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Prescott, AZ – January 3, 2006 – Halstead Bead, Inc. announced today that it will
be offering an annual business development grant for new designers entering the
trade. The grant will be awarded to a winning candidate in July. The winner of the
2006 Grant will receive $6,000 in cash and merchandise as well as other benefits.
Applications must be received by June 15, 2006. The complete application form can
be found at
www.halsteadbead.com/grant.
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Bridge jewelry design is facing increasing competition from overseas designers and from
mass merchant retailers. These market forces make it very difficult for fresh designers
to gain a foothold in the United States market. However, the contribution of these designers
in creativity, workmanship and service is critical to the health of the jewelry industry as
a whole. Halstead Bead, Inc. has a material and philanthropic interest in supporting the
dreams of new designers and fostering their development in the industry. To that end, the
firm has developed The Halstead Bead Jewelry Design Grant to be awarded to a candidate who
excels in both design and business strategy.
The design component of the selection process will focus on originality and composition.
Components can consist of original castings or purchased basics. Designs must be for bridge
jewelry pieces crafted of 90% silver, gold-filled, copper, glass, crystal, freshwater pearls
and/or semi-precious stones. Neither fine jewelry nor costume jewelry entries will be
considered.
The business strategy component of the selection process will focus on thorough planning,
market analysis and strategy. Entrepreneurs must be strong in these areas as well as in
product design in order to survive in a competitive market.
Applicants should be students or jewelry designers. Applicants must intend to pursue a
full-time career in the bridge jewelry design field by starting their own retail
jewelry store or branded line of jewelry for resale. Individuals who are already in
the process of developing a new business may apply if the business was started within
the last 3 years.
Halstead Bead, Inc. is one of North America’s leading jewelry supply importers and
distributors. The firm was established in 1973 and now supplies thousands of component
resellers and jewelry designers around the globe. Halstead Bead, Inc. is wholesale only
and sells beads and findings for the bridge jewelry segment in sterling silver, gold-filled,
copper, glass and crystal. The firm also distributes branded component lines such as
Swarovski, Paula Radke and Beadalon.
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