Every VANLELES Diamonds creation is an homage to the beauty of Africa. Vania Leles started the jewelry brand to showcase the gemstones and diamonds of her home continent. Each ethically sourced piece is inspired by African history and landscapes, with precious stones transformed into stunning jewelry like dangle earrings, pendant necklaces and cocktail rings.
Leles was born in Guinea-Bissau and later studied in Lisbon and London. Her work as a model took her to Paris and New York until she settled in London. In 2003, she had the idea for a jewelry brand while on a fine jewelry shoot. Someone on set told her that Africa was the origin of some of the world’s most precious and semi-precious stones. Yet when she did some research, she discovered that there was a lack of fine jewelry African designers working with these stones.
Leles decided to establish her own African and female-led jewelry house, but her mother urged her to slow down. “She suggested I get ten years of experience before launching my own company,” Leles told Introspective. Taking her advice, she quit modeling, earned a gemology degree from GIA London and was hired as a gemologist by Graff. She later worked at De Beers and Sotheby’s.
In 2011, Leles launched VANLELES Diamonds. She opened a store on New Bond Street in London, a major center of the international jewelry trade. She began small, taking commissions for engagement rings and tennis bracelets. In 2015, a loyal client became an investor, and Leles relocated to the prestigious Brook Street.
When designing, Leles told The Study, she envisions her pieces for “a dynamic and elegant woman who isn’t afraid to wear grand jewelry with the same ease while in jeans and a white shirt or in a gown.”
Since the beginning, Leles has maintained a strict policy of only sourcing diamonds from certified conflict-free suppliers. This includes stones from all over the African continent, including Mozambique, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia.
On 1stDibs, find VANLELES Diamonds earrings, necklaces, rings and more.
$20,825 / item
18 Karat White Gold and White Diamonds Ribbon Earrings
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Lyla’s Bow is the first collection designed by Vania Leles. Embodying the spirit of VANLELES’ design, this collection is feminine and timeless, which are a must have for jewellery lo...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$16,105 / item
18 Karat White Gold and White Diamonds Bow Earrings
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Lyla’s Bow is the first collection designed by Vania Leles. Embodying the spirit of VANLELES’ design, this collection is feminine and timeless, which are a must have for jewellery lo...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold, White Diamonds and Brazilian Aquamarine Necklace
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
This extraordinary and sophisticated piece is part of Lyla’s Bow, the first collection designed by Vania Leles. This is a timeless piece, a must have for jewellery lovers, and the pe...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold and White Diamonds Wide Band Ring
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
This ring is part of our iconic heritage collection, Legends of Africa. Vania celebrates the beauty and strength of her African homeland with intricate designs, infused with the int...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$38,458 / item
18 Karat White Gold, White Diamonds Stiletto Earrings
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Inspired by the enchanted atmosphere of African forests, by the majestic Baobabs and the richly intricate Acacia trees. Expanding on VANLELES’ iconic Enchanted Garden Collection, Aca...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$69,418 / item
18 Karat Yellow Gold and White Diamonds Necklace
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
The Nile Collection is an elevated and elegant take on the exotic theme of ancient Egypt. The Nile, the longest river in the world also called the father of African rivers, served as...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold and White Diamonds Butterfly Earrings
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Stud Earrings crafted in 18K White Gold Round Brilliant Diamonds GVS + = 2.00 carats Earring size = 27 x 21 mm Made in Italy
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$8,469 / item
18 Karat Rose Gold, White Diamonds and Coral Ring
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
New additions to our iconic Nile collection. This new edition features bold shapes and chunky volumes, adorned with our unique Nile arabesque motif. Ring crafted in 18K Rose Gold an...
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18 Karat White Gold and White Diamonds Large Heart Shaped Earrings
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
O CORAÇÃO AFRICANO Collection Love, my African heart, is a passionate love letter to Africa. A place of great generosity, beauty and opulence and a nod to VANLELES Founder and Creat...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold, White Diamonds and Turquoise Pendant
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Our iconic Nile collection features bold shapes and chunky volumes, adorned with our unique Nile arabesque motif. Pendant crafted in 18K Yellow Gold and carved Turquoise Round Brill...
Crystal, Diamond, White Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold and White Diamonds Earrings
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
The most exquisite diamonds and timeless designs created with superior craftsmanship. VANELELES Diamonds’ Bridal Collection offers an extensive selection of engagement rings, showcas...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Rose Gold, White Diamonds, Rubies and Rubellite Earclips
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Inspired by the enchanted atmosphere of African forests, by the majestic Baobabs and the richly intricate Acacia trees. Expanding on VANLELES’ iconic Enchanted Garden Collection, Aca...
Diamond, White Diamond, Rubelite, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold, White Diamonds and Emeralds Wing Earrings
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
A gold-rich collection that pays homage to the tidal sands of West Africa, the sand dunes of Mali, and the famous pilgrimage undertaken by Mansa Musa of the Mali Empire to Mecca . E...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold, White Diamonds and Yellow Sapphire Chandelier Earrings
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Legends of Africa, Our iconic heritage collection. Vania celebrates the beauty and strength of her African homeland with intricate designs, infused with the intensity of the finest ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold, Diamonds, Pink Sapphire, Ruby and Tsavorite Earrings
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Step into a world of delight and magic, where flowers burst into bloom in a spectacular display of colourful gemstones and floral splendour. Inspired by vibrant African print, this c...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Tourmaline, Tsavo...
$50,814 / item
18 Karat Rose Gold and Diamonds Earrings
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Drawing from the narrative of the “Dewdrops of the Desert,” the Fleur de Sable collection comes to life. Found in arid landscapes, desert rose formations symbolise resilience, silent...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18 Karat White Gold, White Diamonds and Rubellite Cocktail Ring
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
This ring is part of 'Legends of Africa', our iconic heritage collection. Vania celebrates the beauty and strength of her African homeland with intricate designs, infused with the in...
Diamond, White Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold, Pink Sapphire, Ruby and Rubellite Flower Pendant and Brooch
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Enchanted Garden Collection. Step into a world of delight and magic, where flowers burst into bloom in a spectacular display of colourful gemstones and floral splendour. Inspired by ...
Rubelite, Ruby, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$13,606 / item
18 Karat Yellow Gold, White Diamonds and Turquoise Ring
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Our iconic Nile collection features bold shapes and chunky volumes, adorned with our unique Nile arabesque motif. Ring crafted in 18K Yellow Gold and Turquoise Round Brilliant Diamo...
Diamond, White Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold, Black Diamonds and White Diamonds Chandelier Earrings
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Legends of Africa, Our iconic heritage collection. Vania celebrates the beauty and strength of her African homeland with intricate designs, infused with the intensity of the finest ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$6,108Sale Price / item|20% Off
18 Karat Yellow Gold, White Diamonds and Rock Crystal Pendant
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Our iconic Nile collection features bold shapes and chunky volumes, adorned with our unique Nile arabesque motif. Pendant crafted in 18K Yellow Gold and carved Rock Crystal Round Br...
Crystal, Diamond, White Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold and White Diamonds Single Earring
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
The most exquisite diamonds and timeless designs created with superior craftsmanship. VANELELES Diamonds’ Bridal Collection offers an extensive selection of engagement rings, showcas...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold and White Diamonds Bow Pendant
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Lyla’s Bow is the first collection designed by Vania Leles. This collection is feminine and timeless, which are a must have for jewellery lovers, and the perfect gift for someone spe...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold, Diamonds, Pink Sapphire, Ruby and Tsavorite Flower Bracelet
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Step into a world of delight and magic, where flowers burst into bloom in a spectacular display of colourful gemstones and floral splendour. Inspired by vibrant African print, this c...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Go...
$27,824 / item
18 Karat Yellow Gold and White Diamonds Ring
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
A gold-rich collection that pays homage to the tidal sands of West Africa, the sand dunes of Mali, and the famous pilgrimage undertaken by Mansa Musa of the Mali Empire to Mecca . R...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$42,900 / item
18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamonds Earrings
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Drawing from the narrative of the “Dewdrops of the Desert,” the Fleur de Sable collection comes to life. Found in arid landscapes, desert rose formations symbolise resilience, silent...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Rose Gold, White Diamonds and Carved Amethyst Bracelet
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Our iconic Nile collection features bold shapes and chunky volumes, adorned with our unique Nile arabesque motif. Bracelet crafted in 18K Rose Gold and carved Amethyst Round Brillia...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18 Karat White Gold and White Diamonds Heart Shaped Pendant
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
O CORAÇÃO AFRICANO Collection Love, my African heart, is a passionate love letter to Africa. A place of great generosity, beauty and opulence and a nod to VANLELES Founder and Creat...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White and Yellow Gold, White Diamonds and Emeralds Stiletto Earrings
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Inspired by the enchanted atmosphere of African forests, by the majestic Baobabs and the richly intricate Acacia trees. Expanding on VANLELES’ iconic Enchanted Garden Collection, Aca...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Rose Gold and White Diamonds Bow Pendant
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
This beautiful necklace is part of Lyla’s Bow, the first collection designed by Vania Leles. Embodying the spirit of VANLELES’ design, this collection is feminine and timeless, a mus...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$41,651 / item
18 Karat Yellow Gold, White Diamonds and Emerald Ring
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
A gold-rich collection that pays homage to the tidal sands of West Africa, the sand dunes of Mali, and the famous pilgrimage undertaken by Mansa Musa of the Mali Empire to Mecca . R...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold and Sapphires Mini Hoop Earrings
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
The Nile Collection is an elevated and elegant take on the exotic theme of ancient Egypt. The Nile, the longest river in the world also called the father of African rivers, served as...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$27,767 / item
18 Karat Yellow Gold and White Diamonds Bangle
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
The Nile Collection is an elevated and elegant take on the exotic theme of ancient Egypt. The Nile, the longest river in the world also called the father of African rivers, served as...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,391 / item
18 Karat Yellow Gold Mini Hoop Earrings
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
The Nile Collection is an elevated and elegant take on the exotic theme of ancient Egypt. The Nile, the longest river in the world also called the father of African rivers, served as...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold, White Diamonds and Rock Crystal Bracelet
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Our iconic Nile collection features bold shapes and chunky volumes, adorned with our unique Nile arabesque motif. Bracelet crafted in 18K Yellow Gold and carved Rock Crystal Round B...
Crystal, Diamond, White Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Rose Gold, White Diamonds, Rubies and Rubellite Stiletto Earrings
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Inspired by the enchanted atmosphere of African forests, by the majestic Baobabs and the richly intricate Acacia trees. Expanding on VANLELES’ iconic Enchanted Garden Collection, Aca...
Diamond, White Diamond, Rubelite, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$16,799 / item
18 Karat Rose Gold and Diamonds Ring
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Drawing from the narrative of the “Dewdrops of the Desert,” the Fleur de Sable collection comes to life. Found in arid landscapes, desert rose formations symbolise resilience, silent...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18 Karat White Gold and White Diamonds Heart Shaped Cocktail Ring
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
O CORAÇÃO AFRICANO Collection Love, my African heart, is a passionate love letter to Africa. A place of great generosity, beauty and opulence and a nod to VANLELES Founder and Creat...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Rose Gold, White Diamonds and Rubies Large Heart Shaped Earrings
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
O CORAÇÃO AFRICANO Collection Love, my African heart, is a passionate love letter to Africa. A place of great generosity, beauty and opulence and a nod to VANLELES Founder and Creat...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$10,829 / item
18 Karat Rose Gold and Diamond Mini Pendant
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Drawing from the narrative of the “Dewdrops of the Desert,” the Fleur de Sable collection comes to life. Found in arid landscapes, desert rose formations symbolise resilience, silent...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$17,077 / item
18 Karat Rose Gold and Diamonds Mini Earrings
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Drawing from the narrative of the “Dewdrops of the Desert,” the Fleur de Sable collection comes to life. Found in arid landscapes, desert rose formations symbolise resilience, silent...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18 Karat Rose Gold, White Diamonds and Carved Amethyst Ring
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Our iconic Nile collection features bold shapes and chunky volumes, adorned with our unique Nile arabesque motif. Ring crafted in 18K Rose Gold and carved Amethyst Round Brilliant D...
Diamond, White Diamond, Amethyst, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$28,045 / item
18 Karat Rose Gold and Diamonds Pendant
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Drawing from the narrative of the “Dewdrops of the Desert,” the Fleur de Sable collection comes to life. Found in arid landscapes, desert rose formations symbolise resilience, silent...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18 Karat Rose Gold, White Diamonds and Carved Amethyst Small Ring
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Our iconic Nile collection features bold shapes and chunky volumes, adorned with our unique Nile arabesque motif. Ring crafted in 18K Rose Gold and carved Amethyst Round Brilliant D...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$23,324 / item
18 Karat Yellow Gold and Tsavorites Earclips
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Inspired by the enchanted atmosphere of African forests, by the majestic Baobabs and the richly intricate Acacia trees. Expanding on VANLELES’ iconic Enchanted Garden Collection, Aca...
Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold, White Diamonds and Sapphires Stiletto Earrings
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Inspired by the enchanted atmosphere of African forests, by the majestic Baobabs and the richly intricate Acacia trees. Expanding on VANLELES’ iconic Enchanted Garden Collection, Aca...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold