CollectionsDec 20, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Ring for CharityIn the spirit of giving, Retrouvaí will donate $4,000 from the sale of this ring to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
Events & AwardsSep 24, 2018
Maine Designer Wins 2018 Halstead Grant
Emily Shaffer Studio won the cash and jewelry supply prize for emerging designers who work primarily in silver.
A design from Emily Shaffer Studio, winner of the 2018 Halstead Grant
Prescott, Ariz.—The 2018 Halstead Grant, created to support emerging silver jewelry designers, went to brand Emily Shaffer Studio.
Designer Emily Shaffer created her namesake line three years ago in Franklin, Maine, and will soon relocate to Ellsworth, Maine.
Shaffer has a B.F.A. in Crafts – Fine Metal Jewelry and B.S. in Art Education form Kutztown University. While attending, she was selected to be a student exhibitor at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Craft Show.
During the short span of her career, Shaffer has received the J. Allen Pawling Craft Memorial Award, was named an American Craft Week 30 Under 30 Rising Star and, last year, was selected as a top-five finalist for the Halstead Grant.
The grant entails a reward of $7,500 cash; $1,000 in jewelry supplies; a trip to Prescott, Arizona; publication on the cover and a feature spread inside of the grand publication Reveal; a profile and jewelry showcase in next year’s Halstead catalog; help with press; feedback from Halstead Grant judges; and a trophy.
“She has a gift for getting all the pieces of business to work together,” founder of the grant and Halstead President Hilary Halstead Scott said. “We were impressed with Emily’s sophisticated mix of marketing and strategy.”
Guest judge Michael David Sturlin added, “This year’s winner, Emily Shaffer, has a very compelling and marketable body of work supported by a well thought out business strategy and a realistic approach that is sure to propel her forward. I am excited to see her make the next big steps in her continuing success story.”
Shaffer’s designs are modern and minimalist, crafted in sterling silver and Argentium silver with a matte finish. Her work currently sells on her website and at retailers in Maine and Massachusetts.
The other finalists who comprised the top five in contention for the Halstead Grant were Stacy Rodgers Jewelry, Emma Elizabeth Jewelry, Lemak Inc. and VLM Jewelry. Each receive a $500 prize.
Rounding out the top ten and receiving a $250 prize are Sarah Zentz Jewelry, Tin Haus, Elana Jovero Jewelry, Lou Jewels and Alexandra Scarlett Jewelry.
The Halstead Grant launched in 2006, and in addition to helping start-up silver jewelry businesses through the aforementioned prizes, it also guides them through creating a business plan via the application process. Its goal is to help creatives succeed as entrepreneurs with clear goals and measurable steps to reach self-sufficiency.
In addition to Hilary Halstead and goldsmith Sturlin,
this year’s judges were Halstead founders Tom and Suzie Halstead and the company’s business development specialist, Kelli Vanyek Greene.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
IndependentsDec 19, 2024
Michigan’s DeVries Jewelers Unveils New Location in Time for the HolidaysCo-owner Dan DeVries shared what it’s like moving into a space triple the size of its old store and how it feels to be a “real jeweler” now.
CollectionsDec 19, 2024
State Property Transforms Spain’s Generalife Gardens into JewelryAlong with the latest “Gardens” collection, the brand has released limited-edition designs offering more indulgent pieces.
Brought to you by
De Beers Group Launches Holiday Campaign for Natural Diamonds‘Forever Present’ campaign revives the iconic A Diamond is Forever tagline and celebrates the diamond dream.
CrimeDec 19, 2024
Alleged Jewelry Thieves Attempt Rowboat EscapeThe man and woman are accused of stealing jewelry from a shipping container then trying to flee by paddling a small boat out into a bay.
Weekly QuizDec 19, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingDec 19, 2024
The Second-Largest Diamond Ever Found Now Has a Name The 2,488-carat diamond recovered from a mine in Botswana has been dubbed “Motswedi” while its 1,094-carat sibling is “Seriti.”
SourcingDec 19, 2024
Gemfields Reports Record Ruby Auction Results Despite Challenges at SourceThe average price per carat hit a record high for the miner, which said it remains unaffected by the conflict in Mozambique.
Brought to you by
Advocacy and Excellence: How Jewelers of America Is Committed to Elevating Our Industry For over a century, Jewelers of America has been the voice of the industry and valuable resource to jewelers across the country.
AuctionsDec 18, 2024
Alexandrite Ring Sells for Record-Setting $1.9M at Sotheby’sThe nearly 17-carat stone made history for the color-change gem that, according to the auction house, is experiencing a “notable surge” in the market.
WatchesDec 18, 2024
Historic Titanic Pocket Watch Winds Its Way Back to Tiffany & Co. More than a century after survivors gifted a Tiffany timepiece to the captain of the ship that rescued them, the jeweler has reclaimed it.
TechnologyDec 18, 2024
Picchiotti Utilizes AI in ‘Spotlight’ Video CampaignThe videos highlight how pieces from the “Xpandable” and “Reversible Xpandable” collections put the wearer in the spotlight.
IndependentsDec 18, 2024
Industry Veteran Steve Feldman Set to RetireFeldman reflected on 45 years in the jewelry industry and clarified that it’s not a total retirement.
SourcingDec 17, 2024
Frank Circelli, Founder of Gem Shopping Network, Dies at 75Circelli was a pioneer in the world of TV shopping who is remembered for his passion for gemstones and his big personality.
AuctionsDec 17, 2024
Blue Diamond Fetches $8.8M at Christie’sThe nearly 6-carat stone headlined the recent jewelry auction, which also featured Mica Ertegun’s jewelry.
CrimeDec 17, 2024
‘Black Bin Crew’ Robbers Get 14-16 Years in Prison The three men, who got their nickname because they’d toss the jewelry they stole into black plastic bins, were arrested back in August.
TrendsDec 16, 2024
Marion Fasel’s New Book Delves Into the History of Engagement Rings“The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance” is a 128-page small-format book containing more than 165 images.
WatchesDec 16, 2024
Take a Look Inside the New Rolex Boutique on Rodeo DriveGearys opened a 6,200-square-foot Rolex store with a design that pays homage to the brand’s connection to the ocean.
GradingDec 16, 2024
GCAL By Sarine Expands 8X to 2 More Fancy Shapes The diamond cut grade is now available for marquise- and pear-shaped diamonds.
SourcingDec 16, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces 2025 Award RecipientsDDG said the honorees’ business practices embody a commitment to positive social impact, industry innovation, and community empowerment.
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Selena Gomez Said ‘Forever Begins Now’ to Marquise Diamond Engagement RingEstimates on the size and value of the solitaire diamond, which is mounted on a diamond pavé-set yellow gold band, vary.
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Piece of the Week: Martin Katz’s Tanzanite Drops These half-moon tanzanite earrings totaling 25 carats are part of a special trunk show taking place this weekend in Dallas.
Recorded WebinarsDec 13, 2024
Watch: The Highs and Lows of 2024The National Jeweler editors recap the top news, the best jewels, and their favorite stories of the year.
AuctionsDec 12, 2024
Tom Brady’s Watches Top $4M at Sotheby’s AuctionThe highest-grossing lot of the sale was the retired QB’s Rolex Paul Newman Daytona “John Player Special.”
SourcingDec 12, 2024
Grizzly Emerald Auction Garners $22.4MRecent expansion initiatives at the Zambian emerald mine have shown strong production numbers, said Grizzly founder Abdoulaye Ndiaye.
MajorsDec 12, 2024
Mark Henry Appoints New Director of SalesCarrie Forman joins the brand to guide it into the next phase of growth with major and independent retailers in the U.S. and abroad.
SourcingDec 12, 2024
De Beers Announces 2024 ‘Shining Light’ Award WinnersThe competition awarded 12 designers, each from a country where De Beers recovers diamonds, with business support and tuition assistance.
CollectionsDec 12, 2024
The Jared Atelier x Vera Wang Collection Emphasizes EleganceThe high jewelry collection features 14 one-of-a-kind pieces, with serpent and ribbon motifs winding their way through the collection.
