The De Beers Group Designers Initiative (DBGDI) Shining Light Awards 2020/2021 jewellery design competition was launched on Tuesday this week. Through the competition, De Beers invites young jewellery designers to showcase their talent by designing an exciting, innovative diamond jewellery line that embodies this year’s theme of “The Evolution of Love and Life”.
DBGDI is a youth beneficiation skills development initiative aimed at inspiring, igniting and enabling young jewellers (aged 18 to 35) with world-class jewellery design and manufacturing skills in each of the De Beers Group diamond producing countries of Botswana, Canada, Namibia, and South Africa.
This year’s theme sends a powerful message of hope and resilience at a time when the world continues to evolve and innovate at lightning speed, as such humankind must continue to search for meaning.
Pat Dambe, Vice-President of Corporate Affairs and Government Relations, De Beers Global Sightholder Sales, said: “As a company, we are passionate about enabling and empowering youth with skills in jewellery design that can propel them into the enchanting world of the diamond value chain. We are always awestruck by how these young jewellery enthusiasts interpret the theme to make gorgeous designs that are relevant to today’s consumer. The designs are truly unique, thought provoking and celebrate the rarity and timelessness of Forevermark diamonds. I urge all who meet the criteria, to apply and stand a chance to be awarded a once in a lifetime opportunity to enhance your jewellery design skills through a 12-month post graduate programme at Politecnico di Milano in Milan, Italy, the design and fashion capital of the world or a 12-month goldsmith training in South Africa or a three month exposure at a De Beers Group business unit.”
The success of the De Beers Group Designers Initiative (DBGDI) over the past 23 years in South Africa, 11 years in Botswana and Namibia and two years in Canada is due to the sustainable partnerships that have motivated aspiring designers. Partnerships with producer country governments, universities, technikons, incubators, sightholders, media and Forevermark have resulted in over 30 beneficiaries of the Shining Light Awards over the years who have gone on to open jewellery stores, establish game changing brands and work for world renowned jewellery companies.
Shining Light Awards have been described as a launch pad for future diamantaires to the world of natural diamonds. Entries for the 2020/2021 competition will open on 30 January and will close on 31 March 2021.