De Beers highlights emerging talents at awards ceremony
By LUXURY DAILY NEWS SERVICE
Diamond company De Beers Group is honoring the next generation of jewelry designers.
The company announced the 12 winners of its 2024 Shining Light Awards, a jewelry design competition dedicated to emerging talent from the countries where De Beers recovers diamonds, including Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. The competition occurs every two years and is open to designers aged 18 to 35 who have relevant experience, recently graduated or are in the final year of their jewelry design program.
“The Shining Light Awards provide a platform to spotlight young talent and open doors within the diamond sector and global markets,” said Céline Assimon, CEO of De Beers Jewellers, in a statement.
“This year’s theme, Luxury Redefined, inspired a range of creative interpretations with designers exploring sustainability, natural elements and cultural heritage as sources of inspiration, reflecting how luxury is shaped and defined by individual lived experience,” Ms. Assimon said. “It was an honor to be part of this year’s competition, and congratulations to our winners and all applicants for their exceptional submissions.”
First place winners by Legakwana Leo Makgekgenene of Botswana (top) and Otlotleng Moshupa of South Africa (bottom). Images courtesy of De Beers Group
Next generation talent
Originally launched in 1995, the Shining Light Awards is part of the De Beers Group Designers Initiative, a skills development initiative that cultivates jewelry design and manufacturing skills within De Beers Group’s host countries.
This year’s design challenge, “Luxury Redefined,” invited entrants to fuse luxury with diversity. Each entry included designs for a jewelry collection featuring a ring, necklace, earrings, bangles and bracelets.
A total of 104 entries were submitted from which 22 finalists representing each country were selected.
“The Shining Light Awards are a testament to De Beers Group’s commitment to beneficiation in the countries where we recover diamonds,” said Moses Madondo, CEO of De Beers Group Managed Operations, in a statement.
“By creating accessible opportunities within the diamond sector, we are actively investing in local talent, with a particular focus on supporting youth in our host countries to benefit from the diamond industry,” Mr. Madondo said. “Through the Shining Light Awards, we provide a platform that not only nurtures and develops emerging designers but also highlights the value of skills transfer, entrepreneurship, and creativity along the diamond value chain.
“We are truly inspired by the level of talent and innovation showcased by this year’s finalists.”
First place winners by Alisha Ansems of Canada (top) and Juliana Fransisko of Namibia (bottom). Images courtesy of De Beers Group
The awards are a cornerstone of De Beers’ youth program with an aim to enhance entrepreneurship and mentorship in the global jewelry design sector. The international panel of judges was led by Ms. Assimon and included representatives from the four countries.
The winners hail from Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa and are as follows: Legakwana Leo Makgekgenene; Alisha Ansems; Juliana Fransisko; Otlotleng Moshupa; Tsholo Cater Mogobye; Elinor Nelson-Hachey; Padja Kaitungwa; Eve Julia Schneeberger; Tshegofatso Sheba Kenalemang; Samantha Yeung; Luka Ndivayele and Lisa Henn.
In April, to improve operative efficiencies, the company relocated its auction headquarters from Singapore to Gaborone, Botswana (see story).
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