Moments in Light: De Beers Celebrates the Brilliance of Talented Women

September 29, 2015

By Smitha Sadanandan

3 min read

De Beers Diamond Jewellers is all about celebrating the brilliance of diamonds and the brilliance of women. On September 18, the ‘Jeweller of Light’ lived its vision by continuing the celebration of brilliance with its special project, ‘Moments in Light.’

The project, which is close to De Beers’ heart, started two years ago, when the jewellery house started working with British photographer Mary McCartney and charity partner, Women for Women International. “By celebrating talented women, we are both inspiring women to be proud of their own achievements as well as helping women in difficult situations around the world,” said Francois Delage, CEO, De Beers Diamond Jewellers.

Diana Krall photograped by Mary McCartney

Diana Krall photograped by Mary McCartney

By bringing together four exceptionally brilliant women, De Beers shone the light on the new protagonists for the 2015 edition of its photo-series: Zaha Hadid, Iraqi-British architect; Diana Krall, Canadian Jazz singer and pianist; Liya Kebede, Ethiopian-born model-actress and UN Goodwill Ambassador with the World Health Organization; and Karen Mok, actress and singer-songwriter.

At an exhibition and dinner in London, De Beers unveiled the portraits of these wonderful women – all of whom are pioneers in their field. This time, the resplendent diamonds took a backstage, as the jeweller fervently championed Women for Women International. The initiative – which seeks to help women survivors of war zones and rebuilding their lives – found a renewed source of inspiration in its partnership with De Beers and Mary McCartney.

Karen Mok photographed by Mary McCartney

Karen Mok photographed by Mary McCartney

The stellar photographer, who shared her incredible skill, passion and inspiration for the creative campaign, has captured the spirit of Zaha, Diana, Liya and Karen in a collection of delightful portraits that hinge on their unique stories, with each frame drawing upon their inner strength and beauty.

De Beers has been shining the spotlight on its muses, galvanising the next generation of women and empowering Women for Women International in its work in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, Rwanda and Nigeria, among others.

Zaha Hadid, Brita Fernandez Schmidt, Diana Krall, Mary McCartney and Liya Kebede

Zaha Hadid, Brita Fernandez Schmidt, Diana Krall, Mary McCartney and Liya Kebede

“This is a very special project to me as it is about ‘Moments in Light’ and women inspiring other women,” said Mary. She believes that the artistic nature and talent of the protagonists would make other women want to “follow their own dreams.”

And this is the message that De Beers wishes to convey; judging but its unflinching support for the women’s organisation, the jewellery house sure has made a difference to the lives of scores of women across the globe – instilling in them a shimmer of hope for a better future.

De Beers

De Beers

 De Beers

De Beers

 De Beers

De Beers

 De Beers

De Beers

 De Beers

De Beers

Vicenzaoro 2015 Through The Eyes Of Katerina Perez:

continue reading

Mineral Masterpieces: Robert Procop on the Renowned 100 Carats Exhibition 

Let me take you behind the scenes of this important suite of centennial gems…

by Katerina Perez

Mocha Mousse: Getting Cosy with the Pantone Colour of the Year 2025

In keeping with its 25-year tradition, the Pantone Color Institute provided the fashion industry with a little winter pick-me-up back in December with the unveiling of its ‘Colour of the Year’ for 2025

by Katerina Perez

Mocha-Mousse_Simple-Pleasures-from-Pantone_2025_Katerina-Perez-scaled

Myriad Materials: Continuing the Story of Jewellery Artist Austy Lee

In fact, it is this choice of materials – gold, antique cameos, lacquer, and titanium, among others – that we will explore in this article. After all, why use what's readily available when there is a world of fabrications to explore?

by Sarah Jordan

Time to Shine: Enter the Debut Katerina Perez x Osmium Institute Design Contest

I am thrilled to announce an inaugural competition that will put your jewellery design expertise to the test!

by Katerina Perez

Year of the Snake: Jewellery to Celebrate the Chinese New Year 2025

On Wednesday, January 29, 2025, the Chinese New Year will ring in the year of the Snake, specifically the Wood Snake, which has not presided over the calendar since 1965

by Sarah Jordan

Feminine Finesse: Women at the Bench Crafting Jewellery Masterpieces

I am sure all of you have heard incredible things about the power of the human touch. The same can be said for handcrafted jewellery - an artisan's hands can breathe life into metal, transforming it into something precious that embodies beauty and charm

by Hirshi Sujanti

Slithering Success: The Best Year of the Snake Watches for Chinese New Year 2025

by Sarah Jordan

Knock on Wood: Precious Wooden Jewellery for Luck and Grounding 

Would you consider swapping gold and gemstones for wood?

by Rachael Taylor

Glorious Garnets: Why This Lesser-Known Gemstone is Undergoing a Renaissance

Found in the jewellery of Egyptian pharaohs and ancient Romans, the Victorians adored the red variety of garnet for which this gemstone is best known. Jewellery in the 19th century wasn’t just an accessory; it was a vehicle of expression

by Claire Roberts

Heavy Metal: The Trend For Bold Gold Medallions Gathers Pace

Medallions infused with meaning are hot property right now, as jewellery lovers fall for the symbolism and style of these statement designs.

by Rachael Taylor

Chain Reaction: Shells Reinvented with the Melanie Georgacopoulos Katina Collection

by Sarah Jordan

Galentine Gifts: Jewels to Celebrate Female Friendships this Valentine’s Day

by Rachael Taylor

Subscription banner

Katerina PerezClub

Step into a universe devoted to jewellery that has been especially curated to indulge your passion, impart knowledge and inspire the next steps on your jewellery journey. Discover exclusive content you won’t find elsewhere.

join the club

Latest Stories

Add articles and images to your favourites. Just

Gem Focus:Brazil Gem Commerce

Discover a company specialising in the cutting and trading of Brazilian and African precious gems, including Paraiba, rubellite and morganite

by Katerina Perez

Continue Reading

Ask Katerina:Diamond Jewellery Styling Tips for Modern Dressing

Here are some of the answers I gave during the presentation to aid your jewellery dressing…

by Katerina Perez

Jewellery Insights straight to your inbox

Style Guide

By using this website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.