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.
$20,630 / 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
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...
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
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
White Stones, Diamonds, Rubies, Emeralds, Sapphires Dangle Earrings
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Vintage Dangle earrings in 14k yellow gold structure, mounted with lovely little flowers made of rubies, diamonds and blue sapphires in the upper part, and white stones pendant enric...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Black Onyx Pyramids Dangling 18 Karat Yellow Gold Chandelier Earrings
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
From FERRUCCI Pyramids collection, these black Onyx pyramid cuts, set in 18k yellow gold dangling earrings, hand made in New York city by Italian designer Francesco Ferrucci, an Art ...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Style Ruby Small Hoop Huggie Earrings
Located in Addison, TX
14K Yellow Gold Vintage Style Ruby Hoop Huggie Earrings. Theses vintage inspired earrings feature by 12 round rubies weighing a total of approximately 1.20 carats. They are adorable and classic and perfect for any occasion! Earrings details:. Metal: 14K White Gold Weight: 2.5 grams Dimensions: 15.72mm in diameter Stamp: 14K MEXICO...
Ruby, White Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Eostre Moonstone, White South Sea Pearl and Diamond Earring in 18K Gold
Located in Melbourne, AU
This earring in inspired by the Moonstones. The top part of the earring is a Moonstone engulfed by a Diamonds encrusted Moon Crescent followed by a Moonstone Cabochon and at the bott...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Moonstone, 18k Gold, White Gold
$6,860Sale Price|20% Off
Pink Sapphire and Diamond Dangle Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Gorgeous pair of hanging pink sapphire and diamond drop earrings. The greatest part is how perfectly the pink sapphires graduate in color from deep pink to light pink. The center sec...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby with Diamond Earrings Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 5.23 carats with Diamond 0.65 carat Earrings set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 1.1 cm Length: 3.3 cm Total Weight: 9.47 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,980
H 2.2 in L 2.2 in
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby Sapphire Emerald Long Earrings
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios designer Earrings 18 Karat yellow gold all handmade and microscopically decorated with granulation workmanship and a unique velvet finish on the background. This stunning ...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold 0.50 Cttw Diamond "Mini "Huggy Hoop Earrings
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
Beautiful split prong diamond earrings you can wear every day! Made from fine 18 karat yellow gold, these huggy earrings boast 0.50 Cttw. of VS clarity, G-H color diamonds. Being hug...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,718 / set
W 0.31 in L 0.83 in
Black Tahitian Pearl and Pavé Diamond Ribbon Stud Earrings 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
These sophisticated stud earrings showcase two luminous Tahitian pearls, each displaying a rich iridescent black hue. Their near-round shape and high luster create a luxurious glow, ...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
W 0.3 in D 0.2 in L 0.99 in
Set in 18K Gold, Ceylon Multi Sapphires & Diamonds Chandelier/ Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very beautiful and chic Multi Sapphire Chandelier/ Dangle Earrings set in 18K White Gold & Diamonds. The weight of the Multi Sapphires is 10.11 carats. The Multi Sapphire Rose Cuts...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pink Sapphire and 18 Karat White Gold Hoop Earrings
By Salavetti
Located in San Francisco, CA
For the lover of all things pink! A fun version of a classic hoop design, these 18k white gold earrings are pave-set with 98 round pink sapphires, weighing in total 1.14 carats, They...
Pink Sapphire, White Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold 1.90 Carat Diamond Oval Hoop Earrings
Located in Great neck, NY
These Classic and Elegant Diamond Oval Hoop Earrings will frame your face beautifully! Crafted of 14K Yellow Gold these earrings feature approximately 1.91 cts of Natural Round Diamo...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold and White Diamonds Fringe 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...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold 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, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold, White Diamonds and Aquamarine 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...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold and Emeralds 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 inspiration to Vania Leles for this collection. Each piece from The Nile Collection has been passionately crafted from the inspiring story of the river’s past and present. It centers around three-dimensional motifs with fluid lines forming a closed cocoon. Earrings crafted in 18K Yellow Gold and Emeralds...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold and White Diamonds Fringe 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...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold and White Diamonds 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...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ethically Sourced Emeralds Earrings in 18K White Gold and White Diamonds
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Vania celebrates the beauty and strength of her African homeland with intricate designs, infused with the intensity of the finest emeralds and exquisite diamonds. This collection was...
White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bespoke Lyla's Bow Brazilian Paraiba Earrings- For Private Client
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Brazilian paraibas set number 2 --> 11.75 carats Lyla's Bow earrings crafted in 18K white gold & White Diamond Final Payment
White Diamonds, White Gold, Classic, Bridal Dangle Earrings
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Diamond earrings crafted in 18K white gold Diamond round GVS x116 = 4.30 carats ...
White Diamond, White Gold
White Diamonds, White Gold, Classic, Bridal Dangle Earrings
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Diamond earrings crafted in 18K white gold Diamond round GVS x116 = 4.30 carats ...
White Diamond, White Gold
Pink Sapphire, Pink Tourmaline, White Diamond and Rose Gold Earrings
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Earrings crafted in 18K rose gold Diamond round G/VS x40 = 1.62 carats Pink sapphire round x242 = 9.80 carats Pink tourmaline round x2 = 1.00 carats Produc...
White Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
White Gold, White Diamond and Pink Sapphire Dangle Earrings
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Earrings crafted in 18K white gold Diamonds GVS x68 = 1.51 carats / Pink sapphire x98 ...
White Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold