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 22k Yellow Gold Necklace, Greece Circa 1970s
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in London, GB
This stunning 1970s necklace is a classic example of Ilias Lalaounis' 22k gold jewelry. Styled in the shape of a beaded necklace, this piece sits beautifully on the collar bones. It ...
Yellow Gold
Lalaounis Necklace 18 Kt Yellow Gold Sapphires Rubies Lion Heads Necklace
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Paris, FR
Lalaounis Rigid Necklace in 18 Carat Yellow Gold Sapphires and Rubies Lion Heads Tubular semi-rigid Necklace holding a Lion's Head chiseled at each End with Ruby Eyes, the Front of...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ilias Lalaounis Vintage Spiral Motif Collar Choker Yellow Gold Necklace
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold spiral motif choker collar necklace by Illias Lalaounis Greece. This vintage Ilias Lalaounis Greek spiral collar necklace is crafted in 18k yellow gold, showcasing m...
18k Gold
Hercules Infinity Knot Chocker Signed Ilias Lalaounis 22 Karat Yellow Gold
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Miami, FL
The 22-karat chocker necklace, bearing the signature of the renowned Greek jewelry designer Ilias Lalaounis, is a masterpiece reminiscent of Ancient Greek jewelry. Crafted in Greece,...
Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Lalaounis 18 Karat Gold and Diamond Necklace, circa 1970s–1980s
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Roma, RM
An elegant and distinctive diamond necklace by Lalaounis, crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and dating to the circa 1970s–1980s, a period celebrated for the house’s bold and architectu...
Diamond, Gold
Vintage 1960s Lalaounis Gold Ram Horns Necklace
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
Finley crafted in 22K yellow gold. Signed by Lalaounis Circa 1960s
22k Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Lalaounis Ruby Chimera head Necklace
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Palm Desert, CA
18 Karat Yellow Gold Lalaounis Ruby Chimera head Necklace
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$12,500
Lalaounis Torque Collar
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in San Antonio, TX
A very unique Lalaounis Torque Collar.
18k Gold
Ilias Lalaounis Vintage Greek Key Motif Collar 18K Gold Necklace
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Miami, FL
Ilias Lalaounis Greek Key Motif Collar Necklace in Textured 18K Yellow Gold A bold expression of Hellenic heritage, this vintage Greek Key motif collar necklace by renowned designer...
18k Gold
LALAoUNIS Vintage Snake Torque Necklace 18K Rose Gold Ruby Emerald Diamond 1980s
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Lisbon, PT
LALAoUNIS Vintage Snake Torque Necklace in 18K Rose Gold with Rubies, Emeralds, and Diamonds, Greece, 1980s/1990s. An iconic design by Greek master jeweler Ilias Lalaounis, this vintage torque...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Lalaounis Chimera Collar Necklace - Yellow Gold 18k Greek Adjustable
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Lalaounis Collection: Chimera Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Necklace Style: Collar Fastening Type: N/A (slides around neck) Measurements Adjustable inner circumference up ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$28,360Sale Price|20% Off
W 0.23 in L 18 in
Emerald Ruby Blue Sapphire and Diamond Wedding Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Multi Gemstone Necklace in 18K Gold studded with oval cut emerald, ruby, sapphire pieces and diamonds. Accessorize your look with this elegant multi gemstone beaded necklace. This st...
Blue Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Multi-gemstone, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Y...
Ilias Lalaounis 1990's 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Foliate Station Necklace
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as fancy infinity link chain with gold wire wrapped detail and fringe station Fringe is comprised of repoussé foliates with hammer texture throughout Completed by lobster cl...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamonds Rubies Ram Knotted Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
Necklace in 18 karat yellow gold, owl hallmark. In the style of Greek designer Zolotas, this necklace features a thick palm-tree chain that closes with a hook that attaches to a ring. The chain is knotted at the front and ends asymmetrically with 2 motifs representing chiseled rams' heads. The eyes are small rubies and the nose and top of the head are adorned with a line of modern brilliant-cut diamonds. Length : 23 cm approximately, height of longest pendant : 7.5 cm approximately, chain width : 4 mm approximately. Height of ram head : 2.3 cm approximately, width : 19.5 mm approximately, thickness : 13 mm approximately. Total weight of the jewel : 74,3 g approximately. Second- hand gold necklace - Very good condition - Very little worn - Fully checked, cleaned and repolished - Sold with certificate. Our opinion : This gold ram necklace...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s White Rhinestone Choker Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Channel the style and class of the 1960s with our amazing white rhinestone choker necklace! Milky white rhinestones contrasted with crystals through...
Diamonds, Rubys, Silver & 18K Gold Butterfly Necklace
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Diamonds, Ruby, Silver & 18K Gold Butterfly Necklace MATERIALS ◘ Necklace Weight: 0.62 grams ◘ Silver Weight: 15.60 grams ◘ Gold Weight:...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Italian 18K Yellow Gold Articulated Snake Choker Necklace, 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Fine Italian substantial 18K yellow gold articulated Snake statement necklace Milan, 1980's Classic wide gold necklaces have been treasured for cen...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s Diamond GIA No-Heat Sapphire 18k Gold Choker Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
This lovely classic diamond, sapphire panther design gold necklace is gracefully crafted in 18k yellow gold. Centered with three oval-shaped genuine blue, yellow, and purple sapphir...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow & White Gold 12 Carat Diamond Chocker Necklace
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage 18K Yellow & White Gold 12 Carat Diamond Chocker Necklace An extraordinary vintage masterpiece crafted in 18K yellow and white gold, this diamond choker embodies timeless so...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1980s Fancy 18 Karat Yellow Gold Choker Links Necklace 124.5 Grams
Located in Miami, FL
Make your mark in fashion with this fashionably designed 1980's Figure 8, Infinity style, 17 inch Italian necklace. Weighing 124.5 grams of 18K yel...
Yellow Gold
1960s Riviera Diamond GIA Heart Emerald Gold Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
This stunning estate diamond and emerald heart necklace is crafted in 18 karat White and yellow gold. Incorporates 84 round-cut and ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
$288Sale Price|20% Off
W 0.22 in L 16.54 in
Vintage 1970s MONET Flat Square Link 22K Gold Plated Chain Necklace (16.5 Inch)
By Monet
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
This vintage MONET necklace showcases the bold yet refined design language that defined the brand's jewelry during the late twentieth century. Known for its quality costume jewelry a...
Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold Plate
1980s Chrysoprase Diamond Gold Pendant Curb Link Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Presenting a gorgeous one of its kind pendant collar necklace crafted in 18K solid Yellow gold features a Chrysoprase pendant scallop pattern carved design meticulously adorned with ...
Diamond, Gold
Lalaounis Gold Chocker Necklace with Minoan Genii Motif Rock Crystal Pendant
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 22k and 18k yellow gold with Rock Crystal. The necklace features a removable pendant, with a collapsible bail, which can be worn as a brooch. Signed by Ilias Lalaou...
Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, 22k Gold
Ilias Lalaounis “Helen of Troy” 5 Strands 18k Yellow Gold Choker Necklace
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Miami, FL
This exceptional necklace by renowned Greek jeweler Ilias Lalaounis is part of the celebrated Ilion Collection, inspired by classical Greek antiquity. Known as the “Helen of Troy” de...
Yellow Gold
Ilias Lalaounis 18k Gold Twisted Link w/ Dragon Serpent Heads Choker Necklace
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: 18k Solid Yellow Gold Weight: 44.55 Grams Chain Type: Hinged Twisted Choker Link Necklace w/ Dragon Serpent Heads End Chain Length: 15 Inches (wearable length) (including t...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ilias Lalaounis Hercules Knot yellow Gold and Topaz Necklace
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2000 Ilias Lalaounis of Greece Hercules Knot collection necklace, 18k Yellow Gold 3 M.M Woven design chain with a cross over knot, Granulation work at the top of the Briolet cu...
Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Lalaounis Braided Gold Lion Necklace
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1960s, 18k, by Ilias Lalaounis, Greece. This gold necklace is the perfect everyday accessory. The Mycenaean lion's head motif is central to Lalaounis' most famous archeologica...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ilias Lalaounis 18 Karat Yellow Gold Double Lion Animal Head Collar Necklace
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Baltimore, MD
Ilias Lalaounis 18 Karat Yellow Gold Double Lion Animal Head Collar Necklace Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 71.6 grams Width: 8-13mm Circumference: Approx. 16 inches Diameter: 5 inc...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Lalaounis 18 Karat Yellow Gold Choker Necklace with Lion Heads
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Zurich, CH
Magnificent 18 karat yellow gold torque/choker necklace by Greek Master Ilias Lalaounis, early 1990s. Hellenistic style rigid necklace masterfully crafted in 18 and 22 karat yellow ...
Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold
Lalaounis Gold and Garnet Bead Choker Necklace
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Bethesda, MD
Indulge in the rich heritage of Greek artistry with the Ilias Lalaounis Alternating Gold and Garnet Bead Collar. Crafted in luxurious 18kt gold and weighing 21 grams, this stunning p...
Garnet
Lalaounis 18K Gold Choker Necklace
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Paris, FR
18 K Snake Choker Necklace inspired by Greek Classic Jewelry; Signed Lalaounis - Lalaounis founded the Greek Jeweler’s Association and exhibited his fi...
18k Gold
Lalaounis 18K Gold and Malachite Choker Necklace
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Paris, FR
lias Lalaounis 18 Karat Gold Malachite Choker Necklace. This unique 8mm wide hinged choker features a single malachite bead set in one of the ends. Both ends of this choker and near ...
Malachite, 18k Gold
Ilias Lalaounis Cabochon Lapis Textured Bib Necklace in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This distinguished necklace, a creation by the renowned artisan Ilias Lalaounis, is a true work of art. Crafted from sumptuous 18 karat yellow gold, the necklace features a crescent-...
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Ilias Lalalounis Infinity Knot Necklace
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Troy, MI
Ilias Lalaounis is much collected today and his vintage pieces are very difficult to encounter. Made well, Lalaounis is known for his unusual designs often inspired by ancient Greece designs. Ilias Lalaounis (1920-2013) jeweller, artist, and academician became world renowned for creating luxurious gold jewelry steeped in history. He was the Founder of the Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold