It’s fitting that Ilias Lalaounis (1920–2013) is the only jeweler ever inducted into the prestigious Académie des Beaux-Arts — the Greek jeweler’s creations, such as his decorative gold necklaces and rings, are less fashion adornment and more works of art.
Lalaounis was born in Athens in 1920 to a family of goldsmiths and watchmakers with origins in Delphi. Before turning to the family business, Lalaounis studied law, economics, business and music and trained with the painter Alexandros Alexandrakis. Such a well-rounded education laid the foundation for his unique approach to jewelry.
Lalaounis took the helm of his uncle’s jewelry company in 1940. The impact of the Second World War on Greece inspired the jeweler to celebrate his country’s history by reinterpreting its artifacts into new works of art. In 1957, Lalaounis founded the Greek Jewelers’ Association and exhibited at the Thessaloniki International Fair, showcasing the first of his “collections,” as he would come to define his phases of work. This, the Archaeological Collection, was informed by classical and Hellenistic history.
Lalaounis would go on to find new ways to render historic motifs in gold and gemstones after founding his namesake house in 1969. For his 1970s-era collection, Blow Up, he displayed gold pieces inspired by Minoan art on his models’ entire bodies; after opening a store in Tokyo, he presented a collection informed by Japanese art. Later, Lalaounis introduced a collection inspired by Native Americans at his Madison Avenue store in Manhattan. One of the jeweler’s most important commissions came in 1976, when he designed a collection that drew on Persian art for Empress Farah of Iran.
In 1984, Lalaounis explored his unique creative vision with a book, Metamorphoses. By the 1990s, he had stores across Europe as well as in Tokyo, Hong Kong and New York City, and his work had been exhibited at the National Museum of American History and the Penn Museum in Philadelphia, to name a few. In 1994, he founded his own eponymous museum in Athens, with a permanent collection of pieces from 45 of his collections. Lalaounis died in 2013.
Lalaounis’s research-driven approach to jewelry design gives his pieces a depth on par with any art form.
Find an ornate assortment of Ilias Lalaounis’s yellow-gold necklaces, rings and more on 1stDibs.
Lalaounis Horse Brooch Pin 18k Yellow Gold Vintage
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
Vintage This piece is an 18k yellow gold brooch created by the renowned Greek jeweler I The brooch is a prime example of Lalaounis's signature style, which often draws from ancient ...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Signed Ilias Lalaounis Greek 18K Gold Gemstone & Pearl Brooch, Circa 1960s–1970
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Miami, FL
the ancient artistic traditions of Greece. Designed in a circular shield or sunburst form, the brooch features a richly textured matte gold surface adorned with symbolic raised motif...
Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ilias Lalaounis Greece Wild Rose Flower Gold Brooch
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
18k yellow gold brooch by Ilias Lalaounis of Greece, depicting a five petal wild rose. Brooch measures 1.75" x 1 7/8". Marked I. Lalaounis, Greece, Maker's mark, A21, 750. Weight of ...
Gold
Ilias Lalaounis 18k Gold Ram Pendant
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ilias Lalaounis 18k gold ram's head brooch circa 1980s, Finely detailed with gold chasing and texturing 18k gold. Style beautiful with your Dior o...
18k Gold
$3,380
W 1.15 in L 2.95 in
Vintage Turquoise and Diamond Pin/Brooch in 18k Yellow Gold & 18k White Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Vintage Turquoise and Diamond Pin/Brooch in 18k Yellow & White Gold Turquoise and Diamond Brooch features 5 Stalks of Wheat made of Round Cabochon Turquoise clusters and sprinkled ...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Lion Cub Brooch with Ruby, Emerald, Diamond, CF Signed, 1960s
Located in Stamford, CT
A charming 1960s hand textured lion cub brooch, masterfully crafted in rich 18k yellow gold. This playful yet refined design features a beautifully sculpted cub adorned with sparklin...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Enamel and 18K Yellow Gold Ladybug Brooch Pin
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful pin is little, but loud. A beloved vintage Cartier, this Ladybug was designed with 18K Yellow Gold and Enamel, creating an eye-catching green and black enamel ladybug....
Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb 18k Yellow Gold 1970's Multicolor Gemstone Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
A spectacular brooch crafted in 1970's by David Webb. This is a multicolor gemstone brooch set with diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires.Set with 69 White Round Diamonds, 9 Green...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Ruby Yellow Gold 18K Brooch 1960S
Located in Geneva, CH
Diamond and Ruby on Yellow Gold 18K Brooch. Marked EM. Circa 1960. Total length: approx. 5.20 centimeters / 2.05 inches. Total width: approx. 3.30 centimeters / 1.30 inches. Total ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold 1983 Tiffany & Co. Wreathe Brooch Pin
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 10.2 grams Hallmarks: T&CO, 1983, 750 Pin Measurements: Diameter: 1.25 inches Condition: Excellent
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
SWAROVSKI signed gold crystal rose flower designer runway brooch
By Swarovski
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed SWAROVSKI with swan logo • gold plated with crystal • vintage designer brooch MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal sign...
1960s Cartier Sapphire Turtle Brooch in 18k Gold
By Cartier
Located in Roma, RM
A charming and collectible turtle brooch by Cartier, dating to the 1960s and crafted in rich 18k yellow gold. The domed shell is beautifully designed with an intricate openwork stru...
Sapphire, 18k Gold
$2,450Sale Price|30% Off
H 2 in W 1 in D 0.38 in
Vintage Cultured Pearl & 750/18K Gold Flower Brooch, E.U., Circa 1980's
Located in Chatham, CA
Fine vintage cultured pearl and 750 / 18K yellow gold flower brooch - hand made - featuring a central creamy white round pearl (approx. 7 mm. in diameter) - the surrounding gold flow...
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Diamond Horse Pin
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the exquisite 18K Gold Diamond Horse Pin, a stunning vintage brooch that exudes timeless elegance and luxury. Crafted in the 1940s, this two-tone yellow and white gold running horse brooch is a true masterpiece, adorned with dazzling diamonds and a majestic ruby for the eye. The brooch captures the graceful movement of a running horse, beautifully rendered in intricate detail. The combination of yellow and white gold adds depth and dimension to the design, while the sparkling diamonds enhance its brilliance and sophistication. At the center of the brooch, a majestic ruby serves as the eye of the horse, adding a pop of rich color and imbuing the piece with a sense of regal allure. The contrast between the shimmering diamonds and the vibrant ruby creates a captivating focal point that commands attention. As a vintage piece from the 1940s, this brooch is not only a stunning accessory but also a symbol of timeless luxury and craftsmanship. It is the epitome of vintage elegance, making it a must-have for horse lovers and collectors alike. Whether worn on a lapel, collar, or as a statement piece on a scarf or hat, the 18K Gold Diamond Horse Pin is sure to turn heads and spark conversation wherever you go. Embrace the allure of vintage luxury and add a touch of equestrian elegance to your ensemble with this exquisite brooch. Style this pinned onto a Gucci tee...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$777
W 1.38 in L 2.76 in
Chanel Vintage 1970s Large Ribbon Festive Knot Bow Gift Present Chunky Brooch
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1970s Large Knot Bow Gift Present Ribbon Festive Chunky Statement Elegant Modernist Brooch, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Maybe light scratches, barely noticeab...
Gold Plate
Circa 1987 18K Yellow Gold Tiffany & Co. Brooch Pin
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 11.5 grams Year: 1987 (Engraved on the pin) Pin Measurements: Length: 2.2 inches x 1.1 inches Condition: Ex...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Lalaounis 18k Gold Sailboat Pin & Pendant Onassis Yacht
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Presenting a lovely vintage Ilias Lalaounis sailboat pin pendant. Find yourself transported to the azure blue Mediterranean sea in Santorini while wearing this versatile heirloom fas...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Lalaounis Diamond Pin 18K Yellow Gold
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Dallas, TX
Lalaounis Diamond Pin in 18K Yellow Gold. The pin measures approximately 2.25 by 0.50 inches, and weighs 8 grams.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
H 1.75 in W 2 in D 0.88 in
Iconic Vintage Gold Rams Head Brooch by Lalaounis with Unbranded Gold Necklace
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This rich 18k yellow gold vintage Lalaounis rams head brooch is a deft offering of this venerated maker's iconic genre. The very dramatic head with soaring horns and ruby eyes is lifelike, dimensional and extremely well detailed. The brooch measures 2 inches wide by 1 3/4 inches high by approximately 7/8 inch deep. The reverse is stamped Ilias Lalaounis, 750. A.21 and bears the makers touch mark. It is shown and sold with an unbranded, round braided gold necklace. Although the necklace is marked 585 indicating that it is 14K gold, it has been washed with an 18k gold wash to give a similar warm tone to the Lalaounis brooch...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Estate Lalaounis Shell Pearl Pin in 18K Yellow Gold
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful estate Lalaounis white pearl shell design brooch. Handmade in 18k yellow gold.
Pearl, Yellow Gold
Ilias Lalaounis Vintage Emerald & Diamond Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
Unique features: Set to the top with emerald crystals in an organically modelled textured gold setting accented with five half collet-set marquise-cut diamonds, the diamonds togeth...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
Ilias Lalaounis Vintage Intertwined Chimeras Brooch
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
Unique features: Ilias Lalaounis Vintage Intertwined Chimeras Brooch, designed as two intertwined chimeras modelled in textured gold, the eyes collet-set with rubies, the collars a...
Diamond, Ruby, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Ilias Lalaounis Vintage Ram's Head Brooch
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
Unique features: Ilias Lalaounis Vintage Ram's Head Brooch, modelled as a ram's head in textured gold, the horns and collar embellished with diamond chips, the eyes collet-set with rubies and the neck surmounted by a cabochon sapphire, gross weight approximately 33.50 grams, approximately 46 x45mm, signed Ilias Lalaounis, maker's marks. Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold Carat: N/A Colour: N/A Clarity: N/A Cut: N/A Weight: 33.5 grams Engravings/Markings: signed Ilias Lalaounis, maker's marks. Size/Measurement: 46 x45mm Current Condition: The condition is mint. Accompanied by: This Ilias Lalaounis Ram...
Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Sold
H 1.97 in W 1.3 in D 1.19 in Dm 1.3 in
Brooch-Pendant in 18 kt gold and crystal by the goldsmith ILIAS LALAONIS
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in VALLADOLID, ES
One of a kind brooch or cameo-pendentif in 18kt gold and crystal by the renowned Greek goldsmith ILIAS LALAONIS. ILIAS LALAONIS said that he made pieces with soul, located at the foot of the Acropolis: Lalaounis' pieces impress and move. Born in Athens in 1920, Ilias Lalaounis was part of the fourth generation of a family of goldsmiths and watchmakers originally from the Delphi area. After studying Economics and Law at the University, he joined the family business that was named after his uncle, 'Zolotas', and of which his father was a partner. In 1940 he assumed the administration of the firm, which he directed and for which he designed all the jewelry until 1968, inaugurating his own company, Greek Gold – Ilias Lalaounis S.A. the following year. At first, he opened branches on several Greek islands but soon expanded also throughout Europe, the USA and Asia. Jewelry with a lot of history His passion for History, his avid curiosity, his religious beliefs and the love of nature that his father had transmitted to him were the main sources of inspiration for the 50 collections...
Crystal, Gold
Sold
W 2.68 in L 1.06 in
Lalaounis Ilias 1970 Greece Vintage Pictorial Village Brooch in 18kt Yellow Gold
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Miami, FL
Elusive pictorial brooch designed by Ilias Lalaounis. A vintage three-dimensional piece, created in Greece by the house of Lalaounis, circa late 1970's. It was carefully crafted in solid rich yellow gold of 18 karats, with textured surfaces and suited with a horizontal hinged pin bar with a security lock. The image represented is that of a Greek village...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Lalaounis Cross Mandala Brooch, ca. 1950s
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
Lalaounis Cross Mandala Brooch, ca. 1950s/1960s An early brooch from the Greek designer Ilias Lalaounis, depicting a cross in the centre in multi-colo...
18k Gold, 22k Gold
Lalaounis Large Yellow Gold and Gem set Rams head Brooch
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1980 Ilias Lalaounis Rams Head Brooch, measuring 1 7/8 X 1 7/8 inches and weighing 30.4 Grams, finely detailed with Gold chasing and texturin...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ilias Lalaounis Yellow Gold Lion's Head Brooch/Slider
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Southampton, PA
Accentuate any ensemble of yours with an eye-catching touch of luxurious glisten by accessorizing with this fascinating brooch that is presented by Ilias Lalaounis. The brooch is mas...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold