The report shows that couples are searching for vintage and antique rings, gold jewelry, pearls, and colorful pieces.
Halstead Grant Awarded to Emerging Savannah Designer
Kristen Baird was awarded $7,500 in cash and $1,000 in supplies to put toward her company.
Prescott, Ariz.--In its annual effort to support up-and-coming designers who work primarily in silver, wholesale jewelry supply company Halstead has awarded its latest Halstead Grant to Kristen Baird Jewelry.
The company’s founder, Kristen Baird, is a Savannah College of Art and Design graduate. She also attended the New Approach School for Jewelers and was named a member of Generation NEXT: Savannah’s Rising Stars of Business, Class of 2017, sponsored by Savannah Magazine.
Baird’s prize includes $7,500 in cash and $1,000 in supplies.
To win the grant, Baird submitted a collection of her jewelry, along with answers to questions that form the basis of a business plan, Halstead said, covering topics such as competitive analysis, marketing strategy, a three-year plan and production capacity.
“Kristen has amazing hustle,” Halstead President Hilary Halstead Scott said. “Her entrepreneurial drive is inspiring! We love to see craftsmanship and skill rooted in such sound business sense.”
Baird said: “Working on the application and seeing everything from a new perspective has been an eye-opening experience. The time I have taken to study each detail of my business, from operations and personnel to designs and finances, has allowed me to construct the path for my brand and dream even bigger than I ever imagined possible.”
Baird works with sterling silver, recycled 18-karat gold and ethically sourced gemstones in her designs, utilizing traditional metalsmithing techniques like reticulation and granulation. She is inspired by the landscape of the American South.
In addition to her cash and supply prize, Baird will receive a trophy, a trip to Prescott, Ariz., feedback from the grant judging committee, and a variety of press features, including the cover and a feature spread in the annual grant publication Reveal.
Other finalists who made the top five will receive $500 cash, and those who made the top 10 for grant consideration will receive $250. The finalists will also receive a number of press opportunities, a trophy and judge feedback.
One of this year’s grant judges, Marthe Le Van of Mora Contemporary Jewelry, said, “The 2017 Halstead Grant applicants dug deep, sharing their passion for jewelry and charting thoughtful and courageous paths to a sustainable career. I was impressed by strength of the field and anticipate a strong future for these emerging jewelers.”
The Halstead Grant was established in 2006. For more information, visit Grant.Halsteadbead.com.
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.