The Founder
“I set my heart and creativity on honouring and bringing to the forefront of our clientele’s minds the African countries and communities where the gemstones we use come from. I believe it is my purpose to pay tribute to the very heart of my motherland: Africa.
Since 2012 we have been leading the way for a new era of mindful, sustainable and engaged luxury.”
– Vania Leles, Founder
Vania Leles was born and raised in Guinea Bissau and educated between Lisbon and London. Her 19 year career in high jewellery took her to Paris, New York, and finally to London where she has been living for the last 24 years with her family.
After graduating from the Gemological Institute of America and honing her craft at Graff, De Beers and Sotheby’s, Vania launched VANLELES Diamonds in 2015 from her atelier in Mayfair, London.
Vania’s mission is to bring the voice of her motherland, the African continent, to fine jewellery. This vision, combined with her unique and bold style, has helped her to become one of the world’s most respected jewellery designers.
In 2022, Sotheby’s dedicated a solo exhibition to VANLELES for over 6 weeks. Today Vania Leles’ jewellery creations are regularly featured in the world’s top magazines and dress some of the most powerful and fashionable women in the world, including HRH Catherine, Princess of Wales, Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan and Rihanna to name a few.
