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.
$36,830 / 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
$10,724 / 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
Alex Jona Pink Tourmaline Multiple Pendant 18 Karat Rose Gold Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 Karat Rose gold chain necklace suspending 7 multiple cut Pink Tourmalines total carats 5.71. Dimension: L 17.71 in/ 45 cm We...
Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18 Karat Rose Gold Enamel and Diamond Cross Pendant
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage cross necklace pendant of 18 karat rose gold with blue enamel and diamonds for a total of 3 karats, Italy 1860-1880s
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
Chopard Happy Hearts Diamond Rose Gold Pendant Necklace 18 Karat Box
By Chopard
Located in San Diego, CA
Chopard Happy Hearts Diamond Pendant Box Style: Pendant Metal: 18kt Rose Gold Size / Measurements: 16' Chain with Lobster Clasp Pendant ...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Tiffany & Co. Diamond Bow Pendant Necklace 18 Karat Rose Gold
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in San Diego, CA
Tiffany & Co. Necklace Style: Diamond Bow Pendant Necklace Gold: 18K Rose Gold TCW: 0.37 Carat Total Diamond: 44 Round Brilliant Cut ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rose Cut Diamond 18 Karat Gold Floral Pendant Necklace
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This pendant has been meticulously crafted from 18-karat gold. It is hand set in .51 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier Pavé Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace 18K Rose Gold
By Cartier
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301982 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2014 Model B7221500 Serial Number YF**** Metal 18k Rose Gold Stones Diamond Weight 3.91 g Length 41 cm Width 0.85 cm Condition Exce...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$1,753
H 0.43 in W 0.51 in Dm 17.71 in
Alex Jona Pink Sapphire 18 Karat Rose Gold Butterfly Pendant Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat rose gold butterfly pendant necklace set with 38 pink sapphires weighing 0.25 carats in total and 4 white diamonds, mount...
White Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
Marina B 18 Karat Yellow and White Gold and Diamond Mini Atomo Necklace
By Marina B
Located in Zurich, CH
Delightful 18 karat gold and diamond "Mini Atomo" necklace by Marina B. Attractive, contemporary cable chain necklace, the front designed as a series of polished yellow gold spheres...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Fancy Slice Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Pendant Necklace
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This stunning pendant has been meticulously crafted from 18-karat rose gold. It is set with 3.89 carats of natural slice diamond & pave diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Tanisa Nahata Diamond Butterfly Necklace in 18 Karat Rose Gold
By Tanisa Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This diamond collection showcases elegant pieces that are extremely versatile and a timeless addition to your jewelry collection and are perfect for everyday wear. These pieces are p...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18 Karat Rose Gold Pendant with Pear Shape Rose Quartz and Diamond Toggle
Located in New York, NY
This lovely 18 karat rose gold necklace features a multi faceted pear shaped Rose Quartz bezel set drop. It hangs from a rose gold open link 18" chain. Joining the pendant with the...
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Qeelin Dog Diamond Onyx 18K Rose Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301870 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2023 Model Wang Wang Serial Number AB*************** Metal 18k Rose Gold Stones Diamond, Onyx Total Diamond Weight 0.379ct approx W...
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold