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.
Vintage 1980s Lalaounis Lion Heads Sautoir Necklace
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
Finley crafted in 18k yellow gold with multi-color gemstones. Signed by Ilias Lalaounis Circa 1980s
18k Gold
Lalaounis Greek Key Necklace 18k Very Large Gold Pendant Diamonds
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Original Ilias Lalaounis Necklace (from Greece) Very Impressive large Greek Key Design Solid 18k Yellow Gold and Diamonds approx weight 116 grams Size: Pendant size approx 2....
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Ilias Lalaounis Gold and Sodalite 'Shield of Achilles' Pendant-Necklace
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
Ilias Lalaounis Gold and Sodalite 'Shield of Achilles' Pendant-Necklace This captivating Greek Revival-style necklace, handcrafted in radiant gold....
Lapis Lazuli, Gold
Lalaounis Emerald Cross Pendant
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in San Antonio, TX
Beautiful Lalaounis 18k yellow gold cross set with an emerald (approx. 3 cts). It is 2 3/8" in length.
Emerald, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s Lalaounis Gold Long Necklace
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold. Signed by Lalaounis Circa 1970s 33 1/2 inches long
18k Gold
LALAoUNIS 18K White Gold Diamond and Oval Aquamarine Floral Pendant
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
Pre-owned vintage estate 18K white gold pendant by Ilias LALAoUNIS. The center is set with a 16.22 carat oval cabochon cut milky aquamarine. The stone has a blue hue, medium tone a...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pave Diamond and 14 Karat Gold Shield Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Pave diamonds fill this gold shield pendant. Based off of Victorian shields, it is a perfect piece to layer with other charms. This design pairs well with our larger diamond shield pendant...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Emeralds 9-14 Carat Yellow Gold Cross Pendant Necklace
Located in Marcianise, IT
Sublime Emerald Cross Pendant Necklace A jewel of profound beauty and heritage, this cross pendant is a breathtaking display of over six carats of natural emeralds, set in the rever...
Emerald, 14k Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Polcini Lion's Head Pendant Necklace
By Polcini
Located in New York, NY
Massive Polcini Lion Head Necklace from the 1960's. Lion's jaw clasps a ring almost like a swinging doorknocker on a chunky gilt chain. 1960's USA. Excellent condition. Chain 18", Li...
Gilt Metal
Renaissance Enamel Emerald & Gold Cross Pendant Late 16th Century
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: Late 16th century Measurements: 8,5 cm x 5,7 cm Weight: 79,28 gr This refined Renaissance pendant dates to the late 16th century and is distinguished by its cross shape, whi...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Vintage Chanel Baroque Pearl Lozenge Pendant Necklace 1970s
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Wilmslow, GB
An impressive vintage Chanel Pearl Lozenge necklace from the 1970s. Featuring large baroque pearls strung on metal rods leading to a large etruscan inspired lozenge set with a large ...
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
Emerald Floral Pendant in 18K White Gold with Diamonds
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Natural Floral Emerald pendant in 18K Gold. It has a oval cut emerald studded with diamonds that completes your look with a decent touch. Pendants are used to wear or gifted to repre...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
1980s Chanel Quilted Magnifier Necklace
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
1980s Chanel quilted gold tone metal magnifier necklace. Can be worn single or double. Comes with original box.
Givenchy Vintage Perfume Bottle Necklace Gold-Toned Link Chain Tortoise, 1970s
By Givenchy
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Five years after founding his fashion house, Hubert de Givenchy began dabbling in scents. His muse? Audrey Hepburn, of course. The actress had become a close friend and loyal custome...
18K White Gold Diamond Key Necklace
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K White Gold Diamond Key Necklace Diamonds - 0.72 CT 18K White Gold - 4.13 GM Nurati Jewelry's exquisite floral key pendant is a stunning blend of...
Diamond, White Gold
$725
H 24 in W 1.75 in D 0.25 in Dm 18 in L 24 in
Vintage Julian Snelling Acrobatic Lady Necklace, Circa 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Julian Snelling Acrobatic Lady Necklace. The Necklace is on a Vintage Monet Heavy Link Chain. Julian Snelling created erotica, so you can call t...
Mixed Metal
$3,960Sale Price / item|20% Off
L 1.15 in
Oval Blue Sapphire and Diamond Designer Charm Pendant in 18K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Blue Sapphire pendant in 18K Gold. It has a oval cut sapphire studded with diamonds that completes your look with a decent touch. Pendants are used to wear or gifted to represent lov...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Vintage Ilias Lalaounis Double Swirl Pendant in 18K Yellow Gold – Circa 1970s
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Miami, FL
This exceptional vintage pendant from legendary Greek jeweler Ilias Lalaounis is a bold and elegant tribute to the timeless artistry of ancient civilizations. Crafted in solid 18K ye...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold and Silver Lalaounis Cornucopia Pendant
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Venice, CA
Each year, Greek jewelry designer Ilias Lalaounis introduces a good luck charm for the year ahead, often featuring classical Greek images associated with fortune and prosperity. This 18k gold medallion...
18k Gold, Silver
Ilias LaLaounis 1970's Sodalite 18K Gold Vintage Horse Pendant Station Necklace
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a fancy 5.0 mm laurel wreath link chain with central station Centering an oval sodalite cabochon measuring 13.0 x 18.0 mm Translucent medium blue with subtle gray mottlin...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ilias Lalaounis 18K Gold Necklace, c. 1980
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
This stunning, handmade 18-karat yellow gold necklace by Ilias Lalaounis, made in 1980 in Greece, features circular and oval links that suspend a hammered gold pendant...
Gold, 18k Gold
Lalaounis Sodalite Swan 21 Karat Yellow Gold Disc Pendant Necklace Modern
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The Lalaounis Sodalite Swan 21 Karat Yellow Gold Disc Pendant Necklace is a sophisticated and artistic piece of jewelry. Featuring a ...
18k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Lalaounis of Greece Gold Ram's Head Ruby Necklace
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
18k yellow gold necklace, by the most prominent Greek designer Ilias Lalaounis, featuring iconic design - ram's heads. The necklace is 18" long, pendant measures 2.5" x 3.5", with r...
Ruby, Gold
Lalaounis of Greece Ram's Head Gold Ruby Pendant Necklace
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
Iconic ram's head necklace by Ilias Lalaunis of Greece, with ruby eyes. The necklace is 18k yellow gold, measuring 27" long, center pendant measures 2.25" x 2.5". Hallmarked with Lal...
Ruby, Gold
Ilias Lalaounis 18K Yellow Gold Ruby Heart Pendant ZN123456
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Southampton, PA
Not to miss is this exquisite creation by world-renowned Greek goldsmith, Ilias Lalaounis. This heart-shaped pendant features a matte rock crystal quartz framed in 18K yellow gold. At the heart's center is a decorative pattern punctuated by sapphires. The pendant is stamped with 'Greece,' the gold purity '750,' 'A21, and the Lalalounis pictomark signature.Offered in estate condition, this Ilias Lalaounis 18K...
Crystal, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Ilias Lalaounis 18k Gold Abstract Pendulum Pendant
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A unique 18k gold pendant by Ilias Lalaounis. The piece is crafted as a pendulum with a dangling, drop-shaped circle part. This Lalaounis pendant can be referred to as one of the ancient pendulums that were worn for protective and luck-providing purposes,. The gold is slightly textured in the signature Lalaounis' manner which makes the pendant look soft and provides a nice tactile surface. This Lalaounis pendant can be worn by both men and women; it has a timeless feel and chic, minimalist appearance. About sculptural design in jewelry making Sculptural design transformed the aesthetics of vintage jewelry. During the Art Nouveau and Art Deco eras, there was a profound shift in artistic taste that greatly impacted jewelry making. Fluid lines, organic forms, and geometric precision became integral to the creation of vintage jewelry. Artists and jewelers drew inspiration from nature, architecture, and the visual arts movements, infusing their pieces with a sense of eloquence. In vintage jewelry making...
18k Gold
Lalaounis Sodalite Diamond 1970 Byzantine Pendant 18 KT
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Napoli, IT
From the Mith Ilias Lalaounis outstanding 1970 ca large pendant from the Byzantine collection Elegant dynamic design evoking the ancient jewelry treasures as favorite theme by Lalaou...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Ilias Lalaounis Pendant Frosted Rock Crystal 18k Yellow Gold Animal Motif
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Torrance, CA
Ilias Lalaounis Pendant Frosted Rock Crystal. From the Sheild of Achilles collection, the medallion is based on Mycenaean stones. Lalaounis is a famed Greek jewelry...
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Lalaounis Maltese Multigem Cross Necklace
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in San Antonio, TX
1970's Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald Maltese Cross by Lalaounis. Marked Greece, 750, A21, Ilias Lalaounis.
Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold