The announcement coincided with its full-year results, with growth driven by its jewelry brands.
Pennsylvania designer named grant winner
Samantha Skelton, who used her training as a metal sculpture artist to propel her jewelry business, is the winner of the 10th annual Halstead Grant.
Prescott, Ariz.--Artist Samantha Skelton has been named the winner of the 10th annual Halstead Grant, which recognizes jewelry design excellence and business strategy acumen with cash and jewelry supply awards.
Skelton, of Samantha Skelton Jewelry Designs based in Fairview, Pa., creates delicate, sculptural jewelry that has a modern and urban aesthetic. Her business includes custom jewelry and wholesale and gallery consignment, and her pieces also can be found at art fairs and online.
Skelton, who has a master of fine arts degree with a focus on metalsmithing from Miami University, also is a trained metal sculpture artist, which she said influences her designs.
“Samantha has a rare blend of cohesive, original jewelry work and knockout business smarts,” said Hilary Halstead Scott, president of jewelry supply distributor Halstead Inc. and founder of the Halstead Grant. “The craftsmanship in her pieces and the strategic touches throughout her small business plan show impressive attention to detail. This young woman is going places.”
Skelton received $5,000 in cash, $1,000 in jewelry supplies and promotion on halsteadbead.com as her winning package.
“Prior to the application process, I had been working toward small goals, but being able to see a big picture has really helped me take the next steps forward,” Skelton said.
The Halstead Grant competition began in 2006 to inspire the pursuit of excellence in design and business practices in the jewelry arts community. Last year’s winner was Erica Bello of Rochester, N.Y.
“The health of the jewelry industry depends on the continuous flow of new talent and design creativity. The grant has helped talented jewelry artists gain a foothold in this challenging field,” Halstead said.
The top five finalists in this year’s Halstead Grant competition were Bonde, Enji Jewelry Studio, Letters to Sarah Metalsmithing, Seth Papac and Tenzabelle.
The Latest
Looking ahead, the retailer said it sees “enormous potential” in Roberto Coin’s ability to boost its branded jewelry business.
Jewelry trade show veterans share strategies for engaging buyers, managing your time effectively, and packing the right shoes.
Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
This little guy’s name is Ricky and he just sold for more than $200,000 at Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction.
Though its website has been down for a week, Christie’s proceeded with its jewelry and watch auctions on May 13-14, bringing in nearly $80 million.
Despite the absence of “The Allnatt,” Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction totaled $34 million, with 90 percent of lots sold.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
Lilian Raji gives advice to designers on how to make the most of great publicity opportunities.
The mining company wants to divest its 70 percent holding in the Mothae Diamond Mine in an effort to streamline its portfolio.
Why do so many jewelers keep lines that are not selling? Peter Smith thinks the answer lies in these two behavioral principles.
The “Argyle Phoenix” sold for more than $4 million at the auction house’s second jewels sale.
Owner David Mann is heading into retirement.
While overall sales were sluggish, the retailer said its non-bridal fine jewelry was a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”
Christie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.
The ad aims to position platinum jewelry as ideal for everyday wear.
Retailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.
The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
The late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
Three fifth graders’ winning designs were turned into custom jewelry pieces in time for Mother’s Day.
Kimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
As a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
The company’s Easton location will remain open.