get $250.

In no particular order, the finalists are: S. Howell Studios, Avery Lee Design, Littlest Fish Designs and Thimbles for You.

And the semi-finalists are: Mind’s Eye Collective, Angely Martinez Jewelry, LEO Handcrafted, C. Albritton Designs and SPYLXN.

Halstead said next year it will add the Halstead Business Plan Toolkit to the grant.

The company also announced the January 2021 Jewelry Business Forum, a digital conference designed to help jewelers grow their businesses and adapt to the changing jewelry market.

Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Vera Wang Love lab grown diamond engagement ring
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price Points

The retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.

Briony Raymond holding Briony Raymond Eau De Parfum
CollectionsDec 02, 2025
Briony Raymond Introduces First Fragrance

The eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.

The Finsch diamond mine in South Africa, owned by Petra Diamonds Ltd.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Petra Diamonds Elevates Interim CEOs to Permanent Status

Vivek Gadodia and Juan Kemp, who’ve been serving as interim co-CEOs since February, will continue to lead the diamond mining company.

Recipients Collage 2025 - NJ (1872 x 1050 px) (1872 x 1052 px).png
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow Today

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Lee Krombholz, Michael Coan, Donna DeLucia, Joanna Joy Seetoo
MajorsDec 02, 2025
Lee Krombholz Takes Over as Chair of MJSA Education Foundation

In addition, a slate of new officers and trustees were appointed to the board.

Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Retail Jewelers Organization logo
IndependentsDec 02, 2025
RJO Welcomes Its 1,200th Retail Member

Witt’s Jewelry in Wayne, Nebraska, is the organization’s new milestone member.

Gemologist, geologist, and editor Brendan M. Laurs
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Brendan Laurs Honored With 2025 Bonanno Award

Laurs is the editor-in-chief of Gem-A’s The Journal of Gemmology and an expert on the formation of colored gemstone deposits.

roseco-catalog.png
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line Catalog

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

Empress Eugénie pearl and diamond tiara
CrimeDec 01, 2025
Fourth Man Charged in Louvre Jewelry Heist

The man, who has a criminal history, is suspected of being the fourth member of the four-man crew that carried out the heist.

Van Cleef & Arpels zipper necklace Christies
AuctionsDec 01, 2025
Christie’s Presents ‘Splendor & Style’ Collection

The single-owner collection includes one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction, said Christie’s.

Lustig Jewelers employees in store
IndependentsDec 01, 2025
Lustig Jewelers’ New Owner Is a Fellow Chicago Jeweler

Michael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.

Retrouvaí Classic Diamond Domino Necklace and Kwait Entwine Platinum and Diamond Drop Earrings
MajorsDec 01, 2025
PGI Debuts Platinum-Filled Holiday Gift Guide

The guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.

Movado Connect 2.0 watches
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury Watches

During its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.

Greenwich St. Jewelers Embrace Your True Colors Holiday Campaign
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday Campaign

The “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.

Alejandro Cuellar
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the Americas

Luxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.

Grandview Klein scholarships
Events & AwardsNov 26, 2025
Grandview Klein Presents 4 Scholarships in Namibia

The company gave awards to four students at the Namibia University of Science & Technology, including one who is a Grandview Klein employee.

Margaret “Maggie” Hoisik
IndependentsNov 25, 2025
Pearl Stringer Margaret Hoisik Dies

She is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.

Finestar manufacturing
SourcingNov 25, 2025
Finestar Opens Diamond Manufacturing Facility in Johannesburg

It joins the company’s other manufacturing facilities globally, including in India, Botswana, and Namibia.

Stock image of gavel and books
CrimeNov 25, 2025
Former Arizona AG Official Charged With Trafficking Stolen Jewelry

Vanessa Hickman, 49, allegedly sold a diamond bracelet that was mistakenly sent to her home.

GIA executives John Koivula, Kathryn Kimmel, Susan Jacques, Tom Moses, Alice Keller, James E. Shigley
Events & AwardsNov 25, 2025
GIA Awards Susan Jacques With Its Highest Honor

GIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.

20251124_MNQ social media etiquette header.jpg
Recorded WebinarsNov 24, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Social Media Etiquette

Social media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.

Breitling house of brands
WatchesNov 24, 2025
Breitling Reveals Plans for Gallet, Universal Genève

In 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.

Cynthia Erivo in Muse’s Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo Collection
CollectionsNov 24, 2025
Muse Debuts a Wicked 'Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo' Sequel

The second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.

J.R. Dunn Jewelers employees
IndependentsNov 24, 2025
J.R. Dunn Jewelers Names New President

Second-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.

Amber Pepper
MajorsNov 21, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Names New CEO

Amber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.

Origin De Beers Group logo
SourcingNov 21, 2025
De Beers’ Branded, Traceable Diamonds Roll Out to 19 Retailers

Called “Origin by De Beers Group,” the loose, polished diamonds are being sold in a total of 30 stores in the United States and Canada.

Melissa Kaye Rocky Infinity Emerald Necklace
CollectionsNov 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Melissa Kaye’s ‘Rocky Infinity’ Necklace

The lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy