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
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
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
$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
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
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
25 Carat Multi-Color Aquamarine and Diamonds Necklace 18 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
25 Carat Oval natural Aquamarine of different color & 3 Carat Diamonds Necklace 18 K White Gold This extraordinary Necklace is consist of Fine ...
Diamond, Aquamarine, 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
18 Karat Gold 12.81 Carat Aquamarine, Sapphire, and Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
18 Karat White Gold 12.81 Carats Aquamarine, Pink Sapphire, and Diamond Pendant Drop Necklace This exemplary contemporary vibrant pink sapphire, santa marina aquamarine, and diamond cluster drop...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 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