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 18K Yellow Gold Openwork Ring, Greece, 1970s
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
This 18-karat yellow gold ring was created by the renowned Greek jeweler Ilias Lalaounis in the 1970s. It is a size 7.25 and can be resized. The ring weighs 8.02 grams and is stamped...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
70s Ilias Lalaounis Ring Sapphire Stacking Band Sterling Silver 18k Gold Signed
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish & finely detailed vintage Ilias Lalaounis sapphire ring, crafted in sterling silver & 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1970s). Designed in Greece by the famous jewelry h...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
$401Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Greek Jewelry Ring in 925 Silver Ram's Head
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in VALLADOLID, ES
Gorgeous 925 sterling silver ring decorated with a ram's head, made around the 1960s. This piece of jewelry has a Hellenizing character, following the style of Ilias Lalaounis, the ...
Silver
Lalaounis Greece Ruby Gold Ram's Head Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
Classic ram's head 18k gold ring, crafted by Greek designer Ilias Lalaounis, adorned with ruby eyes. Ring size 6, top is 0.5" wide. Hallmarked with Lalaounis symbol, A21 and 750. Wei...
Ruby, Gold
Vintage 18k Gold Ring by Lalaounis, Circa 1970
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Altrincham, GB
Ilias Lalaounis was born in Athens in 1920, the third generation of a family of goldsmiths and watchmakers from Delphi. After studying economics and law at the University of Athens, ...
18k Gold
Ilias Lalaounis Lion Head Bypass Ring 18K Yellow Gold and Ruby
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Chicago, IL
This adorable ring by Greek designer Ilias Lalaounis depicts a lion head with faceted ruby eyes and arms hugging around the finger with tail wrapped in a bypass design. With a brushe...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s Lalaounis Ram RIng
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with a Rose cut Diamond and two small Rubies as the eyes. Signed by Ilias Lalaounis Circa 1970s Size 7 1/2, resizable
18k Gold
Illias Lalaounis Ridged Shell Design Wrap Cocktail Ring in 22 Karat Yellow Gold
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring Size: 5.25 This gorgeous Ilias Lalaounis shell design ridged wrap ring, crafted in 22 karat yellow gold, is a stunning piece of jewelry that capt...
Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ilias Lalaounis High Karat Yellow Gold Hammered Finish Fork Design Band Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 22k Yellow Gold - Stamped 22k Weight: 5.4 Grams Ring Size: 5.5 (We CANNOT custom size this ring) Ring Width: 11mm (0.43")(top of the ring, north to south) - 2.6mm (bo...
Gold, Yellow Gold
Lalaounis 18K Yellow Gold Navette Shaped Fluted Dome Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Among Greek jewelers, Lalaounis is considered to be one the very best. This ring is a perfect example of their distinctive, high quality creations. It is a long, navette shape ring c...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
LaLaounis Yellow Gold and Rock Crystal Modernist Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1980s Ilias LaLaounis 18K Yellow Gold Ring, the top of the ring measures 1 1/8 inches in length and is set with a 6 sided faceted clear Rock Crystal, finished in a free form, ...
Rock Crystal, 18k Gold
Lalaounis Diamond Gold Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Geneva, CH
Old mine cut Diamond centering a yellow gold 18K ring. Maker's mark Ilias Lalaounis.
Diamond, Gold
$3,000Sale Price|20% Off
Lalaounis cabochon lapis lazuli and diamond cocktail ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in London, GB
This beautiful 18k gold Lalaounis cocktail ring consists of a large cabochon lapis lazuli surrounded by small round cut diamonds. The ring is a part of a set with a pair of earrings ...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
Lalaounis Greece 22k Gold Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
22k gold ring by Ilias Lalaounis of Greece. Ring size 7.5 (EU 56) , top is 32mm wide. Marked: k22, Lalaounis mark, A21. Weight 10.2 grams.
22k Gold
70s Ilias Lalaounis Ring Ruby Stacking Band Sterling Silver 18k Gold Signed
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish & finely detailed vintage Ilias Lalaounis ruby ring, crafted in sterling silver & 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1970s). Designed in Greece by the famous jewelry house...
Ruby, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Ilias Lalaounis Twisted Rope and Turquoise Cocktail Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring Size: 8 This bold and sculptural ring by Ilias Lalaounis celebrates ancient Greek design with a modern twist. Crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, it features a dramatic double rop...
Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Iconic Lalaounis Designer Dolphins on Rock Gold Crystal Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage Lalaounis Iconic Dolphins on a Rock Designer Gold Ring by Ilias Lalaounis. Hand crafted 18K Yellow Gold. Ring size 7.255....
Crystal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GUBELIN Swiss 18k Yellow Gold & Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl Cocktail Ring 1970s
By Gubelin
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Gubelin 18k Yellow Gold & Cat's Eye Cocktail Ring 1970s Vintage Here is your chance to purchase a beautiful and highly collectible designer ring. Product = Gubelin 7.65 CT Chrysob...
Chrysoberyl, Yellow Gold
Sapphire Eternity Band, 18K White Gold, Wedding, Stackable, Anniversary
By Five Star Jewelry
Located in Austin, TX
If you want a sapphire band and want a straight line of blue, this is the ring for you. The way the sapphires are set closely together, you see a line of blue and they are set secure...
Sapphire, White Gold, 18k Gold
David Yurman Cable Loop Band Ring Sterling Silver with 18K Yellow Gold
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
*Designer: David Yurman *Material: Sterling Silver & 18K Yellow Gold *Condition: Mint ( Like New) *Ring Dimension: *Size Availability: 6.25, 6.5, 7.75. *Width: 5.6mm *Thickness: 2.2...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Navajo Native American Sterling Silver Malachite Cocktail Ring, Vintage
By Navajo
Located in Milford, DE
An exquisite vintage cocktail ring! This Native American accessory features an accented sterling silver band with a malachite cabochon. Navajo design and make. Size: US 7 Marks / h...
Malachite, Sterling Silver
Oscar de la Renta Polished Gold Calla Lily Cocktail Statement Ring
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
Flower chic statement ring from Oscar de la Renta. A polished golden calla lily. Adjustable sizes 5 to 8.5 Gold plated. Get the matching pin! Tags, Marks, Hallmarks: Oscar de la ...
Gold Plate
Ruby Diamond Gold Buckle Ring
Located in Darnestown, MD
This is a wonderfully sculptural buckle ring in 18 karat gold with approximately 1 carat of rubies and a 12 point brilliant diamond. While actually made of on...
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold
Gucci Lion Head Diamond Fire Opal Ring 18K Yellow Gold Size 7
By Gucci
Located in New York, NY
This contemporary GUCCI lion head ring is crafted in 18K Yellow Gold. The ring features a lion head motif embellished with a faceted orange fire opal stone ...
Diamond, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Arthur King & Ilias Lalaounis (ARK & LJ) 18K Gold Fire Opal & Diamond Ring, 1960
By Arthur King
Located in Miami, FL
A rare and sculptural 18K gold ring stamped ARK & LJ, produced during the short-lived collaboration between Arthur King and Ilias Lalaounis, two of the most influential jewelry d...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Flower Faux Pearl Cocktail Ring, Salmon Coral Enamel, KJL
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Floral elegance by Kenneth Jay Lane! A cocktail ring featuring a flower, painted in salmon coral enamel and accented with a single faux pearl. Adjustable sizes 4.5 to 8 US Gold pla...
Pearl, 22k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
$560Sale Price / item|20% Off
Dainty Round Blue Sapphire Eternity Stackable Band Ring 18k Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Dainty Round Blue Sapphire Eternity Stackable Band Ring in 18K Gold featuring natural blue sapphire of 1.8 carats. The gorgeous handcrafted ring goes with every style. Sapphire stimu...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$177Sale Price / item|50% Off
925 Sterling Silver Stackable Multi Sapphire Band in Fine Jewelry Ring for Women
Located in New York, NY
Stackable Rainbow Sapphire Band Ring Gift for Her in sterling silver. You shall need these multi sapphire to make a statement with your look. These multi sapphire create a sparkling,...
Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage Tiffany & Co square ruby ring, crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1970s).
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Tiffany & Co square ruby ring, crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1970s). 7 rubies are estimated at 0.05 carats each and total an estimated ...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ilias Lalaounis Vintage 18K Yellow Gold 0.11ct Diamond Sodalite Ring IL17-106226
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Southampton, PA
A sculptural and boldly designed ring by the legendary Greek jeweler Ilias Lalaounis, crafted in 18K yellow gold and centered on a large oval sodalite cabochon of deep midnight blue....
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Ilias Lalaounis "Wrap" ribbed ring in 22k yellow gold
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in istanbul, TR
Vintage Ilias Lalaounis 22k Gold Wide Wrap Wedding Band Ring A bold and rich 22k yellow gold wide band ring from renowned Grecian jeweler Lalaounis. The Etruscan design, reminiscent ...
22k Gold, Yellow Gold
ILIAS LALAOUNIS 18K Gold Lion Head Ruby Diamond Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Flushing, NY
ILIAS LALAOUNIS 18K Gold Lion Head Ruby Diamond Ring Marked: 18K Approximate Dimensions: 6 (Ring Size) 2.8 cm (Width) 11.4 grams in weight. ** All dimensions listed above are a...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Lalaounis Split Front Double Cornucopia Motif Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This vintage offering by highly revered Greek maker Lalaounis is designed with a split front flanked by two stylized golden cornucopias. This particular motif, employed originally by...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Lalaounis Gold Double Headed Duck Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold. Signed by Lalaounis Circa 1960s Size 5
18k Gold
Ilias Lalaounis Ring 18k Gold Chromosome Motif
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Discover the bold, organic style of this Ilias Lalaounis 18k gold ring, designed with the Chromosome motif. Known for his innovative approach to ancient symbolism, Lalaounis brings a...
18k Gold
Lalaounis 18k Yellow Gold Organic Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
This vintage Ilias Lalaounis ring, crafted in 18k yellow gold, exemplifies the designer's signature fusion of ancient inspiration and modern artistry. The piece features an organic, ...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Ilias Lalaounis 18kt Yellow Gold Serpent Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Bethesda, MD
A striking example of wearable art, this vintage Ilias Lalaounis ring captures the elegance and symbolism of the serpent, masterfully rendered in solid 18 karat yellow gold. Known fo...
Yellow Gold
Lalaounis 18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Emerald Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
This Ilias Lalaounis ring exemplifies the designer's mastery in blending ancient motifs with luxurious materials. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, the ring showcases a Greek-inspired desi...
Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Lalaounis 22K Yellow Gold Triple Dome Knife Edge Cocktail Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This striking, vintage, 22K yellow gold, triple knife edge dome ring created by the esteemed Greek designer Lalaounis, is the personification of high drama. The middle dome soars a f...
22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ilias Lalaounis 18ct Yellow Gold Textured Ring 12.59g
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
This distinctive Ilias Lalaounis ring is masterfully crafted in 18ct yellow gold, showcasing the brand’s signature textured finish and bold sculptural design. Known for drawing inspi...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Ilias Lalaounis Ram Head Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This sculpted rams head ring has been crafted from 18 karat yellow gold and is set with rubies. Manufactured by the leading Greek jeweller Ilias Lalaounis the piece is crafted in the...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold