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.
Antique Art Deco 1930s Pink Sapphire and Diamond Hinged Bangle Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 14k rose and white gold with French cut synthetic Pink Sapphires, and Old Mine cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 4.00 carats. Made in Italy Circa 1930s...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
$3,392Sale Price|20% Off
Modern Rigid Fine Jewellery Pink Sapphire Yellow 18 Karat Gold Bangle Bracelet
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Yellow Gold 18K Bracelet (Also available in wih Brown Diamonds) Pink Sapphire 49-Round 57-1,73ct -4/6A Weight 7.03 grams With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions,...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Natural Pink Sapphire 6.64cts & Diamond 0.86cts Bracelet in 14K Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This exquisite bracelet is a stunning blend of luxury and elegance. Crafted in 14k yellow go...
Pink Sapphire, Diamond, 14k Gold
Pink Sapphire and Diamond Bangle Bracelet Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The pink sapphire and diamond bangle bracelet features 30 calibrated oval cut faceted pink sapphires of brilliant hues for a total of...
White Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$10,500Sale Price|50% Off
NWT $21, 000 18KT Gold Rare Gorgeous Fancy Pink Sapphire Diamond Bangle Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is this Beautiful Rare Important 18KT Gold Sparkling Fancy Pink Sapphire Diamond Cuff Bangle Bracelet. Bangle FEATURES Magnificent Rare Gorgeous Fa...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Natural Pink Sapphire 3.89cts Bracelet in 14K Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This exquisite bracelet is a stunning blend of luxury and elegance. Crafted in 14k yellow go...
Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold
Rose Cut 9.98 Ct Pink Sapphire 0.39 Ct Diamonds 14k Rose Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Type: Bangle Wearable Length: 6.5" Top Width:17 mm Metal: Rose Gold Metal Purity: 14K Band Width:1.7 mm Hallmarks: 14K Total Weight: 7.4 Grams Stone Type: 9.98 CT Natural Pink Sapphi...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire
Antique 1911 15ct Yellow Gold Bangle with Pink Tourmaline & Pearls
Located in London, GB
Antique gemstone bangle crafted from rich 15ct yellow gold. Adorned with three round pink tourmaline gemstones, each meticulously set to capture the light with a soft, rosy glow. Del...
Tourmaline, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
$8,169
H 0.39 in W 0.31 in L 6.04 in
Antique 15.60 Carat Pink Topaz and 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 15.60 carat pink topaz and 18 karat yellow gold bracelet; part of our bangle and bracelet collection. This stunning fine and impressive antique bracelet has been crafted in 18k yellow gold. The anterior portion of the bracelet is embellished with a central quatrefoil-shaped link ornamented with applied foliate designs encompassing the impressive central feature oval faceted cut pink topaz. The central link is flanked on either side with two oval-shaped links, each bearing a further claw set pink topaz and embellished with yellow gold bead decoration. The setting conjoins with an articulating scrolling leaf decorated link bracelet and secures with a plain push fit clasp to the reverse. This Victorian bracelet has been independently tested using state of the art technology (Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as 18 karat gold. This impressive pink topaz bracelet in yellow gold is supplied with an IDGL gemstone grading report card. This antique pink topaz...
Topaz, Yellow Gold
Trabert & Hoeffer Mauboussin Retro 17.50 carat ruby diamond 14k gold bangle
By Trabert & Hoeffer Mauboussin
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exceptional Retro Trabert & Hoeffer Mauboussin ruby and diamond bangle is a bold 1940’s jewel with extraordinary presence, color, and ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Alternating Pink Sapphire & Round Diamond Band Ring
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
14K yellow gold ring with oval pink sapphires weighing 0.66 carat total and oval diamonds weighing 0.29 carat total. Finger size is 6.5 and is sizable up or down by up to 2 sizes.
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold 0.35 Carat Diamond & 0.47 Carat Pink Sapphire Row Ring
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
14K yellow gold fashion ring with round natural diamonds weighing 0.35 carat total and seven pink natural sapphires weighing 0.47 carat total. The pink sapphires are set along the ...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval Pink Tourmaline in 14K Rose Gold Ring with Black Enamel and Halo Diamonds
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
14K rose gold ring with black enamel, round faceted diamonds weighing 0.18 carats total and one center pink tourmaline weighing 0.16 carats total. Finger size is 7, can be sized up ...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
Marquise East West Ruby Ring with Round Diamonds in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
14K yellow gold ring with round diamonds weighing 0.10 carat total and one marquise shaped ruby weighing 0.37 carat. Finger size is 6.5 and can be sized up or down by up to 2 sizes
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
10.21 Carat Oval Ruby & Diamond Tennis Bracelet 18K Yellow Gold with Safety Lock
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
Natural ruby and diamond bracelet set in 18K yellow gold. The bracelet has 21 oval cut natural rubies weighing 10.21 carats and 336 round brilliant-cut natural diamonds weighing a t...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mother of Pearl, Pink Sapphire 14K Yellow Gold Four Petal Flower Diamond Ring
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
14K yellow gold flower ring with round diamonds weighing 0.20 carat total, four round pink sapphires weighing 0.22 carat total, and mother of pearl petals weighing 3.99 carats total....
Diamond, Pearl, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
