[PR] Halstead Bead's Bridge Jewelry Business Grant

For Immidiate Release

Halstead Bead Sponsors $6,000 Bridge Jewelry Business Grant Prescott,
AZ January 10, 2007 Halstead Bead, Inc. is pleased to announce its
Second Annual Business Development Grant for new designers entering
the bridge jewelry trade. The grant will be awarded to a winning
candidate in August. The winner of the 2007 Grant will receive
$6,000 in cash and merchandise as well as other benefits.
Applications must be received between April 15 and June 30, 2007.
Complete application details can be found at
http://www.halsteadbead.com/Grant/.

The Halstead Bead Grant differs from other jewelry industry
competitions and awards because of its emphasis on business
planning. Entrants must demonstrate not only extraordinary jewelry
design, but also a strong business strategy.

Bridge jewelry is the middle segment of the jewelry industry that is
facing increasing pressure from overseas designers and mass merchant
retailers. Competitive forces make it very difficult for fresh
designers to gain a foothold in the United States market. However,
the contribution of these artists 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 Grant to be awarded each year to a new designer. The
grant is also a means to promote the importance of sound business
operations in the entire industry. Many past applicants have
reported that the application process alone was a tremendous help in
developing a company framework.

Last year’s grant winner was Ananda Khalsa Jewelry of Providence,
RI. The jewelry line features tiny original paintings set into
sterling silver jewelry. Khalsa’s work is inspired by Asian art and
rich cultural symbolism. The firm used the 2006 grant to increase
marketing efforts and hire production staff. Ananda Khalsa Jewelry
is growing rapidly and is available in boutiques across the country,
online at www.anandakhalsa.com and via other popular jewelry
websites.

The grant sponsor, 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, freshwater
pearls, glass and Swarovski crystal.

Contact:

Hilary Halstead Scott
Marketing Director
Halstead Bead, Inc.
6650 Intercal Way
Prescott, AZ 86301
Ph: 928-778-6776
Fax: 928-778-3975

@Hilary_Scott