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.
Wide Vintage Italian 18 Karat Gold Openwork Bracelet, 72.9 Grams, Circa 1970s
Located in Miami, FL
An exceptional vintage Italian bracelet crafted in richly hued 18 karat yellow gold, executed in a striking wide openwork design characteristic of the bold luxury jewelry produced du...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ilias Lalaounis 1960s Greek 18K Gold Frosted Crystal & Diamond Bracelet
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Miami, FL
An exquisite signed bracelet by Ilias Lalaounis, the legendary Greek master goldsmith renowned for reinterpreting the grandeur of antiquity into wearable works of art. Dating to the ...
Crystal, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Italian 18K Diamond Textured Cuff Bracelet, Sculptural Wide Cuff, Circa 1970
Located in Miami, FL
This substantial Italian cuff bracelet is crafted in rich 18 karat yellow gold and finished with a sculptural textured surface that gives the piece a dynamic, hand-worked character. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
K di Kuore Italian 18K Yellow Gold Sculptural Link Bracelet, Contemporary Design
By K Di Kuore
Located in Miami, FL
A striking statement of contemporary Italian craftsmanship, this 18 karat yellow gold link bracelet by K di Kuore captures the essence of modern sophistication with sculptural fluidi...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Italian 14K Gold Heavy Interlocking Link Bracelet, 92 Grams
Located in Miami, FL
A substantial vintage Italian bracelet defined by its bold interlocking link design and exceptional weight. Crafted in 14 karat yellow gold, the piece is composed of sculptural, roun...
14k Gold
Vintage Italian 14K Gold Diamond Flexible Bangle Bracelet Circa 1970
Located in Miami, FL
Elegant and timeless, this Italian flexible bangle bracelet is crafted in 14 karat yellow gold and showcases the refined craftsmanship synonymous with fine Italian jewelry of the 197...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s Lalaounis Hammered Gold Cuff Bracelet
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 22k yellow hammered gold. Signed by Ilias Lalounis Circa 1970s Size 6 1/4 inches, hinged opening
22k Gold
Ilias Lalaounis 18k Gold Hammered Sculptural Bangle Bracelet, 1970s
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
DESIGNER: Ilias Lalaounis CIRCA: 1970’s MATERIALS: 18k Yellow Gold WEIGHT: 46.5 Grams MEASUREMENTS: 6 1/2" inner circumference x 1 1/4" at the top HALLMARKS: Ilias LALAoUNIS, A21, 750, Greece, MECAN ITEM DETAILS: An 18k yellow gold bangle bracelet by Ilias Lalaounis, designed as an open bypass form that coils around the wrist like a wave. The hammered finish gives the gold a textured, organic surface that catches light differently from every angle, a signature look for this Greek maker known for archaeological and nature-inspired jewelry. The piece is fully signed and hallmarked, with "Ilias Lalaounis," the 750 stamp for 18k gold, and Greek maker's marks stamped along the interior band, giving the piece a modern, minimal profile while still referencing the designer’s Greek heritage. This bangle style bracelet works equally well as an everyday statement piece or for dressier occasions, and it holds real weight and presence on the wrist. Collectors searching for authentic Ilias Lalaounis jewelry...
18k Gold
Lalaoonis 22K Yellow Gold Ribbed Torque Cuff Bracelet 6.75x0.37x0.40IN
Located in New York, NY
Designer: lalaoonis Detailed Description: 6.75-Inch Estate Piece Elevate your style with this vintage 22 karat yellow gold bangle by designer Lalaoonis. The minimalist and edgy desig...
22k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s 18 Karat Yellow Gold Articulated Bangle Bracelet
Located in Poitiers, FR
Bracelet in 18 karat yellow gold. Magnificent retro bracelet, it is composed of three patterns openworked between them, formed by a striped bangle that ends at each end by a gold dom...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Carlo Weingrill 18k Gold Tubogas Bracelet - '90s
By Carlo Weingrill
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Wide, elegant and sculpted three-dimensional Tubogas bracelet. Made and signed by Weingramsill. Heavy gauge in 18K yellow gold. One of the most imitated pieces of jewelry in the worl...
18k Gold
Lalaounis Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Cuff Bracelet Bangle
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
Original Lalaounis Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Cuff Bracelet From Greece Measurements: circumference is approx 6.5' inches Hallmarked: Lalaounis sign, 750, Greece, A21, MECAN marks ca...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
