Jewellery, Watches and Objects of Vertu

A chalcedony necklace and earclip suite, by Lalaounis, the necklace comprised of a wired wheat-link chain, to a collet set chalcedony cabochon pendant, applied with gold motif of two geese in flight, the earclips each similarly set, each with a slightly domed oval chalcedony cabochon with applied dolphin motifs, to clip fittings, all mounted in yellow precious metal, both necklace and earclips stamped with maker’s mark for Lalaounis, along with ‘ GREECE’, ‘A21’ and ‘750’, the necklace also stamped ‘LIAS LALAOUNIS’. £1,500-£2,000

Ilias Lalaounis, was born in Athens in 1920 into a family of goldsmiths. Although he read law and economics at university he had a passion for the art and artefacts of ancient Greece, and started to study ancient goldsmithing techniques. He joined the family firm in 1940 and began producing collections inspired by ancient and classical jewels. in 1969 he set up his eponymous company and continued to produce iconic collections that echo and reinterpret the ancient jewellery and artefacts that inspired him. He was the first goldsmith to be honoured by the Institute de France, Academie des Beaux Arts et des Lettres.

Bibliography: www.iliaslalaounis.eu