Namibian talent shines at De Beers Shining Light Awards
The De Beers Group recently revealed the winners of its 2024 Shining Light Awards, a jewellery design competition.
Open to young jewellery designers from De Beers' partner countries – Namibia, Botswana, Canada, and South Africa – the competition awarded three Namibians prizes for first, second and third place.
This year's competition celebrated the theme 'Luxury Redefined'.
Moses Madondo, CEO of De Beers Group Managed Operations, said: “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.”
He added: “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.”
Namibian designers glitter
Participants were tasked with designing a jewellery collection that embodied innovative, authentic and inclusive visions of luxury while celebrating diversity. Each submission included designs for a complete jewellery collection comprising a ring, necklace, earrings, bangles and bracelets. A total of 104 entries were submitted this year, with 22 finalists selected per country.
Multiple winners from the participating countries were recognised in each category.
Among the Namibian winners, Juliana Fransisko secured first place, Padja Kaitungwa took second place and Luka Ndivayele earned third place.
Their designs showcased exceptional creativity and innovation, standing out in the competition. The winners will receive support through training programmes, business development opportunities and mentoring to advance their careers in jewellery design.
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 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 have relevant experience in jewellery design.
Open to young jewellery designers from De Beers' partner countries – Namibia, Botswana, Canada, and South Africa – the competition awarded three Namibians prizes for first, second and third place.
This year's competition celebrated the theme 'Luxury Redefined'.
Moses Madondo, CEO of De Beers Group Managed Operations, said: “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.”
He added: “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.”
Namibian designers glitter
Participants were tasked with designing a jewellery collection that embodied innovative, authentic and inclusive visions of luxury while celebrating diversity. Each submission included designs for a complete jewellery collection comprising a ring, necklace, earrings, bangles and bracelets. A total of 104 entries were submitted this year, with 22 finalists selected per country.
Multiple winners from the participating countries were recognised in each category.
Among the Namibian winners, Juliana Fransisko secured first place, Padja Kaitungwa took second place and Luka Ndivayele earned third place.
Their designs showcased exceptional creativity and innovation, standing out in the competition. The winners will receive support through training programmes, business development opportunities and mentoring to advance their careers in jewellery design.
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 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 have relevant experience in jewellery design.
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