2026 Halstead Grant Finalist Press Release

Savannah Jewelry Artist Abby Leaventon Earns National Recognition as 2026 Halstead Grant Finalist

National recognition highlights craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, and the continued growth of a Savannah small business.

SAVANNAH, GA – Abby Leaventon, founder, designer, and jeweler behind Abigail Leaventon Jewelry, has been named a finalist for the 2026 Halstead Grant, one of the jewelry industry's most respected awards recognizing emerging jewelry artists and small business owners. Selected from applicants across the United States, Leaventon was recognized for both her handcrafted jewelry and the strength of her business plan. The recognition places her among a select group of jewelry entrepreneurs whose work and vision were identified as exceptional by industry leaders.

The Halstead Grant is unique in that it evaluates not only design and craftsmanship but also business strategy, financial planning, and long-term growth. Applicants complete an extensive business plan alongside a portfolio of their work, with finalists selected through a competitive judging process.

Following the announcement, Hilary Halstead Scott, President of Halstead Bead Inc. and Founder of The Halstead Grant, shared her encouragement with Leaventon.

"The judging team sees a lot of potential in your business. We will be keeping an eye on you and cheering you on."

In the judges' written evaluation, the Halstead Grant panel praised Leaventon's "incredible craftsmanship and a clear voice" in her jewelry, calling her production management and planning "the strongest part" of her application. They also recognized her entrepreneurial mindset, writing, "You are as much a businesswoman as you are an artist. Own it!"

Leaventon earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jewelry from the Savannah College of Art and Design before founding Abigail Leaventon Jewelry in Savannah. Inspired by flowers, places, and memories, she creates handcrafted sterling silver and gold jewelry using traditional metalsmithing techniques, including chasing and repoussé, granulation, stone setting, and lost-wax casting. Every piece is designed and handcrafted in her Savannah studio.

"Applying for the Halstead Grant gave me the opportunity to step back and look at how far my business has come and where I want it to go next," said Leaventon. "The application challenged me to evaluate every part of my business with intention, and receiving such thoughtful feedback from the judges has given me even more confidence in the path I'm building. I'm excited to continue growing Abigail Leaventon Jewelry and, most of all, to be back at the bench creating new designs to share."

As Abigail Leaventon Jewelry enters its next stage of growth, Leaventon plans to expand into additional galleries and retail partners, including museum and botanical garden gift shops, while continuing to design and handcraft every collection from her Savannah studio.

For more information about Abigail Leaventon Jewelry, current collections, or wholesale opportunities, visit AbigailLeaventon.com.