Ilias Lalaounis vintage costume jewelry

Ilias Lalaounis vintage costume jewelry

Iconic Greek designer Ilias Lalaounis (4 October 1920 – 30 December 2013) belonged to the fourth generation of jewelers. He knew who he would be from childhood, and got his first experience in the jewelry company of his uncle Xenophon Zolotas (1904 – 2004). His uncle went into politics, and by the way, he was even the prime minister of Greece later.
In 1940, Ilias took over the family business and made it successful. Already in the 1950s, he developed his own corporate identity, inspired by the art of world civilizations, nature and technology. Also, he revived the use of 22K yellow gold and ancient techniques, such as granulation and filigree. In the 1960s, he founded his own company, Greek Gold – Ilias Lalaounis S.A.. The company created many beautiful collections that earned him the status of a designer. Among celebrities who have admired his museum worth jewelry, were Jackie O, Elizabeth Taylor, Barbra Streisand and Charlize Theron.
The markings include “750” for 18k gold, “A21” and “Greece” along with the Lalaounis trademark.
After the death of the designer, his daughters continued the business.

Ilias Lalaounis vintage costume jewelry