(PRESS RELEASE) PRESCOTT, AZ — Octave Jewelry has won the 2022 Halstead Grant for new jewelry businesses. Octave founder, Ope Omojola receives a $7,500 cash grant, $1,000 in jewelry supplies, a trip to Prescott, Arizona, features in Halstead print publications, a detailed feedback report from the judging committee, and a signature trophy.
Grant founder and Halstead President, Hilary Halstead Scott said, “Ope is a rare creative talent. She masterfully combines lapidary stone cutting, hot glass working, and metalsmithing skills to create a bold, fashion-forward jewelry collection. We were thrilled to see such an innovative combination of materials and techniques.”
For Ope Omojola, Octave Jewelry was the natural outcome of a lifelong creative practice prioritizing materiality, color, and movement. A student of Anthropology, communication through dress and adornment fascinated Ope. She first picked up a soldering torch at a weeknight class at the 92nd Street Y. Through independent experimentation and exploration, Ope creates wearable sculptures that speak to personal style, history, and sentimentality. Born in Nigeria, Ope lives and works in New York.
Ope said, “I’m so honored to be this year’s Halstead Grant recipient. The application process was the culmination of months of rethinking what running a business meant to me. It’s incredibly validating to have explained my vision and see it supported in such a tangible way, and I’m so excited to continue to move towards my goals! Thanks to the Halstead team for the support, and such wonderfully detailed feedback!”
Octave Jewelry is inspired by the balance between geometric and organic forms and features hand cut stones with lampwork glass and sterling silver details. All stones are hand cut and all glass is handformed in Octave’s New York studio. Specializing in earrings, Ope’s collection ranges from $200 – $800.
The Halstead Grant also awards finalists and semi-finalists $500 and $250 respectively. The finalists are Caitlin Albritton Jewelry, Stellar Metal Jewelry, and Phantasm jewelry.
The semi-finalists are Katelyn Elyse Jewelry, Jennifer Metesh Studios, Earthbound Silver, 9th Generation, Benjamin Ripley Jewelry, and Mae & Lang Jewels.
The Halstead Grant began in 2006 to bring the business plan concept to the jewelry community. It provides resources for creative entrepreneurs to establish clear goals and measurable steps toward self-sufficiency. The application requires more than jewelry portfolio photos. Questions cover a business plan including marketing, competitive analysis, finances, and production capacity.
The 2023 Halstead Grant will begin calling for entries in January.