This year’s winners earn more cash than in previous years

A call for entries is in effect for the 11th Annual Halstead Grant. The 10-year-old contest aims to “inspire the pursuit of excellence in design and business practices in the jewelry arts community,” according to organizer Halstead Bead Inc., the 43-year-old wholesaler of jewelry supplies.

To celebrate the growing competition, company principal Halstead Scott is offering enhanced cash prizes. A grand prize winner receives an increased sum of $7,500 in cash, $1,000 in supplies from Halstead Bead, a trip to Prescott, Ariz. (Halstead’s headquarters), a trophy, a profile and pictures in Halstead’s catalog, coverage on the Halstead website and its social media channels, a press release to industry and local media, and a feedback report from the judging committee. Finalists, meanwhile, will also receive cash for the first time in the contest’s history: Depending on the judges’ preferences, five finalists will each receive $500 cash or 10 finalists will get $250 apiece. This group will also receive coverage in the annual grant publication, a blog profile on Halstead’s website, assistance writing a press release about their efforts, a feedback report from the judging committee, and a trophy.

Writer Cathleen McCarthy of The Jewelry Loupe will serve as Halstead’s first guest juror. Trophies for the winner and finalists are being made by 2013 grant winner Rebecca Rose of Sculpturings in Orlando, Fla.

The postmark deadline for 2016 entries is Aug. 1. Click here to access the application.

JCK