Rio Tinto Unveils Inaugural Bunder Diamond Jewelry

Reena Ahluwalia Designs 

'Courageous Spirit' Collection 

Rio Tinto Makes Indian Diamond History, 

Unveils Inaugural Bunder Diamond Jewelry

Mumbai, India, August 24, 2012 - Rio Tinto unveiled the inaugural Bunder diamond jewelry collection comprising diamonds from the sampling to date at its developing Bunder project in Madhya Pradesh. The Courageous Spirit jewelry collection holds a very special place in Indian diamond history as it has been at least a century since India has mined, designed and manufactured its own diamond jewelry," said Dr Nik Senapati, Managing Director of Rio Tinto India.

Madhya Pradesh-born designer, Reena Ahluwalia was commissioned to design the Courageous Spirit jewelry as a tribute to the women of Madhya Pradesh. 

“As a woman born and brought up in the region (Madhya Pradesh), creating this milestone collection is like coming a full circle. I am honoured to tell the Bunder story through my designs and be a part of this historic diamond moment,” commented Reena Ahluwalia, International Award Winning Designer.

The focus of the necklace is a stunning diamond-encrusted disc that symbolizes the natural abundance of the Bunder diamond deposit. Inspired by a compass, the disc rotates on a central axis, while a marker points to the true centre of the Bunder story - the earthly origins of the diamonds and the pioneering spirit of the people who are so integral to Bunder's development. The latitude and longitude coordinates of the Bunder diamond deposit are inscribed on the back of the disc.

Titled "Courageous Spirit", the jewelry features a magnificent statement necklace and a set of complementary earrings. The collection incorporates a total of 25.34 carats of polished Bunder diamonds and 2.8 carats of rough Bunder diamonds, including a 5.04 carat round brilliant cut white diamond and a 5.02 carat round brilliant cut cognac diamond.

Maintaining the important Indian pedigree of the collection, the rough diamonds have been carefully transformed by master craftsmen in Indian cutting and polishing factories, while the innovative design has been brought to life with designer Reena Ahluwalia by Indian jewelry manufacturer Uni-Design Jewellery Private Ltd - a Mumbai-based company with a reputation for exquisite craftsmanship. 

Rio Tinto partnered with Venus Jewel and Mahendra Brothers to cut and polish the stones. Guest of Honour at the event was the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

 According to Bruce Cox, Managing Director of Rio Tinto Diamonds, "By harnessing the skill and creativity of India's respected diamond artisans, these magnificent jewelry pieces are symbolic of an important new chapter in the country's proud diamond history.

The Bunder project, likely to come into commercial production in 2016, presents enormous opportunities not only for the Madhya Pradesh region, but for the broader Indian diamond industry as well, with Rio Tinto presenting a unique opportunity for India to mine, manufacture and market its own diamonds."

The Courageous Spirit collection is not available for sale, but will be showcased at a number of events throughout the second half of 2012.

About the Bunder Diamond ProjectThe Bunder diamond project was discovered in 2004 by Rio Tinto and in 2010 a State Support Agreement was signed with Government of Madhya Pradesh as an endorsement of the mutual commitment to the development of the project. An Inferred Resource (the first quantifiable estimate of an ore-body) has been defined as 37 million tonnes, containing 27.4 million carats. The Government of Madhya Pradesh gave in principle approval to the issue of a mining lease for the Bunder project via a "Letter of Intent" in January 2012. Rio Tinto is now working on the mine plan, environmental and forestry approvals required to execute a Mining Lease. At least rupees 2200 crore (US$500M) will be required to fully develop the Bunder diamond project.Once developed the Bunder diamond mine is expected to place Madhya Pradesh in the top ten diamond producing regions of the world.

About Rio Tinto Diamonds
Rio Tinto operates a fully integrated diamonds business from exploration through to sales and marketing. It is one of the world's major diamond producers through its 100 per cent control of the Argyle mine in Australia, 60 per cent of the Diavik mine in Canada, 78 per cent interest in the Murowa mine in Zimbabwe and 100 per cent interest in the Bunder project in India.

Rio Tinto's share of the production from its three operating diamond mines is sold through its sales and marketing headquarters in Antwerp, with representative offices in Mumbai, Hong Kong and New York. It also operates a niche cutting and polishing factory in Perth for the rare pink diamonds from its Argyle mine. Rio Tinto is a leading supporter of the Kimberley Process, as well as a founding member of Responsible Jewellery Council. Website:www.riotintodiamonds.com

Photos: Rio Tinto Diamonds.

PC Jeweller Presents The Best Of The Best Show!

PC Jeweller Presents The Best Of The Best Show Featuring Outstanding Ornaments During The Dual Grand Finales 

It was one of the most spectacular shows that Mumbai had seen. PC Jeweller presented the “Best of the Best” shows featuring outstanding ornaments during the dual Grand Finales to end the third edition of India International Jewellery Week 2012.

Welcoming the audience, Mr Rajiv Jain, Chairman, GJEPC, announced that IIJW 2012 with 50 designers, 33 shows had 20 new names and was a great platform for budding talent in the jewellery business.

The Ballroom of the Hotel Grand Hyatt was a vision in black, white and silver. The massive backdrop with graduating angular stairs that rose from the stage to nearly touch the ceiling; had snow flake motifs shimmering on the sides. Through a glittering black crystal curtain, in the centre down a flight of stairs, the models emerged to show the 24 dazzling pieces of the PC Jeweller collection.

Creators of the most outstanding jewellery, PC Jeweller showed stunning rings, earrings, necklaces, bangles, pendants and sets in 22 K gold, diamonds, Kundan and Polki designs which created magic on the ramp. The contemporary collection was for the modern woman in light weight gold, while the specially crafted bridal line had exquisite pieces of gold and diamond jewellery.

Opening the show called “Glittering Panorama” with clothes created by Kolkata designer, Anamika Khanna; the first model appeared wearing a magnificent ruby and gold necklace bracelet and earrings. From there the presentation moved to more exciting and beautiful creations. The emerald edged Polkis piece with long shoulder dusters, the V shaped thick diamond necklace with pear shaped ruby pendant with matching earrings and the rows of Polkis with ruby florets took the audience’s breath away.

Chokers glittered under the arc lights, diamonds dazzled for lacy spread collar pieces, while elegant shimmering cuffs clasped the slender wrists of the models. As the last model displaying four strands of diamonds with a pear shaped emerald pendant took her graceful walk down the ramp, the lights dimmed and the strains of the theme song from the Bollywood musical “Aaja Nachle” filled the ballroom.

Framed in the archway at the top of the stairs in the centre, was the lady with the dazzling smile that has hypnotized her fans – the one and only gorgeous Madhuri Dixit Nene, who sashayed down the ramp wearing a Anamika Khanna gorgeous black gown with embroidery displaying the magnificent PC Jeweller’s Polki Raani Haar collar and choker edged with pearls to thunderous applause.

Escorting Madhuri down the ramp, Mr Balram Garg, Managing Director, PC Jeweller - the brand that has sponsored the “Best of the Best” show for three editions was applauded by the audience for a glittering presentation.

THE BEST OF BEST SHOW

This was the show of all shows when all the designers who participated in the IIJW 2012 displayed one fabulous piece from their collection. To the melodious rendering of songs by India’s favourite singer, the very high voltage recording artist, Kailash Kher and his power packed band Kailasa; the models sashayed down the ramp wearing the fabulous creations of Anamika Khanna.

GEHNA – collar of Polkis with a gorgeous centre emerald set
LAKSH PAHUJA – a silver and gold fire spewing dragon head piece which curved on the model’s head to celebrate the Year of the Dragon.
ANAND SHAH –the sensational 84 peacocks multicoloured necklace and bracelet.

– two strands of gleaming diamonds with a flashing sapphire in the centre
IGI – Shabham Motiwala’s rice pearls necklace with matching jhumka earrings.
NOBUKO ISHIKAWA – the solid gold circle with flowing leaf trellis down the front
MANISH KHATTAR – the one shoulder curved star burst necklace with pendant
DHORA – a very experimental head gear featuring the kite wheel in glittering stones and the barrel ring
JEWELS TRENDZ – curved snake necklace in gold diamonds and enamel
RAKSHA ENTERPRISES – the fabulous lacy thick oval bangle with a solitary pearl in the centre.
KAYS JEWELS – a superb diamond chocker and emeralds
TANVI GARG – an innovative wide collar with enamel origami patterns in multi colours
DIPTI-AMISHA – beautiful Raani Haar with an imposing pendant high choker and giant earrings


VIJAY GOLECHA – diamond and emerald multi pear shaped motif necklace and another neck piece with ruby clusters teamed with earrings and bracelet.
DYNAMIC INTERNATIONAL – a sensational giant brooch and fabulous bracelet intricately designed
JAIPUR JEWELLERY SHOW – an eye-catching gleaming Raani Haar with earrings.
YS 18 FROM INTERGEM EXPORTS – an angular floral bouquet for a necklace of coloured stones.
ZEENAT DESAI – the very stylish Dagger pendant necklace in a Polki and pearl combo
JEWELS EMPORIUM – inspired by the peacock, pendants blended beautifully with a floral one
AGNI – a very edgy design for a lacy collar with floral detailing
EEKANI JEWELS – adding drama to a shimmering diamond choker was a large emerald pendant with matching earrings
GITANJALI 1 – trellis of gold sparkled with emeralds and rubies for a necklace
GITANJALI 2 – an interesting creeper design for an emerald and diamond necklace and pendant
KASHI JEWELLERS – the bridal choker-cum-collar spread over shoulders glittered with diamonds, and three flowers set with rubies
JEWELS BY PREETI – a rectangular diamond twisted pendant hung on a long chain teamed with shoulder dusters


GEMOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF AMERICA – A stylish peacock pendant at the end of four pearl strands
BIRDICHAND GHANSHYAMDAS – Polki chains with sprightly ruby flowers on one side with matching earrings rings and bracelet.
SABOO FINE JEWELS – a fabulous wide collar with emeralds and diamonds teamed with chandeliers and a stunning wide cuff
CAPPUCCINO – a lacy collar with a rectangular pendant embellished with diamonds worn with a matching kada
AMRAPALI – nine rows of emeralds and Polkis for a brilliant Raani Haar and matching cuff
LAXMI JEWELLERY – large Polkis with ruby centre for a fabulous necklace and swinging jhumkas
DWARKADAS CHANDUMAL – the magnificently spread diamond and ruby bib collar necklace
ANMOL – an intricately crafted diamond cuff
KGK ENTICE – sparkling prongs with diamonds tipped with emeralds for a stylish neck piece.

In a gorgeous Anamika Khanna outfit, Sonam Kapoor, elegant brand ambassador of IIJW 2012 entered when a gleaming silver chandelier rose from the stage to reveal her standing under the ramp lights. Wearing a brilliant Polki necklace with a superb tasseled pendant, along with rows of intricate kadas on hands, a Maang Tikka and small ear studs, Sonam Kapoor looked like a beautiful princess as she sashayed down the ramp.

Thanking everybody concerned with IIJW 2012, Sanjay Kothari, Vice Chairman of GJEPC and Convener of IIJW 2012, said that he was looking forward to a bigger, grander, glittering IIJW 2013.

Gitanjali Group At India International Jewellery Week 2012

Gitanjali Group ended Day Four at the India International Jewellery Week 2012 with three gorgeous collections – Asmi, Sangini and Nakshatra with a fabulous colourful Vibrant India evening.

It was one of the most exciting and colourful shows seen at the India International Jewellery Week 2012. Temple bells lined the ramp and crystal chains glittered under the lights. To the drum beats and the melodious voice of Swaroop Khan, Parthiv Gohil and the graceful movements of Barkha Patel who sang and danced for each section, the evening was a mix of jewellery fashion and culture. The show was divided into the Kumbh, Desert and Temple sections to correspond with the three jewellery collections of Asmi, Sangini and Nakshatra. 

ASMI

Aimed at the 21st century woman, Asmi which means I AM was in delicate contemporary jewellery designs, which were feminine yet striking in concept and styles. Partial to the curvilinear shapes the jewellery portrayed strength and style in its beautiful creativity.

Modelling the creations of Nishka Lulla for the Kumbh section, the pretty earrings and necklaces were delicate in their glitter and beauty. Kundan and ruby chandeliers, Polkis for shoulder dusters, little studs with ruby trials - the collection was perfect for the woman on the go.

Ending the section was Bollywood star, Neha Dhupia showing five rows of Polkis with rubies and emerald wearing a very comfortable and Boho chic outfit by Nishka Lulla. 

SANGINI

Symbolizing love and affection for the women, Sangini is the ideal gift from Him to Her. With stylized cuts and intelligent rendering of the designs, the jewellery had creative twists and turns to add to the glitz of the ornaments.

Recreating the beauty of the Desert, Payal Singhal had the beautiful colours of the region for her vibrant easy silhouettes. Tear drop pendants in white gold, Polki necklaces, diamond strands and gold/ruby necklaces were gorgeous creations. The Polki collar/pendant and the tear drop earrings were some of the highlights of the evening.

Ending the show was Miss India 2011, Ankita Shorey who glided down the runway in a gorgeous Kundan necklace and earrings and an amazing white lehenga, choli, dupatta trio created by Payal Singhal. 

NAKSHATRA

Crafted around a floral theme inspired by a constellation of stars, the Nakshatra collection had all the infinite and ethereal glamour it is renowned for. Inspired by the Kudajodi, the Nakshatra jewellery considered auspicious, showers the wearer with blessings.

With the Temples of India as a theme, the section featured the collections of Vaishali Shadungule, who’s Chanderi and Banaras asymmetric creations were perfect for the show. The beautiful line of diamonds for slim necklaces, the lacy neckpieces, the shimmering diamonds with big pendants and the imposing gold and diamond earrings created magic on the ramp.

Vanya Mishra, Miss India 2012, fresh from her two awards at the Miss World 2012 contest in China, walked the ramp wearing gorgeous gold/diamond earrings and a lovely creation by Vaishali Shadungule.

But the best was yet to come, when the very glamorous Bipasha Basu, the brand ambassador of Gili, thrilled the audience with her stunning entry in a Nishka Lulla creation wearing a diamond and gold set.

It was one of the most spectacular shows presented by the Gitanjali Group at the India International Jewellery Week 2012 that evoked the grandeur of India and its colour heritage.

Belle Étoile Hires Southeast Sales Director

Belle Étoile Hires Southeast Sales Director

Known for their impeccable craftsmanship and intricate design, Belle Étoile is poised to become a mainstay in the jewelry industry. A wide range of styles and statement making pieces juxtaposed with a talented sales team has set Belle Étoile apart from the rest as a distinct brand within the fashion industry. Once again, this rapidly growing brand has expanded their team with an exceptional new addition to their sales department.

Debra King, an accomplished luxury goods sales professional, comes to Belle Étoile as the new Southeast Sales Director.  Debra brings with her 20 years of experience having previously worked most recently as the Regional Sales Manager of Montblanc and previously with Omega and Seiko. Debra’s knowledge of fine silver jewelry makes her a perfect addition to Belle Étoile’s team.

Executive Vice President, Carolyn Thamkul is confident in King’s ability to increase sales along the eastern coastline. “Debra’s energetic personality, extensive knowledge, and experience in the industry are certainly a welcomed addition to our team. As Belle Étoile’s star is on the rise, we are certain Debra will expand upon our reach in the Southeastern US and continue to nurture our existing relationships.”

Additionally, Debra expresses her enthusiasm by saying, “Delivering the highest quality and wide range of styles makes Belle Étoile such a great brand to represent. Each individual at Belle Étoile is such a pleasure to work with and I am thrilled to become a part of such an admirable company.”

  

Belle Étoile, recognized by top trade magazines and industry leaders for its stunning designs and marketability, encourages women to express themselves by creating on trend pieces for the modern woman.  French for “beautiful star,” Belle Étoile takes inspiration from the latest fashion trends to capture the natural grace and elegance to make every woman “shine like the star you are”.

After 15 Years at Harry Winston, Roger Phillmore Retires From BOD

Harry Winston Diamond Corporation Announces the Retirement of Mr. Roger Phillimore from its Board of Directors

By Harry Winston Diamond Corporation

Harry Winston Diamond Corporation (TSX:HW, NYSE:HWD) (the "Company") announced today that after more than fifteen years of continuous service as an independent director of the Company, Mr. Roger Phillimore is retiring from the board of directors to focus on other professional challenges.

Mr. Phillimore joined the board shortly after the discovery of the Diavik Diamond Mine orebodies and provided invaluable advice as the Company progressed through the complexities of debt and equity financing for its 40% share of the capital cost of what, at the time, was the most expensive mining development ever to be undertaken in the Northwest Territories. His extensive, senior level experience in the natural resource industry has been an invaluable asset.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Robert Gannicott commented, "Roger has been a close friend and sounding board to me throughout the evolution and growth of the Company while also being a wise and collegial member of the board of directors. We all wish him well for the future."

Harry Winston recently released an updated life-of-mine plan for the Diavik Diamond Mine, including current estimates for anticipated annual production by pipe, with associated operating costs, and capital costs through 2023. The life-of-mine plan includes a detailed cash flow model based on the Company's estimates of future rough diamond revenue. Unless otherwise specified, all financial information is presented in Canadian dollars, on a 100% basis, and references to years are to calendar years. 
for a complete copy of the newly released report CLICK HERE

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/08/20/4740801/harry-winston-diamond-corporation.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy

About Harry Winston Diamond Corporation

Harry Winston Diamond Corporation is a diamond enterprise with premium assets in the mining and retail segments of the diamond industry. Harry Winston supplies rough diamonds to the global market from its 40 percent ownership interest in the Diavik Diamond Mine.  The Company's luxury brand segment is a premier diamond jeweler and luxury timepiece retailer with salons in key locations, including New York, Paris, London, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong,Singapore, Tokyo and Beverly Hills.

The Company focuses on the two most profitable segments of the diamond industry, mining and retail, in which its expertise creates shareholder value. This unique business model provides key competitive advantages; rough diamond sales and polished diamond purchases provide market intelligence that enhances the Company's overall performance.

SOURCE Harry Winston Diamond Corporation

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/08/20/4740806/harry-winston-diamond-corporation.html#storylink=cpy

DEF 2ND ANNUAL “GOOD AWARDS” JANUARY 10, 2013

Honoree Ivanka Trump arrives at
Inaugural Event earlier this year

SAVE THE DATE!

DIAMOND EMPOWERMENT FUND (DEF) 

ANNOUNCES 2^ND ANNUAL “GOOD AWARDS” JANUARY 10, 2013

Following the overwhelming success of the inaugural 2012 GOOD Awards, the Diamond Empowerment Fund announced today that it will once again light up Manhattan in 2013! The festive affair will be held on Thursday night, January 10^th and will kick off a weekend filled with annual industry meetings and dinners culminating in the annual banquet of the 24 Karat Club of the City of New York.

The GOOD Awards was established to recognize individuals and corporations for outstanding leadership in the area of good corporate citizenship, sustainability, promoting opportunity in Africa and helping to communicate the diamond industry’s commitment to helping individuals through education in African diamond-producing nations. Honorees reflect outstanding achievement and global leadership.

The 2012 Inaugural "GOOD" Awards honored the best in our Industry:

About the Diamond Empowerment Fund

The Diamond Empowerment Fund is a New York based non-profit organization (EIN# 20-5967103) that raises money to fund education initiatives in African diamond-producing nations. Its beneficiaries include: CIDA City Campus, South Africa’s first non-profit university to offer a four-year business degree, the African Leadership Academy, a university preparatory school in Johannesburg, South Africa, founded on the belief that ethical leadership is the key to sustainable development on the continent and drawing students from all 54 countries in Africa, and the Botswana Top Achievers program that provides the top high school students countrywide the opportunity to study at a university of their choice worldwide. Graduates then return to Botswana to contribute to its economic, social and political development.  www.diamondempowerment.org

Ashwarya Rai Is New Face Of Kalyan Jewellers!

I am so excited to announce that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is the new face of Kalyan Jewellers, and will replace Sushmita Sen in both print and public appearances endorsing the jewellery brand.

I am a HUGE fan of the Bollywood style - both in movies and jewelry and Ash has long been a favorite actress/personality.

Aishwarya has been out of the spotlight due to her recent pregnancy and the birth of daughter Aaradhya in November.  The actress has been criticized for her weight gain - see Jessica Simpson, even "the most beautiful woman in the world" hears those hateful comments.

The rudeness is easing as detractors were stunned with her latest advertisement for the South-Indian jewellery company, Kalyan Jewellers. The print advertisement featured a drastically slimmed down Aishwarya, who donned Indian Lehenga bridal attire with traditional jewellery (photo right).  

...and her subsequent personal appearances have hushed the rumors of digitally enhanced photos!

Apparently, both Ashwarya and her handsome husband, Abhishek Bachchan, will represent Kalyan Jewellers.  Expect to see a lot of both actors as Kalyan recently announced plans for  major expansion!

Check out this statement to The Hindu Busness Line...

"Thrissur-based Kalyan Jewellers plans to invest Rs 1,000 crore this year to open 15 more showrooms across the country.

The showrooms will be in Gujarat, Maharasthra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and in Kerala. Showrooms in Warangal, Kukkatpally (Hyderabad), Kancheepuram, Kakkinada and Ahmadabad, will open in the second half of 2012 and would expand to 100 stores spread across India by 2015."

You know you want the details on that amazing set of traditional Polki Jewellery that Ash wore at the Grand Opening of the Kalyan Jewellers in Kochi, India...

Bravo Kalyan - I personally LOVE the new "Bathe in Gold" ad campaign, what do you think:

Milenyum Mining Will No Longer Use "Zultanite" Tradename

Milenyum Mining Will No Longer 

Promote "Zultanite Trademark" 

for its Turkish Diaspore

Erica Courtney's Madeline ring has 0.31 cts. t.w.
diamonds and a 5.32 ct Turkish Diaspore in 18k gold

Milenyum Mining Ltd (MML) the world’s only supplier of the Turkish gemstone, color change diaspore, announces the termination of its relationship and support of the Zultanite Trademark.

Mr. Murat Akgun, President of MML and the person who dedicated decades of his life to bringing the spectacular Turkish diaspore to its so well deserved worldwide fame and acclamation as 'Zultanite', decided that the promotion of this rare and unique gem will be better served under its genuine mineralogical name, rather than constriction by the bounds of a trademark. Mr. Akgun feels that branding will never actually permit to entirely set free the whole beauty and magic of this national treasure.

Stephen Webster's Pendant and Earrings have diamonds
and Turkish Diaspore in 18k White Gold.

Turkish diaspore is mined directly from its host rock at the world’s only known gem quality diaspore deposit, high in Turkey’s Anatolian Mountains and is internationally acclaimed by connoisseurs.

From now on MML will provide only unbranded Turkish diaspore, under its original geological true name. The mining company is famous for ethical mining techniques with environmentally safe procedures that protect water sources from chemicals, debris, rubbish, silt and biological pollutants; minimise the destruction of flora and fauna; restore mined land as close as possible to its original condition and furthermore, strongly oppose unfair labor practices and believe all employers should provide safe working environments.

With the latest massive increase of European and US interest in this beautiful and extraordinary rare gemstone, MML believes that the only true and effective marketing and distribution is not through a proprietary brand but by the gem’s own beauty and magic – Turkish diaspore speaks for itself, indoors or outdoors, by day or night, and radiates a subtle, sophisticated appeal. The gem’s beguiling colour palette, combined with an exotic pedigree, will continue to enchant jewellery connoisseurs around the globe.

Source:  PR Newswire

MML is the world’s sole supplier of Turkish Diaspore. Responsible for all cutting and marketing of this phenomenal gemstone, our mission is to introduce jewellery connoisseurs around the globe to Turkish diaspore’s unique beauty and rarity. MML is a member of The International Colored Gemstone Association.

At the heart of this striking neckpiece by Stephen Webster sits the "Sultan's Shield" a 96.20 carat gem - the largest faceted Turkish Diaspore on record.  It took Master Gem Cutter, Stephen Kotlowski over 30 hours to cut this treasure  from a raw crystal that weighed in at 72.53 grams! The photo inserts show the stone's reaction to different light sources. 

Susan Elnora Wins the 2012 Halstead Grant

Silver Jewelry Artist Susan Elnora Wins the 2012 Halstead Grant

Susan Elnora is the winner of this year’s Halstead Grant. This is the 7th annual grant competition for new jewelry entrepreneurs sponsored by Halstead Bead, Inc.

Minneapolis jewelry designer Susan Elnora Frerichs is the winner of the 7th annual Halstead Grant for new silver jewelry entrepreneurs. Frerichs, under the studio name Susan Elnora, will receive $6,000 in start-up cash and jewelry supplies to build her business.

“I’m thrilled! I am so incredibly honored and excited to have been selected,” commented Frerichs.

The Susan Elnora collection of urban rustic silver jewelry includes designs inspired by American settings, flora and fauna. Notable pieces use linear perspective in layered landscape necklaces featuring scenery, telephone poles and railroad tracks. Designs often feature hand fabricated moving parts or detachable enhancements. The line is anchored by artistic statement pieces but also includes many options for everyday wear.

“Susan Elnora jewelry boasts a level of originality rarely encountered in a trade that spans many ages in history,” said Hilary Scott, a grant judge.

 Frerichs was introduced to metalsmithing as an undergraduate in Studio Art at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota. Following the advice of her employer and mentor, renowned mokume gane artist George Sawyer, she then attended Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts in San Francisco. After four years of apprenticing with master goldsmith Stephen Vincent in Minneapolis, Frerichs launched her own studio. Her exploration of a fading American mythology is a continuing source of inspiration.

Susan Elnora designs can be found at quality jewelry galleries across the country as well as online at Artful Home and ARTprojectA. Retail prices for sterling silver jewelry items range from $75 to $1800.

The Halstead Grant is awarded to a new silver jewelry artist each summer. The program provides business development funds, supplies and exposure to up and coming designers in the industry. Candidates must submit a portfolio as well as a lengthy application packet including details on business planning and strategy. The grant is sponsored by silver jewelry supply wholesaler Halstead Bead, Inc.

Susan Elnora joins a roster of talented Halstead Grant recipients with successful careers in independent jewelry design. For more information on the grant program including past winners, eligibility requirements and application details visit The Halstead Grant website.

The Halstead Grant 2012 Complete Results:

Winner

Susan Elnora                            Minneapolis, MN        

Top 5 Finalists

Caitie Sellers Metalsmith           Asheville, NC

Jamison Rae Jewelry                 Boise, ID

Jenny Reeves                            San Francisco, CA

Sorensen Silver Fine Art           Red Hook, NY

Top 10 Finalists

Catherine Grisez Jewelry           Seattle, WA

J W Metal Arts                         San Diego, CA

JPHii Design                             Tonawanda, NY

Rosemary Misfud Jewelry         Grand Rapids, MI

Zoa Chimerum Jewelry             Astoria, NY

Halstead Business Development Grant:  The health of the jewelry industry depends on the continuous flow of new talent and design creativity. It is critical that new artists also hone their business skills in order to effectively manage their small businesses. Halstead Bead awards a business grant to a new jewelry designer in the bridge segment each summer. The grant awards $6,000 in start-up capital and merchandise to a new design company. If you are starting a new jewelry design business, please checkout our application and eligibility details.