Namibians shine in De Beers awards

De Beers has announced the winners of the 2024 Shining Light Awards, a jewellery design competition dedicated to empowering the next generation of designers from the countries where the group recovers diamonds, including Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa.

In the winner category, Namibian Juliana Fransisko shared the limelight with Legakwana Leo Makgekgenene (Botswana), Otlotleng Moshupa (South Africa) and Alisha Ansems (Canada).

Namibian Padja Kaitungwa was in the group who came second, while local designer Luka Ndivayele was included in the group for third place winners.



Luxury redefined

This year’s design theme, “Luxury Redefined”, invited entrants to present innovative, authentic and inclusive visions of luxury, while celebrating diversity.

Each entry included designs for a complete jewellery collection featuring a ring, necklace, earrings, bangles and bracelets.

A total of 104 entries were submitted this year, from which 22 finalists representing each country were selected.

Originally launched in 1995, the Shining Light Awards are part of the De Beers Group Designers Initiative, a youth beneficiation skills development initiative aimed at cultivating world-class jewellery design and manufacturing skills.

The competition runs every two years and is open to jewellery designers aged 18 to 35 who are in their final year of a jewellery design programme, have already graduated or who have relevant experience in jewellery design.



Commitment

Moses Madondo, CEO of De Beers Group Managed Operations, said: “The Shining Light Awards are a testament to De Beers Group’s commitment to beneficiation in the countries where we recover diamonds.

“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.”