Three Namibian jewellery designers were among the winners of the 2024 Shining Light Awards. Juliana Fransisko claimed first place in the Namibian category, Padja Kaitungwa secured second place, and Luka Ndivayele earned third place.
The Shining Light Awards is a De Beers jewellery design competition dedicated to empowering the next generation of designers from countries where De Beers recovers diamonds, including Botswana, Canada, Namibia, and South Africa.
“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. 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,” said Moses Madondo, CEO of De Beers Group Managed Operations.
An international panel of judges representing the four countries, led by the CEO of De Beers Jewellers, 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,” said Assimon.
The 2024 Shining Light Award prizes are designed to advance each winner’s career by developing their skills and equipping them with essential tools for success. The prizes included 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.
Originally launched in 1995, the Shining Light Awards are part of the De Beers Group Designers Initiative, a youth beneficiation and skills development programme 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.
