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.
Awe Inspiring Vintage Ilias Lalaounis 22k Gold Ivy Leaf Necklace
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Featured in his 1984 book Metamorphoses, this stunning statement necklace by Ilias Lalaounis drapes seductively on your neck. We love the deep, rich color and tone of the high karat ...
Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ilias Lalaounis Sterling Silver Necklace 16" Choker Wide Knot Links
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish Ilias Lalaounis necklace crafted in sterling silver (circa 1980s). A striking vintage sterling silver necklace by celebrated Greek jewelry designer Ilias Lalaounis (1920–2...
Sterling Silver
$54,800Sale Price|20% Off
Necklace
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Sausalito, CA
LALAoUNIS vintage full neck wrap tassel necklace. consisting of: 23 sections of dripping bells graduated in size towards the center. The finish is a high gloss on one side and a fla...
Vintage 1960s Lalaounis Textured Gold Balls Station Necklace
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold. Signed by Ilias Lalaounis Circa 1960s 18 inches long
18k Gold
Ilias Lalaounis 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cleopatra Style Fringe Necklace Circa 1970
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A bold and iconic design by Ilias Lalaounis, this 18 karat yellow gold Cleopatra-style fringe necklace embodies the brand’s signature fusion of ancient inspiration and sculptural art...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ilias Lalaounis Etruscan Necklace with Rubies, Sapphires and Emeralds 18 Karat
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Ilias Lalaounis Etruscan Necklace with Rubies, Sapphires and Emeralds in 18 Karat Yellow Gold. This unique piece by Greek Master Jeweler Ilias Lalao...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Lalaounis Crystal Intaglio Set
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with Crystals. Signed by Lalaounis Necklace 18 3/4 inches long Earrings 1 1/8 x 1 inch
Crystal, 18k Gold
Vintage Ilias Lalaounis 18K Diamond Art Nouveau Greek Station Necklace 17”
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A stunning, one of a kind piece from the jewelry house of Ilias Lalaounis. This exquisite necklace, circa the early 1960’s, has been hand crafted in 18K yellow gold with white gold ...
Diamond, 18k 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...
Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k ...
$3,100Sale Price / item|20% Off
W 0.87 in L 1.38 in
18K Yellow Gold Emerald, Ruby and Blue Sapphire with Diamonds
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Emerald, ruby and blue sapphire pendant in 18K Gold. It has a mix cut gemstones studded with diamonds that completes your look with a decent touch. Pendants are used to wear or gifted to represent love and promises. It's an attractive jewelry piece that goes with every basic outfit and wedding too. PRODUCT DETAILS :- > Material - 18K Solid Yellow Gold > Gemstone - Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire > Stone Weight - 4.1 ct > Stone pieces...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, ...
Amethyst Necklace Long Natural Amethyst Yard Necklace Link Necklace 300 Carats
Located in Jupiter, FL
Rare yard necklace made with 300 carats of amethyst gemstones. The necklace is made in 14KT yellow gold and can be worn mutliple ways. CENTER STONE: NATURAL AMETHYST(S) CARAT: 300.0...
Amethyst, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Coral, 18 Karat Yellow Gold Necklace.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Link necklace in 18 kt yellow gold struncure and coral. This necklace was totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths and it is in perfect conditions. Coral 5.04 gr Total Weight 7 ...
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,585
Baroque Pearl Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
14k yellow gold chocolate baroque pearl necklace 42 inch in length. This gold pearl necklace is accompanied by a retail appraisal performed ...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid Century 1970s Italian Yellow Gold Fringed Cleopatra Collar Necklace
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Calling all Cleopatras and lovers of Egyptian revival jewelry. Channel your inner queen when wearing this bold, vintage Italian 18k gold scalloped fringe bib necklace. Draping around...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Buccellati Floral Necklace. Sapphire Alternating Pattern Necklace Italian
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Sapphire Sapphire Weight: 0.70 carats total Stone Setting: Sapphire-set blossoms Jewelry Type: Necklace Style: Italian, Floral Design: A long sectioned...
Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Gold
Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald and Diamond Halo Pendant Cuban Link Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A unique piece of jewelry showcasing a pendant with a cabochon ruby, sapphire, and emerald, creating a stunning trinity design. Each precious gemstone is bezel set and surrounded by ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 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
18K Yellow Gold Three Station Turquoise and Diamond Vintage Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This is a lovely turquoise and diamond necklace made in 18k yellow gold. Featuring three cabochon turquoise stations each surrounded by round diamond...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
Vintage Ilias Lalaounis 18KT Gold Choker Necklace
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Braintree, GB
A rare vintage choker necklace by the celebrated Greek house of Ilias Lalaounis, in 18KT gold of substantial weight and fine construction. The necklace has the bold, sculptural quali...
18k Gold
Vintage Ilias Lalaounis 18K Diamond Art Nouveau Greek Station Necklace 17”
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A stunning, one of a kind piece from the jewelry house of Ilias Lalaounis. This exquisite necklace, circa the early 1960’s, has been hand crafted in 18K yellow gold with white gold ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Tane Sterling Silver Choker Necklace
By TANE MEXICO
Located in Darnestown, MD
Stunning sterling silver necklace by Tane, Mexico's most prestigious jeweler. The necklace consists of overlapping circles that measure 3/4 inch in diameter. The center circle is 1 1...
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1960's Reticulated Gold Plated Textural Collar Necklace
Located in North Miami, FL
A combination of brushed and woven gold-plated bar makes this vintage collar necklace a stunner. It lays beautifully on the neck and looks like real gold. This is elegant on the neck...
Gold Plate
Ilias Lalaounis 18 KT Gold Ram Horn Necklace
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Napoli, IT
By the Greek maison of Lalaounis this unique designed necklace inspire by the ancient Greek art hand made in a row of fancy links designed a stylized Ram’s horns Signed Ilias Lalaoun...
Gold, 18k Gold
Massive Lalaounis Lapis and Gold Necklace
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1960s, 22k, by Ilias Lalaounis, Greece. This boldly stylish gold necklace by Lalaounis features lapis-set festoons. With flirty movement, they also delicately chime! Ilias Lala...
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold 'Cable Link' Chain by Ilias Lalaounis
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This 18 karat gold 'cable link' chain was made by Greek jeweller, Ilias Lalaounis. The hefty gold chain has been beautifully made from solid 18 karat gold and has markings for the fa...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Lalaounis Gold Necklace
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k, by Ilias Lalaounis, Greece. This boldly stylish gold necklace by Lalaounis revives classic Mycenaean motifs for a look that is as chic...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Lalaounis 18 Karat Greek Key Necklace
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
Bold - yet simple stylized Version of a Geek Key Necklace. Marked 18kt and bearing Lalounis Mark
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Lalaounis France Vintage 22 Karat Yellow Gold Link Choker Necklace
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Greenwich, CT
Reflective of the capital on a classic Ionic column, this Lalaounis France vintage choker necklace is a stylish everyday accessory. With 39 spiral whorl links symmetrically assemble...
Gold, 22k Gold
Massive Lalaounis Necklace 21-22 Karat circa 1960s Greece
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1960s 21-22k Greece Lalaounis. This boldly stylish gold necklace by Lalaounis revives classic Mycenaean rams head motifs for a look that is as chic as it is timeless. Ilia...
22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ilias Lalaounis Gold Necklace and Earrings
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
A 22 karat yellow gold suite comprising a necklace and a pair of earrings, Ilias Lalaounis, Circa 1980s. Signed Lalaounis on the necklace and K22 A.21 with Lalaounis’ makers mark on...
22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Lalaounis Gold Necklace
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
Bold & Elegant look of Lalaounis necklace designed as golden "arches" 15 inches long Illias Lalaounis (Lalaounis Hallmark) 750 A.21
18k Gold
Lalalounis Lapis & Crystal Pendant Necklace
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in San Antonio, TX
18kt Gold Lapis, and rock crystal necklace, approximately 32" in length.
Lapis Lazuli