TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
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,
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
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
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
Weekly QuizFeb 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
At Meeting in South Africa, Support for Natural Diamonds Picks Up Steam Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.
TrendsFeb 10, 2026
Bad Bunny Wears Football-Shaped ‘Desert Diamond’ for Halftime PerformanceLady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
SurveysFeb 10, 2026
Shoppers to Spend Big on Jewelry This Valentine’s Day, Says NRFJewelry is expected to be the No. 1 gift this year in terms of dollars spent.
FinancialsFeb 10, 2026
Kering Plans Transformation as 2025 Sales Sink 13%As star brand Gucci continues to struggle, the luxury titan plans to announce a new roadmap to return to growth.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
AGTA To Debut ‘Stuller Color of the Year’ Spectrum Awards CategoryThe new category asks entrants for “exceptional” interpretations of the supplier’s 2026 color of the year, which is “Signature Red.”
Policies & IssuesFeb 09, 2026
U.S., India Trade Deal One Step Closer to Being FinalizedThe White House issued an official statement on the deal, which will eliminate tariffs on loose natural diamonds and gemstones from India.
IndependentsFeb 09, 2026
James Free Jewelers Unveils Revamped FlagshipThe Ohio jeweler’s new layout features a curated collection of brand boutiques to promote storytelling and host in-store events.
TrendsFeb 09, 2026
These 14 Jewels Will Melt Your Heart This Valentine’s DayFrom heart motifs to pink pearls, Valentine’s Day is filled with jewelry imbued with love.
CrimeFeb 06, 2026
Florida Man Sentenced After Selling Fake Native American Jewelry for a Decade Prosecutors say the man attended arts and craft fairs claiming he was a third-generation jeweler who was a member of the Pueblo tribe.
FinancialsFeb 06, 2026
Pandora’s North America GM Departs Amid Executive ChangesNew CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier shared her priorities for the Danish jewelry company this year as part of its fourth-quarter results.
TrendsFeb 06, 2026
Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi Wear Matching Cece Jewellery Signet RingsOur Piece of the Week picks are these bespoke rings the “Wuthering Heights” stars have been spotted wearing during the film’s press tour.
MajorsFeb 05, 2026
Pandora to Begin Selling Platinum-Plated JewelryThe introduction of platinum plating will reduce its reliance on silver amid volatile price swings, said Pandora.
SourcingFeb 05, 2026
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2026, Anglo Mulls Another WritedownIt would be the third impairment charge in three years on De Beers Group, which continues to grapple with a “challenging” diamond market.
IndependentsFeb 05, 2026
Borsheims to Undergo Massive Renovation in the Spring The Omaha jewelry store’s multi-million-dollar renovation is scheduled to begin in mid-May and take about six months.
CollectionsFeb 05, 2026
Marco Bicego’s Amethyst Collection Travels to a Purple ParadiseThe “Paradise Amethyst” collection focuses on amethyst, pink tourmaline, garnet, and 18-karat yellow gold beads.
FinancialsFeb 05, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Reports Strong Holiday Results in Q3The retailer credited its Roberto Coin campaign, in part, for boosting its North America sales.
ColumnistsFeb 04, 2026
January Jewelry Sales: More Dollars Spent, Fewer Units Sold Sherry Smith unpacks independent retailers’ January performance and gives tips for navigating the slow-growth year ahead.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
What Designers Should Know About Saks Global’s BankruptcyFrom how to get an invoice paid to getting merchandise returned, JVC’s Sara Yood answers some complex questions.
TrendsFeb 04, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: February Birthstone BlissAmethyst, the birthstone for February, is a gemstone to watch this year with its rich purple hue and affordable price point.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
Marco Bicego Names New Global Marketing DirectorThe Italian jewelry company appointed Matteo Cuelli to the newly created role.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
Frederick Goldman Updates Leadership TeamThe manufacturer said the changes are designed to improve speed, reliability, innovation, and service.
