The theme for the 2024 competition was “Luxury Redefined,” with entrants invited to design innovative, authentic, and inclusive versions of luxury, while celebrating diversity. Pictured here are models wearing pieces by the 12 winners.
Johannesburg—De Beers Group has announced the winners of its 2024 “Shining Light” Awards this week.
The jewelry design competition is dedicated to empowering the next generation of designers from the countries where De Beers recovers diamonds—Botswana, Canada, Namibia, and South Africa.
The award began in 1995, as part of the De Beers Group Designer Initiative, aimed at developing skills and cultivating world-class jewelry design and manufacturing skills within the youth of the company’s host countries.
The competition runs every two years and is open to jewelry designers from ages 18 to 35 who are in their final year of a jewelry design program, have already graduated, or who have relevant experience in jewelry design.
Each entrant had to submit designs for a complete jewelry collection that included a ring, necklace, earrings, bangles, and bracelets.
This year’s theme was “Luxury Redefined,” with entrants invited to design innovative, authentic, and inclusive versions of luxury, while celebrating diversity, said De Beers Group.
Of the 104 entries, 22 finalists were selected to represent their country, and 12 winners were chosen with first, second, and third place awards given to designers from each of the four countries.
SEE: The 2024 “Shining Light” Awards Winners
A rendering of the “Sego Sa Metsi” ring by Botswanian award winner Legakwana Leo Makgekgenene
Legakwana Leo Makgekgenene took the first place for Botswana.
The second-place finalist was Tsholo Cater Mogobye, and the third-place finalist was Tshegofatso Sheba Kenalemang.
The rendering of a pair of earrings designed by Alisha Ansems, the Canadian winner
For Canada, Alisha Ansems was the first-place winner.
Elinor Nelson-Hachey took second place, and Samantha Yeung took third place.
The first-place winner for Namibia was Juliana Fransisko.
The second-place finalist was Padja Kaitungwa, and Luka Ndivayele was the third-place finalist.
The rendering of a pendant by Otlotleng Moshupa, the winner for South Africa
Otlotleng Moshupa was the first-place winner for South Africa.
The finalists were Eve Julia Schneeberger in second place, and Lisa Henn in third place.
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The winners were evaluated and selected by an international panel of judges representing each of the countries and led by Céline Assimon, the CEO of De Beers Jewellers.
“The Shining Light Awards provide a platform to spotlight young talent and open doors within the diamond sector and global markets,” said Assimon.
“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. It was an honor to be part of this year’s competition, and congratulations to our winners and all applicants for their exceptional submissions.”
The prizes for the “Shining Light” Awards align with the goals of the De Beers Group Designer Initiative, said the company, as they are designed to advance each winner’s career by further developing their skills and equipping them with the essential tools for success so they can build sustainable careers in the jewelry industry and contribute to their communities.
Prizes for the 2024 awards included business support, a structured skills development program, and tuition assistance.
“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 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. We are truly inspired by the level of talent and innovation showcased by this year’s finalists.”
