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De Beers has chosen the winners of its Shining Light Awards, which honor the next generation of jewelry designers from the miner’s host countries of Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa.
The competition, part of the De Beers Group Designers Initiative, is a youth beneficiation skills-development program that focuses on cultivating jewelry design and manufacturing competencies, the miner reported last week. This year’s design theme, “Luxury Redefined” asked entrants to present luxury lines celebrating diversity, comprising a ring, necklace, earrings, bangles and bracelets. The company received 104 submissions, from which it chose 22 finalists, representing each of the four countries.
“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,” said Moses Madondo, CEO of De Beers Group Managed Operations. “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.”
The award benefits include business support, tuition assistance and access to a structured skills-development program for candidates aged 18 to 35 who are in their final year of a jewelry design program, have already graduated or have relevant experience. Judges included an international panel representing the four countries, as well as CEO of De Beers Jewellers Céline Assimon.
First Place Winners:
Legakwana Leo Makgekgenene (Botswana)
Alisha Ansems (Canada)
Juliana Fransisko (Namibia)
Otlotleng Moshupa (South Africa)
Second Place Winners:
Tsholo Cater Mogobye (Botswana)
Elinor Nelson-Hachey (Canada)
Padja Kaitungwa (Namibia)
Eve Julia Schneeberger (South Africa)
Third Place Winners:
Tshegofatso Sheba Kenalemang (Botswana)
Samantha Yeung (Canada)
Luka Ndivayele (Namibia)
Lisa Henn (South Africa)
Image: The jewelry that won first place from each country. (De Beers)
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