Jewelry

Portland native, jewelry designer among top 5 to earn prestigious Halstead Grant - Middletown Press

TETON COUNTY, Wy. — Stephanie Howell, owner of S. Howell Studios and a native of Portland, released her first jewelry collection in June.

Three months later, Howell received recognition in the industry by receiving a prestigious Halstead Grant, a national award for emerging jewelry designers which provides a cash prize, press assistance, a personalized feedback report and more to a finalist. The announcement was made Sept. 17, according to a press release.

The grand prize is $7,500.

The grant was initiated in 2006 to encourage new designers to hone their business skills. The application consists of several questions, requiring designers to analyze every facet of their business from marketing and branding to sales and developing a three-year plan, according to the Prescott, Ariz., jewelry supply company.

Howell was born and raised in Portland. She graduated from Southern Connecticut State University in 2011 with a bachelor of science degree in studio arts, with a concentration in jewelry and metalsmithing. After graduating, she spent several years traveling the United States and Europe before launching her business in 2019, she said.

Her jewelry is meant “to inspire people to live in the present moment and approach even the most ordinary moments with a sense of wonder,” Howell said a prepared statement. Her work focuses on botanical textures cast in sterling silver with gold accents and semi-precious stones.

For information, visit showellstudios.com.