An opportunity for young jewelry designers
An opportunity has risen for young jewelry designers through the Shining Light Awards (SLA) competition and e Beers Group Designers Initiative (DBGDI. The Shining Light Awards (SLA) competition is held every two years through a collaboration between De Beers Group and Forevermark. The success of the SLA is reliant on a successful working relationship with training institutions, government stakeholders, media and youth across all our producer countries.
The De Beers Group Designers Initiative (DBGDI), which incorporates the Shining Light Awards (SLA) - has existed for 23 years in South Africa, 11 years respectively in Botswana and Namibia and 2 years in Canada. The 2020/2021 SLA competition was launched on the 1ST December 2020 and is open for entries online till 30 April 2021. All applications will be submitted through the Shining Light Awards Website. Winners will be announced in November 2021. Three (3) awardees will be selected from each country.
The SLA is a tangible representation of De Beers’ youth Beneficiation strategy and focuses on creating an enabling environment for growth, skills transfer, entrepreneurship, global experiences and mentorship in the jewellery design sector for young aspiring jewellery designers. Over the years more that 30 young designers have won various awards and opportunities to participate in the diamond value chain in our producer countries. Leveraging the SLA as a launch pad for former awardees/winners have gone on to establish jewelry brands, open jewellery stores, design & manufacture one-ofa-kind pieces, gain employment at world class jewellery stores and become diamantaires entrepreneurs.
The winners of the competition will be awarded with scholarships and mentorship to different institutions around the world. The first prize winner will be awarded a 12 months post graduate scholarship at Poli. Design in Milan, Italy and an Internship at the Forevermark Milan. The second prize winner will be awarded 12-month Artisan hands-on jewellery manufacturing training. The third prize winner will get a threemonth internship at a De Beers Academy.
The theme for the competition is The Evolution of Love and Life. When describing the the theme the event organisers said,” the designer should be inspired by the theme and ask themselves - How has your way of life, your traditions, your culture, your love, your work and your relationships evolved during this time of the greatest change the world has experienced?”.
Designers are invited to use any cut of diamonds to create/submit the following: A full collection is required, all pieces must be part of the same theme
One ring. With and without pave on shank One set of earrings. With and without pave
One pendant. With and without pave One bracelet/bangle. With and without pave
Name the collection with a brief description
Preferred Rhino or similar 3D program, scale 2:1
If 3D technology is not available, an asymmetrical 2D drawing will be required scale at least 1;1 – 2;1 preferred for at least the ring.
Technical drawings of all pieces are required
Only one hero diamond of 1 carat. All pave or embellishment must be 0.05pts or below (0.03 preferred)
Gold (no specific carat) any colour. No other materials are permitted Loop to hold pendant must be at least 2.8 mm in diameter for chain clasp to pass through
Clasps, opening and closing mechanisms (earring/bracelets)
Pieces may have movement so hooks etc. at choice. Robustness must be assured.
A mood , story board (with images) and a written description (150 words) of the idea as well as a name for the collection
The designers are expected to present their work understanding that a collection must be created at the end of the competition and that it must be sellable at retail to a millennial anywhere in the world.