‘There is an African proverb that says: until the lion learns to write, the story will always be about the hunter,’ explains African-born jeweller Vania Leles. ‘I believe it is my purpose to pay tribute to the very heart of my motherland: Africa.’ Born in Guinea-Bissau, Leles has an artistic vision for the future of generational storytelling that is at the core of Vanleles. The world’s first female-founded African fine jewellery brand is deeply rooted in the rich heritage and culture of the continent. Every piece from the company vibrantly celebrates Leles’ ancestry and world travels, bringing to life the stories of African countries and communities through the art of high jewellery and, most importantly, an authentic voice. The brand’s dedication to craftsmanship and female power has led to some high-profile clients, including HRH Catherine, Princess of Wales and Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan.
Reimagining the beauty of an African batik that Leles’ mother found in Dakar, Senegal, the Enchanted Garden collection transforms traditional African prints into a contemporary high jewellery creation. Carrying you into a world where flowers burst in bloom, each design is a wearable piece of sculptural art complete with stunningly distinctive jewels and the purest African diamonds.
Locally known in West Africa as ‘Aso Oke’, the hypnotic floral motif of the batik is especially captured in the striking floral design of Vanleles’ Enchanted Garden Titanium Ruby Flower Earrings. Meticulously crafted in Italy from 18-carat rose gold and titanium, this one-of-a-kind piece features white diamonds and more than 34 carats of deep red Mozambican rubies.
Responsibly obtained from artisanal miners, each individual jewel is made more meaningful because it supports mindful sourcing and ethical diamond trading. Leading the way for socially minded jewellery, every one of Vanleles’ collections contributes to supporting conflict-free causes. One example is the Sahara collection. A fair-trade gold and ethical diamond range, the Sahara capsule was created in support of Women for Women International 2017-2018, a non-profit humanitarian organisation that helps women survivors of war to rebuild their lives.
Beautifully bringing together boldly poetic style, African pride and socially mindful sourcing, this enchanting pair of earrings show that not only has the lion taken control of the narrative, but it has created something pretty spectacular in the process.
