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.
Lalaounis Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Cuff Bracelet Bangle
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
Original Lalaounis Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Cuff Bracelet From Greece Measurements: circumference is approx 6.5' inches Hallmarked: Lalaounis sign, 750, Greece, A21, MECAN marks ca...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Lalaounis 18K Yellow Gold Serpent Cuff Bracelet
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This highly detailed Lalaounis serpent cuff bracelet is an iconic design, certain to be recognized as an item produced by this venerated house. Very lifelike in appearance and postur...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ilias Lalaounis 18k Gold Hammered Sculptural Bangle Bracelet, 1970s
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
DESIGNER: Ilias Lalaounis CIRCA: 1970’s MATERIALS: 18k Yellow Gold WEIGHT: 46.5 Grams MEASUREMENTS: 6 1/2" inner circumference x 1 1/4" at the top HALLMARKS: Ilias LALAoUNIS, A21, 750, Greece, MECAN ITEM DETAILS: An 18k yellow gold bangle bracelet by Ilias Lalaounis, designed as an open bypass form that coils around the wrist like a wave. The hammered finish gives the gold a textured, organic surface that catches light differently from every angle, a signature look for this Greek maker known for archaeological and nature-inspired jewelry. The piece is fully signed and hallmarked, with "Ilias Lalaounis," the 750 stamp for 18k gold, and Greek maker's marks stamped along the interior band, giving the piece a modern, minimal profile while still referencing the designer’s Greek heritage. This bangle style bracelet works equally well as an everyday statement piece or for dressier occasions, and it holds real weight and presence on the wrist. Collectors searching for authentic Ilias Lalaounis jewelry...
18k Gold
Alex Jona 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat yellow gold bangle bracelet. Dimensions: 2.07 in. H x 2.53 in. W x 0....
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Dolphin Wrap a Round Bangle Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Easy to wear 18 karat yellow gold bracelet, at Cellini Jewelers NYC is Designed as a dolphin in a hi-polish and sandblasted finish. The eyes are s...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$13,320
H 0.18 in W 1.26 in L 2.76 in
Tiffany & Co. 18K 750 Solid Yellow Gold Paloma Picasso Cuff Bangle Bracelet
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. Vintage 18k Paloma Picasso Graffiti Motif Cuff Bangle Bracelet Metal Type: 18k Yellow Gold Total Item Weight: 51.3 Grams Length: 70.0 mm Width: 32.0 mm Height: 4.5...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Croc Tail Cuff Bangle Solid 18ct Yellow Gold by Ohliguer, Australia
Located in Brisbane, AU
The Croc Tail Bangle wraps powerfully around the wrist, its sculptural form inspired by the tapering tail of the Australian saltwater crocodile. Gently overlapping scales create a st...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Maria Kotsoni, Contemporary Sculptural 18K Yellow Gold Flexible Cuff Bracelet
By Maria Kotsoni
Located in Nicosia, CY
The ‘Parallel’, flexible cuff is hand sculpted and crafted in 18K Gold, hallmarked in Cyprus. This stunning ,sculptural cuff bracelet, comes in a highly polished finish and is compos...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Robert Lee Morris 18 Karat Yellow Gold Two Row Solid Cuff Bangle Bracelet
By Robert Lee Morris
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A powerful example of late 20th century design, this 18 karat yellow gold cuff by Robert Lee Morris reflects his signature sculptural minimalism and bold, fluid forms. The cuff taper...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1990’s 14k Yellow Gold Wide Cuff Bangle Bracelet
Located in Boston, MA
Exuding minimalist glamour, this vintage 14k yellow gold cuff bracelet from the 1990s makes a bold, contemporary statement. The bracelet takes the form of a substantial wide cuff that wraps regally around the wrist. With a substantial width of 0.88 inches (2.2 cm), the cuff has an undeniable presence and eye-catching appeal. Rendered in rich 14k yellow gold, the cuff showcases the eternal beauty of the warm, buttery precious metal. The minimalist design allows the natural radiance of the gold to take center stage. The outer surface has a bright polished finish that catches the light beautifully, while the interior side has a satin brushed finish for a subtle contrast in textures. Despite its striking, oversized width, the cuff remains comfortable to wear thanks to the hollow, open design on the back side. This ingenious construction allows the cuff to have an impressive weight of 35.14 grams without feeling heavy or cumbersome on the wrist. With an open design that slips over the wrist, the circumference is 7” which fits most wrists. Perfect for day or night, this iconic 1990s piece epitomizes understated luxury with its timeless combination of 14k gold and a chic, minimalist aesthetic. A bonafide statement maker, this wide cuff bangle...
Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Carrera y Carrera 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Dolphin Bracelet CA02-051926
By Carrera y Carrera
Located in Southampton, PA
This Carrera Y Carrera bracelet captures the unique elegance of a dolphin in the water. Incredibly charming, sparkling Diamonds make it even more exquisite. This bangle style bracele...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier Panthere 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet CA09-021726
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
The brands iconic panther motif makes a statement on this Cartier Panthere bracelet. A luxury piece that will continually captivate, the contemporary design comes to life thanks to c...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Trinity 18K Rose, White, and Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet CA13-070926
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
This sleek, sophisticated Cartier Trinity bangle bracelet is a piece that will never go out of style. A trio of bands crafted from 18K Yellow Gold, 18K White Gold, and 18K Rose Gold ...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Carrera y Carrera 18K Yellow Gold Elephant Cuff Bracelet CA17-061926
By Carrera y Carrera
Located in Southampton, PA
This bold Carrera y Carrera cuff bracelet is simply enchanting. Crafted from lustrous 18K Yellow Gold, an engraved depiction of elephants elevat...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Roberto Coin Chic and Shine 18K Yellow Gold Link Bracelet
By Roberto Coin
Located in Southampton, PA
This Roberto Coin Chic and Shine bracelet is elegant and understated. Crafted from 18K Yellow Gold, a series of oblong links give it a distinctly contemporary design. Colorful stones...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold 1.12ct Diamond Bangle Bracelet MF22-111325
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This 14K yellow gold bangle encircles the wrist in a polished, gleaming line. The bangle is accented with 1.12 carats of diamonds that catch light with every move. The hinged design ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
