Caitlin Albritton, a creator of inlay jewelry, is the 2024 winner of the Halstead Grant, given to emerging jewelry artists. Judges highlighted Albritton’s work in inlay, lapidary, and metalsmithing in selecting her for the honor.
The third time was the charm for Albritton, who previously applied for the award in 2020 and 2022. She was a finalist those years, and getting so close to the top prize motivated her to try again, she says.
“When you apply for the Halstead Grant, you have to believe in yourself—why else apply? You have to have that confidence in yourself to do it,” says Albritton, who’s based in Tampa, Fla. “When I first applied, I had the talent. But you also need to have the marketing, the storytelling behind why you do what you do.
“Since first applying, it got me thinking less about being artistic and more about who my buyers are,” Albritton adds. “It’s about finding that balance, reaching out to more people, and relating more to your customers.”
As the grant winner, Albritton receives a $7,500 cash grant, $1,000 in supplies, and a trip to Prescott, Ariz., where the Halstead jewelry supply company is based, along with a trophy and a detailed feedback report from the judging committee.
The Halstead Grant was introduced in 2006 to help jewelers develop business plans and provide them with entrepreneurial resources. This year’s finalists, who receive a $1,000 cash prize and $250 in jewelry supplies, are Niki Leist, Wyncie Evelyn Design Co., and Novaura Jewelry.
“The Halstead Grant is unique because they send feedback reports to everyone who applies, and that feedback is so useful,” Albritton says. “I’m so grateful to have Halstead’s support both monetarily and with helpful feedback to keep improving as a small business owner.”
In a statement, grant founder and Halstead president Hilary Halstead Scott called Albritton a “fantastic role model for creative entrepreneurs.”
“Caitlin’s collection of inlay jewelry marries traditional techniques with contemporary designs and color palettes. She puts so much work and heart into this business,” Halstead Scott said.
Albritton established Caitlin Albritton Jewelry in 2020 with a background in fine art: a bachelor’s degree from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and a master’s from the Maryland Institute College of Art. She became interested in stone inlay and intarsia after taking some workshops, moving into full-time lapidary and metalsmithing as a result.
Today, Albritton teaches courses in her cobblestone inlay technique. Her collection includes rings, necklaces, cuffs, and earrings, at prices starting at $80. Her signature female figures are priced from $1,000.
As she continues working on additional figurative pendants, she plans to add gold accents on them within the next few years. For the rest of this year, Albritton hopes to expand her custom clientele and to network more within the jewelry industry. She says she also would like to exhibit her pieces at out-of-state shows and galleries.
Through January 2025, the Ringling museum in Sarasota, Fla., is featuring Albritton’s work in the “Skyway” exhibition. Being selected for that show was a “momentous occasion,” says Albritton.
Overall, she says, her career demonstrates the importance of trusting your soul as a creator.
“I often come up with a variety of design concepts or stone color palettes to sort through, but usually one rises to the top and lets me know that’s the one I need to go with,” Albritton says. “I’m never disappointed in a project where I’ve fully allowed myself to make what aligns with my spirit.”
Top: Caitlin Albritton’s Arcadia pendant in Argentium and sterling silver with 17 hand-cut pieces of inlaid colla wood, Peruvian opal, gembone, Florida agatized coral, and shattuckite is currently on display at the Ringling museum in Sarasota, Fla. (Photos courtesy of Caitlin Albritton Jewelry)
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