Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.
Halstead Announces Call for 2021 Grant Entries
The bead company awards cash and supplies annually to a new jewelry business.
The Arizona-based bead company is accepting entries for its 2021 Halstead Grant, which awards a design company in the first five years of business $7,500 cash and $1,000 in jewelry supplies.
The winner will also receive a commemorative trophy, a trip to headquarters in Prescott, Arizona, feedback from the judging committee, and features in Halstead print publications.
The grant’s purpose, and even the process by which applicants apply, is meant to nurture young companies’ business acumen.
The application process does much of the legwork in creating a business plan. Its 22 questions involve discussing an applicant’s collection as well as determining business expenses for the month and year.
This year’s judging committee includes Halstead President Hilary Halstead Scott, who founded the Halstead Grant in 2006, Halstead Marketing and Creative Manager Kellie Greene, Halstead Director of Finance Brad Scott, and guest judge Robin Kramer of Red Boot Consulting and Flourish & Thrive.
Kramer’s specialty is helping jewelers take their collections to market.
Kramer said, “I am beyond honored to be this year's Halstead Grant guest judge. I have personally seen the difference the grant has made in designers' lives. Applying alone can be transformative and winning is a game changer.”
In addition to answering a range of questions, designers will submit a portfolio. Their line should include significant silver elements.
Applicants must intend to pursue their jewelry career full time and have started their company after Jan. 1, 2016.
Applications must be postmarked by Aug. 1, 2021 and are available online.
The Latest

Diamonds are not only one of the most prominent gemstones, but the birthstone for those born in April.

The Utah-based company known for making wedding bands has acquired Doubloon Golf.

Bench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.

The longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.


Authorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.

Lotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

The ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.

The Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.

However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.

The Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.

The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.

The “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.

Alex Wellen, formerly CEO and president of MotorTrend Group, has taken on the role.

The Impact Initiative is part of the nonprofit association’s new three-year strategic plan.

The ruby and the sapphire, which Christie’s calls a “once-in-a-generation masterpiece,” are part of the upcoming Hong Kong jewelry auction.

The two pairs of earrings, snatched from a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida, are valued at a combined $769,500.

The time to start experimenting with video content is now, writes columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

From striking high jewelry to miniature fine jewelry, the new chapter continues to highlight gemstones featuring its signature 57-facet cut.

The jewelry giant is reducing its senior leadership by 30 percent as part of its new turnaround strategy.

The auction house's partnership with online watch servicing platform WatchCheck makes repairs convenient and accessible, it said.

The company also noted record sales in the United States and a strong performance in its jewelry category.

The event, set for June 13-15, will feature educational presentations and guided visits to the state’s sapphire mines.

After the black enamel band became a best-seller for the brand, it has now launched an enamel ring personalization program.

The rapper and singer-songwriter will perform at Tao Beach on June 8.

“Conversations with Chris Ploof” covers tips for men buying wedding bands, behind-the-scenes footage of Ploof in his studio, and more.