Lalaounis
53687 - Lalaounis Gold Grooved Hammered Drop Earrings
The spiritual and symbolic link of an object to its historical past is a motif in many pieces of Lalaounis jewelry. Because Ilias was certain that creativity would have to be coupled with fine craftsmanship, Lalaounis pieces rose to popularity. Some of the characteristics that make Lalaounis jewelry exemplary is the use of techniques such as hand-weaving, hand-hammering, granulation and filigree. Ilias founded the Greek Jeweler’s Association and exhibited his first collection in 1957.
43695 - Lalaounis Gold Link Necklace
lias Lalaounis began to produce ancient Greek revival jewellery. The enterprise was wildly successful. Business grew throughout the 1950’s. In the 1960’s, the firm became internationally recognized when Aristotle Onassis purchased Lalaounis jewels for his lover, Maria Callas, as well as for his (later) wife, Jacqueline Kennedy. In 1993, Lalaounis opened a museum in Athens featuring several thousand pieces of his work—with the aim of both displaying his creations and educating the public about the original design periods that inspired them.
53837 - Lalaounis Navette Earrings
“Jewelry is an imperative artifact in the history of decorative and applied arts. It is an object for the human body, but can be appreciated as a symbol of truth and it is also a reflection of societies and cultures.”
-Ioanna Lalaounis
In the beginning of his career, Ilias Lalaounis was interested in “bringing Ancient Greece to the modern world” notes Ioanna Lalaounis. More than fourteen collections were inspired by Ilias’ research on the most important periods of ancient Greek art, from the Cycladic to the Byzantine period. With exquisite craftsmanship, the designer sought to revive ancient designs in modern forms. The inspiration ranges from Minoan seal stones and Hellenistic tomb jewelry to the architectural monuments of the Byzantine era. As well as, artifacts from various cultures, such as for example, the Chinese and Japanese cultures. Lalounis was particularly interested in visual elements that were common with those found in Greek artifacts.
901627 - Gold Lalaounis Mesopotamian Hammered Ring
Lalaounis inspired worldwide goldsmithery production and has trained hundreds of goldsmiths over the course of his career. He was the only jeweler inducted into the prestigious Institut de France, Académie des Beaux-Arts et des Lettres in 1990. The Lalaounis jewelry business continues to grow and also has locations in Europe, Asia and America. Ilias Lalaounis was the first goldsmith recognized by many institutes and organizations around the world.
Sources:
https://www.hancocks-london.com/maker/lalaounis%2C-ilias/
https://www.lalaounis.com/craftsmanship/
http://www.lalaounis-jewelrymuseum.gr/ilias-lalaounis-biography/
https://www.lalaounis.com/lalaounis-history/
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/jewelry-and-watches/a22740094/lalaounis-has-reissued-jackie-kennedys-iconic-apollo-earrings/