De Beers Group has unveiled the winners of its 2024 Shining Light Awards, a prestigious jewellery design competition aimed at empowering young designers from Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa.
With this year’s theme, ‘Luxury Redefined’, the competition challenged participants to present fresh, inclusive visions of luxury, reflecting diversity and creativity.
Designers submitted complete jewellery collections featuring rings, necklaces, earrings, bangles, and bracelets. From 104 entries, 22 finalists were selected, and winners were announced after evaluation by an international panel of judges.
“The Shining Light Awards provide a platform to spotlight young talent and open doors within the diamond sector and global markets,” says De Beers Jewellers chief executive Céline Assimon.
“This year’s theme inspired designers to explore sustainability, natural elements, and cultural heritage as sources of inspiration.”
The competition is part of the De Beers Group’s Designers Initiative launched in 1995 to cultivate world-class skills in jewellery design and manufacturing in the company’s host countries.
De Beers Group managed operations chief executive Moses Madondo emphasises the importance of supporting local talent.
“By creating accessible opportunities within the diamond sector, we are actively investing in local talent, with a particular focus on supporting the youth to benefit from the diamond industry,” Madondo says.
Winners receive structured skills development, business support and tuition assistance to help build sustainable careers in jewellery design.
“The level of talent and innovation showcased by this year’s finalists is truly inspiring,” he says.
Namibia’s first-place winner, Juliana Fransisko, joins top achievers from Botswana, Canada and South Africa in receiving recognition for her exceptional designs.
“The Shining Light Awards highlight the value of skills transfer, creativity and entrepreneurship along the diamond value chain,” Madondo adds.
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