The report shows that couples are searching for vintage and antique rings, gold jewelry, pearls, and colorful pieces.
Maine Designer Wins 2018 Halstead Grant
Emily Shaffer Studio won the cash and jewelry supply prize for emerging designers who work primarily in silver.
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,
The Latest
He’s remembered as a “font of passion,” leaving behind a legacy of dedication to his craft and community.
The first one will take place next month during the Jewelers of Louisiana’s and Mississippi Jewelers Association’s conventions.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The redesigned boutique features interactive displays and a workshop space for hands-on learning about watchmaking.
There is a willingness to comply with new government-mandated regulations, with an insistence that they should be practical and realistic.
A combination of factors is driving growth in the industry despite the precipitous drop in prices across the board.
Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.
The zone’s modernization will enhance and increase India’s jewelry manufacturing capabilities while aiding small and mid-sized businesses.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
The company plans to invest $25 million in marketing initiatives to boost awareness around its namesake and licensed brands.
Optimism about the current state of the economy was offset by anxiety around inflation and the political environment.
The former WJA executive director is MFM’s new managing director.
DDG encourages retailers to educate customers on the positive impact of purchasing natural diamonds.
Highlighting the most iconic Tiffany collections, it’s inspired by the company’s late window designer, Gene Moore.
Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen explore how jewelers can save time and money by using AI to analyze engagement and create content.
The retailer previously turned down an $8.4 billion offer in 2018.
The Florida store’s owner Miguel Gonzalez is retiring.
The lab stresses the importance of accurate identification, as the difference in price is “substantial.”
The brand also plans to expand its retail footprint from 138 to 200 stores over the next three years.
Longtime employees Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice have received promotions.
Three guests joined National Jeweler and Jewelers of America to discuss trending time periods, spotting reproductions, and more.
Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere join the company with 50 years of combined experience.
The trendy, metallic earrings wink at classic spring colors.
JSA said a man and woman pulled the safe out of an Oakland jewelry store but couldn’t quite get it into their van.
The miner’s March auction generated $19 million.
Helen McCluskey will succeed H. Todd Stitzer when he meets his 12-year term limit in June.