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.
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
Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Necklace.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Elegant modern necklace in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with diamonds. Diamonds 2.00 ct Total Weight 20.80 gr RF G GHOHU RK.AGIRC126 For any informations, feel free to...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold Emerald and Diamond Necklace
Located in Macau, MO
A magnificent necklace set with oval cabochon natural emerald of vivid bright green colour and very good lustre, weighing 28.34 carats in total accented with round brilliant cut di...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tanisa Nahata Diamond 20ct. Tennis Necklace in 18Karat Gold.
By Tanisa Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The Diamond Tennis Necklace in 18K gold is a timeless classic, featuring a seamless row of brilliant diamonds that exude elegance and sophistication. Available in white, yellow, and ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, ...
White Diamonds, Red Coral, 18K White Gold Retrò Necklace
Located in Napoli, Campania
Graceful necklace in 18k white gold composed of just two simple elements: coral and diamonds. coral(10.00gr) diamonds(2.75Kt), tot weight 38gr RF +GCHFI RK.AGEUR For any inquir...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,960Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Aquamarine Diamond Gold Necklace 27 TCW GIA Certified
By Enrico Kassini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Natural Aquamarine Diamond Gold Necklace 18" 27 TCW GIA Certified $16,475 121172 Nothing says, “I Love you” more than Diamonds and Pearls This Aquamarine necklace has been Certifie...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold
$31,552Sale Price|20% Off
18K White Gold Blue Sapphire Diamond Collar Necklace
Located in Houston, TX
This necklace is made in 18K white gold and features an 27 oval blue sapphires weighing 27.05 carat. Surrounded by 434 round cut diamonds. Diamonds weighing 10.60 carats combined. N...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Gold, 18k Gold
French 1967 Mauboussin 15 Carat Diamonds Platinum 18 Karat White Gold Necklace
By Mauboussin
Located in Poitiers, FR
Necklace in platinum and 18 karat white gold, dog's head and eagle's head hallmarks. Sublime piece of antique high jewelry, this antique necklace ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Turquoise and Diamonds Necklace 18 Kt White Gold Necklace
Located in Paris, FR
Turquoise and diamond brushed 18 kt white gold necklace. It is composed of an 18 kt white gold chain threading alternating balls of curved tubes...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier White Gold and Diamond 'Panthere' Tyrana' Necklace
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Round diamonds, 18k white gold (French mark), circa 1996, signed Cartier, numbered Cartier, 1996: Certificate of Authenticity Diamonds: 48 round with total weight of 1.12 carats Colo...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$30,800Sale Price / item|20% Off
W 0.23 in L 16 in
18K White Gold Aquamarine and Diamond Wedding Necklace
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Aquamarine Necklace in 18K Gold studded with oval cut aquamarine gemstone pieces and diamonds. Accessorize your look with this elegant aquamarine beaded necklace. This stunning piece...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Estate Art Deco Style 18 Karat White Gold and Diamond Mesh Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
Estate Mesh Link and Diamond Necklace Italian 18 Karat White Gold having a center of ten and a squeeze lock with two .8 round diamonds. .96 cara...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Handcraft Brazilian Aquamarine 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Pendant Necklace
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold