CollectionsJul 08, 2025
Mikimoto’s High Jewelry Collection Turns Pearls into PetalsThe “Les Pétales” collection imagines roses caught mid-bloom as a tribute to nature’s beauty.
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
ColumnistsJul 08, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Jewelers Struggle With Premium PricingLuxury brands charge thousands for their shoes and handbags. Jewelers pricing diamond products should take note, Peter Smith writes.
IndependentsJul 08, 2025
David Rotenberg of David Craig Jewelers Dies at 79Rotenberg was an active member of the American Gem Society and an accomplished appraiser who also worked with therapy dogs at a hospital.
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.
TechnologyJul 08, 2025
‘Diamond Divas’ Brings the Showroom to Social Media Reality SeriesIt follows New York-based brand Shahla Karimi Jewelry’s all-women team in “Say Yes to the Dress” meets “The Office”-style episodes.
Weekly QuizJul 02, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesJul 08, 2025
SMO Gold Launches New FoundationIn its inaugural year, the SMO Foundation will focus on supporting two organizations in West Africa and one in South America.
Policies & IssuesJul 07, 2025
Higher Tariffs Set to Take Effect Aug. 1, Officials SayThe announcement comes just as the 90-day freeze on the “reciprocal” tariffs nears its end, giving countries more time to negotiate.
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.
MajorsJul 07, 2025
Natural Diamond Council CEO David Kellie To Step DownKellie, who joined the organization in 2019, will remain in his role through the end of 2025.
CrimeJul 07, 2025
7 Suspects Charged in California Jewelry Store BurglaryPolice officers apprehended the suspects as they were allegedly attempting to gain entry into another jewelry store.
Supplier BulletinJul 03, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
MajorsJul 03, 2025
Brilliant Earth Names Tennis Star Madison Keys as Its New AmbassadorThe 2025 Australian Open champion is the jewelry brand’s first athlete ambassador.
MajorsJul 03, 2025
Muse Sets Up Shop in Nordstrom’s New Jewelry HallThe West Village jewelry boutique’s new shop-in-shop is the cornerstone of Nordstrom’s revamped jewelry hall.
SourcingJul 03, 2025
SRK Announces Its Natural Diamonds Are Now Carbon-NegativeThis past year, the manufacturer said it recorded below-zero emissions per carat of natural diamond.
CollectionsJul 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Firework of Diamonds From YepremThe brand’s “Golden Strada” statement necklace features round, marquise, and pear diamonds that sparkle like Fourth of July fireworks.
CrimeJul 03, 2025
JSA Shares Holiday Weekend Security Tips Amid Spike in BurglariesJSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Boucheron Looks to LA for First West Coast FlagshipLocated on Rodeo Drive, the store’s design was inspired by Hollywood and Los Angeles culture.
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Marco Bicego Opens Milan FlagshipThe new location continues the brand’s celebration of its 25th anniversary.
WatchesJul 02, 2025
Chrono24 Revamps Brand, Launches New CampaignThe online watch marketplace’s “Time Is Our Thing” campaign highlights the importance of time.
SourcingJul 02, 2025
Bernadette Mack Joins Gem Legacy as Executive DirectorShe will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of the Gem Legacy Campus in Tanzania.
CrimeJul 02, 2025
Pandora, Amazon Partner to Uncover Counterfeit Jewelry NetworkWorking with Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit and law enforcement, Pandora helped to shut down a large-scale counterfeit network in China.
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.
TrendsJul 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Red Hot RubiesWelcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.
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.
