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
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
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 Marcianise, CE
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
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
Bulgari Elysia Diamond, Onyx and Chalcedony Lariat Necklace in 18k White Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Part of the sophisticated Bvlgari Elysia collection, this 18kt white gold necklace features an intricate series of diamond-set oval links accented by bl...
Diamond, Chalcedony, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef and Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This Van Cleef & Arpels yellow gold necklace features a continuous strand of bezel-set round brilliant diamonds graduating to a central, openwork cluster motif of diamond-paved marqu...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$25,902Sale Price|35% Off
18 Karat White Gold Diamond Riviera Tennis Necklace 17.79 Carat
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bring the elegance of your style with this stunning diamond riviera tennis necklace. This piece has 133 pieces of diamonds in 17.79 carat total weight, G-H color and SI1-SI3 in clari...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
10 Carat Round Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Graduated Claw Set Tennis Necklace
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
An exquisite classic round brilliant diamond straight-line necklace. This 114 round brilliant cut diamond necklace is perfect for every occasion. 17 inches long with a total diamond ...
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Jade Aquamarine Tanzanite Cabochon 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Necklace
By Giulia Colussi
Located in Milan, IT
Fantastic necklace white gold 18k, diamonds 1,90ct, cabochon jade, turquoise flower shape aquamarine drop and cabochon tanzanite. Length is adjustable max. 48 cm. All Giulia Colussi ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Jade, Tanzanite, Turquoise, 18k Gold
18k White Gold Necklace with Baguette and Round Cut Diamonds
By Amwaj Jewellery
Located in Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi
Using the finest handpicked baguette and round cut diamonds set on a 18 Karat White Gold Necklace. Eclipse tells the captivating stories of celestial bodies. - Weight: 38.63 - Diamo...
Diamond, White Gold
Mattioli Navettes Necklace in Rose Gold, White Gold and White Diamonds
By Mattioli
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Navettes Necklace in 18k rose and white gold and white diamonds Diamonds carats: 0,94 ct. Length: 56 cm Production Time 4 weeks NAVETTES COLLECTION ...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White 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
Aquamarine Colour Topazs, Diamonds, Turquoise, 18 Karat White Gold Necklace.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Elegant necklace in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with diamonds along the chain. In the final part, a structure studded with diamonds, flowers of topazs and turquoises. This nec...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Topaz, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unique 18 Karat White Gold Round & Emerald Cut 2.46 Cttw. Diamond Necklace
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
Absolutely stunning! This completely unique diamond necklace boasts 80 bezel set VS, G-H diamonds = 2.46 Ct with three emerald cut diamonds sc...
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