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.
Ilias Lalaounis 1970 18k Gold Ram's Head Clip-On Earrings with Gems
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Lewisburg, PA
An extraordinary pair of early, high-quality clip-on earrings by Ilias Lalaounis, crafted in solid 18k gold and designed as majestic rams—each adorned with emerald eyes, diamond coll...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Spectacular Lalaounis Earrings
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1960s 22k by Ilias Lalaounis Greece. These boldly stylish gold earrings by Lalaounis revive classic Mycenaean motifs for a look that is as chic as it is timeless. Ilias Lalaou...
22k Gold
Ilias Lalaounis Greece Swan Sodalite Yellow Gold Large Earrings
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
Ilias Lalaounis Round Blue Sodalite Earring clip set in 18k Yellow Gold Weight approx 30 grams Size: approx 28mm Created circa 1970's -1980's Pre-Owned in excellent condition A fa...
Yellow Gold
Ilias Lalaounis 18 Karat Yellow Gold Large Swirl Earclip Earrings
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Boca Raton, FL
These 18 karat yellow gold Ilias Lalaounis swirl earclip earrings feature a sculptural, flowing design that captures the brand’s signature blend of ancient inspiration and modern art...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ilias Lalaounis 22k Gold Estate Ivy Dangle Earrings
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Featured in his 1984 book Metamorphoses, these stunning statement earrings by Ilias Lalaounis dance with attractive pull. Inspired by ivy leaves at the Mycenaean Palace of Nestor at ...
Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Important Ilias Lalaounis 18K Gold Granulated Drop Earrings, Greece, c.1970s
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Miami, FL
An important pair of 18K gold drop earrings by Ilias Lalaounis, master goldsmith renowned for reviving the techniques and symbolism of ancient Greek and Byzantine jewelry. Handcrafte...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Lalaounis 22k Gold Greece Etruscan Revival Acorn Bull Earrings
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
Lalaounis 22k Gold Greece Etruscan Revival Acorn Bull Earrings Pair of iconic 22k yellow gold earrings by Ilias Lalaounis of Greece, depicting acorn and bull. The earrings are 1 5/...
Yellow Gold, 22k Gold
Ilias Lalaounis 22k Gold Etruscan Clip-On Earrings, 1960s Greece
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1960s, 22k, by Ilias Lalaounis, Greece. Adorned with intricate granulation in Etruscan-inspired motifs, these superb earrings are Lalaounis at his most stylish. Ilias Lalaouni...
22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Lalaounis Dolphin Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Clip-On Earrings
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
These fabulous Ilias Lalaounis clip-on earrings feature a chic dolphin design crafted in 18k yellow gold, accented with white gold and set with single-cut G-H-I VS1-VS2 round diamond...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Lalaounis Hellenistic Cow Hoop Earrings
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1960s, 18k, by Ilias Lalaounis, Greece. These stylish Mycenaean revival hoops by Lalaounis feature a whimsical cow motif for a look that is as chic as it is timeless. Ilias La...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ilias Lalaounis Swirl Dome Gold Earrings
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Bethesda, MD
These 18kt yellow gold Lalaounis Beehive earrings showcase a distinctive beehive design paired with a hammered finish that adds texture and depth. Crafted with care, they offer a uni...
Gold
1960s Lalaounis Ruby Gold Ram's Head Ear Clips
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Lalaounis ear clips in 18k gold set with 10 round rubies. They measure 1.5 inches by 1 inch. They are in the classic shape of a Rams head. Lalaounis and ...
Ruby, 18k Gold
$3,400 / set
Lalaounis Gold and Pearl Earrings
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Darnestown, MD
Half hoop gold and pearl earrings by famed Greek designer, ilias Lalaounis. Each earring has two pearls approximately 9 mm in size. The 18 karat gold has the finely hammered finish o...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Ilias Lalaounis 18K Yellow Gold Flower Dangle Earrings
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
1980' Ilias Lalaounis 18K yellow gold flower drop earrings weight 11.9 g Marked 750 T35 GREECE 43 x 17 mm
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
ILIAS LALAOUNIS. A Pair of gold and sodalite earrings.
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in London, GB
18k gold and sodalite Hallmarks: 750, A21 (Greece-Lalaounis) H. 3 cm (1 ¹/₈ inches) ; 17,9 gr 1980-1990s Formed by two beautiful almond-shaped cabochon sodalite and open-worked gold...
18k Gold
Ilias Lalaounis 18K Gold Clip-On Earrings, Late 20th Century, Greece
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in istanbul, TR
ilias lalaounis 18k gold earrings Introducing the exquisite 18 Karat yellow gold earrings from the distinguished Jewelry House Lalaounis. Expertly crafted from premium gold, these ...
18k Gold
Ilias Lalaounis 18K Gold Wing Clip-On Earrings, Greek Revival, 1970s
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in istanbul, TR
Elevate your fine jewelry collection with these iconic 1970s vintage earrings by renowned Greek designer Ilias Lalaounis. Crafted in solid 18K yellow gold, these bold clip-on earring...
18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold Earrings by Greek Designer Lalaounis 2 3/4 Inches Long
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This feminine pair of vintage Lalaounis 18K yellow gold dangle earrings are quite long at 2 3/4 inches. They are gracefully curved creating a subtle bombe appearance. All raised surf...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Snake Earrings by Lalaounis
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1960s, 18k, by Lalaounis, Greece. For millennia, we have worn gold snakes for luck, for friendship … for the spiritual and mystic moments they bring to our lives. Ilias Lalaoun...
18k Gold
Lalaounis Gold Drop Earrings
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
Lalaounis gold drop earrings, made in Greece 22k karat yellow gold; marked Ilias Lalaounis, Greece, A21 Size: width 1.13 inch, length 2.38 inches Tota...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Spectacular Ilias Lalaounis Lion Head Earrings
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1960s, 22k, by Ilias Lalaounis, Greece. The Mycenaean lion's head motif is central to Lalaounis' archeological taste designs. These 22k gold earrings are particularly large an...
22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Lalaounis Shell Gold Ear Clips
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
Lalaounis shell gold ear clips 18 karat yellow gold, shell motif; marked Lalaounis hallmark, 750, Greece Size: width 2 cm, length 3 cm Total weight: ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ilias Lalaounis of Greece High Karat Gold Shell Swirl Motif Earrings
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
Pair of 22k gold shell/swirl motif earrings by Greek iconic designer Ilias Lalaounis. The earrings measure 125" x 1". Hallmarked 22k GR, A21, Lalaounis hallmark. The backs are 18k g...
Gold
Ilias Lalaounis 18K Gold Diamond Textured Geometric Earrings, Circa 1970
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of vintage earrings by the celebrated Greek master goldsmith Ilias Lalaounis, renowned for translating the richness of ancient civilizations into bold modern jewelry. Crafted ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Lalaounis Ruby Diamond Gold Ear Clips
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
Lalaounis ruby and diamond ear clips, Greek Round-cut rubies of approximately 1.20 carat, rose-cut diamonds of approximately 0.48 carat, 18 karat yellow gold Marked Lalaounis, 750...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Lalaounis 18K Yellow Gold Round Clip-On Earrings with Navy Blue Sodalite Centers
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A classic, tailored pair of 18K yellow gold disc earrings by Greek designer Ilias Lalaounis. Measuring a little over one inch in diameter, they have a strong presence. Ideal for wear...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Lalaounis Goat Head Hoop Earrings with Rubies
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with Round cut Ruby eyes. Signed by Lalaounis Circa 1960s 1 1/2 x 1 1/8
Ruby, 18k Gold
Lalaounis 18kt Yellow Gold Fan Wing Earrings
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Bethesda, MD
Elevate your style with these exquisite 18kt Lalaounis Fan Earrings, designed to make a statement. Each earring features a unique fan shape that reflects timeless elegance and crafts...
Yellow Gold
Clip-on Earrings with Rose Quartz in 18 Karat Yellow Gold by Ilias Lalaounis
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Lucerne, CH
This earring from the iconic Greek maison Lalaounis features rose quartz cabochons set in rich 18-karat gold, a testament to the brand’s dedication to ancient Greek artistry and mode...
Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Lalaounis 22K Gold Spiral Bull’s Head Earrings
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Venice, CA
These 22k gold Lalaounis earrings are a classic example of the designer’s figurative pieces. Rendered in high karat gold, the earrings consist of a bull’s head that continues into a ...
Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
Lalaounis 18k gold cabochon lapis and diamond earrings
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in London, GB
These beautiful 18k gold Lalaounis clip-on earrings consist of cabochon lapis lazuli surrounded by diamonds. The earrings are part of a set with a matching ring which is listed separ...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
Ilias Lalaounis 18K Yellow Gold Textured Clip-On Earrings, Greece
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Queens, NY
Lalaounis 18K Yellow Gold Earrings, designed as textured, matte finished and brightly polished domes with sun rays, worn on earlobes as clip-ons with lever backs and fluted pads, mar...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ilias Lalaounis 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Ear Clips Wheat Motif Ear Clips Earrings
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Perry, FL
Stunning Lalaounis 18k yellow gold and diamond ear clips in foliate motif design containing 10 round cut diamonds. The ear clips measure 1 1/8" long and are signed & stamped "A 21 750 Greece" (makers mark). Retails for $8000. Authenticity Guarantee: All of our items are guaranteed to be authentic designer items...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
1970's Ilias Lalaounis 18k gold clip on knot earrings
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in London, GB
These stylish 1970s Lalaounis clip on earrings are made of 18k yellow gold and designed in the shape of knots. They are most comfortable to wear and a pin can be attached for added s...
18k Gold
Lalaounis Vintage Gold Earrings Clip 18k Swirl sea Shell Design Made in Greece
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Original Lalaounis Gold Earrings clip Made in Greece. Circa 1980's Unique Swirl sea shell motif design. Size: approx 2.5' inch long (60mm) Width: approx 20mm 18k Yellow Gold ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,988Sale Price / set|20% Off
LALAOUNIS 1970 Akragas Crabs Clips-On Earrings In 18Kt Yellow Gold and Sterling
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of zodiacal earrings designed by Ilias Lalaounis. Beautiful clips-on earrings, created in Greece by the jewelry house of Ilias Lalaounis back i...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1960s Lalaounis Gold Bubbles Earrings
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold. Signed by Lalaounis Circa 1960s 1 1/2 x 1 inches
18k Gold
Lalaounis Greece Yellow Gold Leaf Earrings
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
Pair of 18k yellow gold leaf motif earrings, by Greek designer Ilias Lalaounis. Earrings are 1.75" x 1". Marked: Greece, 750, A21, Maker's mark. Weight ...
Yellow Gold
Lalaounis 18k Gold Goose Clip-on Earrings
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
Lalaounis 18k Gold Goose Clip-on Earrings Fashionable 18k gold goose clip on earrings, signed by Lalaounis Measures 3cm long and 2cm wide. Weight 15.7 grams In excellent condition
18k Gold