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
$17,720Sale Price / item|20% Off
W 0.27 in L 16 in
Certified 15.51 CTW Sapphire and Halo Diamond Necklace Gift 18k White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Certified Sapphire and Halo Diamond Necklace in 18K Gold with diamonds. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual look or dressy outfit. Sapphire stimulates concent...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 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, ...
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
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
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
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
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
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
$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
Brazilian Aquamarine Diamonds Onyx 18 Karat White Gold Pendant Necklace
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
This stunning necklace is crafted in 18-karat white gold, a precious metal that gives the piece a luminous and timeless elegance. The design, meticulously detailed, alternates exquis...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White 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
$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