Diamond miner De Beers Group has announces the winners of the 2024 Shining Light Awards, a jewellery design competition for designers from the countries where De Beers recovers diamonds, including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Canada.

Launched in 1995, the Shining Light Awards are part of the De Beers Group Designers Initiative, a youth beneficiation skills development initiative aimed at developing jewellery design and manufacturing skills within De Beers Group’s host countries.

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.

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.

Twenty-two finalists were selected from the 104 entries submitted this year.

The 2024 Shining Light Award prizes are designed to advance each winner’s career by further developing their skills and equipping them with essential tools for success.

The prizes include business support, a structured skills development programme and tuition assistance, all aimed at empowering winners to build sustainable careers in the jewellery industry and contribute lasting value to their communities.

In South Africa, Otlotleng Moshupa placed first, Eve Julia Schneeberger second and Lisa Henn third.

The three winners from Botswana are Legakwana Leo Makgekgenene, Tsholo Cater Mogobye and Tshegofatso Sheba Kenalemang.

The Namibian winners are Juliana Fransisko, Padja Kaitungwa and Luka Ndivayele.

In Canada, Alisha Ansems placed first, Elinor Nelson-Hachey second and Samantha Yeung third.

“The Shining Light Awards are a testament to De Beers Group’s commitment to beneficiation in the countries where we recover diamonds.

“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,” says De Beers Group managed operations CEO Moses Madondo.

“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,” he adds.

An international panel of judges representing the four countries, led by De Beers Jewellers CEO Céline Assimon evaluated and selected this year’s winners.

“The Shining Light Awards provide a platform to spotlight young talent and open doors within the diamond sector and global markets. 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 honour to be part of this year’s competition, and congratulations to our winners and all applicants for their exceptional submissions,” Assimon says.