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 and knew who he would be from childhood. He got his first experience as a jeweler 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. He also revived the use of 22K yellow gold and ancient techniques such as granulation and filigree. In the 1960s, he registered his own company, Greek Gold – Ilias Lalaounis S.A., which created many beautiful collections that earned him the status of a designer. Many celebrities have admired his museum worth jewelry, including Jackie O, Elizabeth Taylor, Barbra Streisand and Charlize Theron.
His product 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.