ILIAS LALAOUNIS Long Lariat Lion's Head Necklace
View Similar Items
ILIAS LALAOUNIS Long Lariat Lion's Head Necklace
About the Item
- Creator:
- Metal:
- Stone:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Late 20th Century
- Condition:Excellent Condition.
- Seller Location:Atlanta, GA
- Reference Number:Seller: 017881stDibs: JU110527131291
Ilias Lalaounis
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.
- Ilias Lalaounis Vintage 18K Yellow Gold NecklaceBy Ilias LalaounisLocated in Geneva, CHRare Vintage necklace by Illias Lalaounis. Masterfully crafted in the finest 18K yellow gold, this piece embodies the timeless artistry of Greek jewelry making. The necklace’s weig...Category
Vintage 1980s Drop Necklaces
MaterialsYellow Gold
- Polcini Lion's Head Pendant NecklaceBy PolciniLocated in New York, NYMassive 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...Category
Vintage 1960s Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsGilt Metal
- Lalaounis 18 Carat Yellow Gold, Sapphires and Rubies Lion Heads NecklaceBy Ilias LalaounisLocated in Paris, FRLalaounis 18 Carat Yellow Gold, Sapphires and Rubies Lion Heads Necklace Tubular semi-rigid Necklace holding a Lion's Head chiseled at each End with Ruby Eyes, the Front of the Nec...Category
1990s Greek Choker Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
- Ilias Lalaounis NecklaceBy Ilias LalaounisLocated in PARIS, FRILIAS LALAOUNIS 22Kt yellow gold hand hammered necklace modeled as two stylized snakes with their head overlapping, stamped "A.21, K22", with ma...Category
Late 20th Century Choker Necklaces
- Ilias Lalaounis Etruscan Necklace with Rubies, Sapphires and Emeralds 18 KaratBy Ilias LalaounisLocated in Bay Harbor Islands, FLIlias Lalaounis Etruscan Necklace with Rubies, Sapphires and Emeralds in 18 Karat Yellow Gold. This unique piece by Greek Master Jeweler Ilias Lalao...Category
Late 20th Century Greek Etruscan Revival Link Necklaces
MaterialsEmerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Gemstone diamond necklace 14KT white gold Y Lariat necklaceLocated in Jupiter, FLElegant Y style Lariat necklace made with diamonds, topaz, citrine and amethyst. A beautiful summer necklace in 14KT white gold. The necklace can be worn as cocktail necklace with a ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Drop Necklaces
MaterialsBlue Topaz, Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold