Ilias Lalaounis
| Ilias Lalaounis | |
|---|---|
| Born |
October 4, 1920 Athens, Greece |
| Died |
December 30, 2013 Athens, Greece |
| Alma mater | University of Athens |
| Occupation | Jeweller |
| Spouse(s) | Lila Altitzoglou |
| Children | 4 daughters |
Ilias Lalaounis (1920- 2013) was a Greek goldsmith, jeweler and jewel designer.
Early life
Ilias Lalaounis was born on October 4, 1920 in Athens, Greece.[1][2] His family originated from Delphi.[2] He was a fourth generation jeweller.[2] He graduated from the University of Athens, where he studied Political Science and the Law.[1]
Career
Lalaounis started his career as a jeweller by working for his uncle.[2] In 1940, he took over the administration of his uncle’s firm "Zolotas" which he managed until 1968.[1] All jewelry is designed by him. In 1968, he made his own firm named "Ilias Lalaounis- Greek Gold S.A.". A year later, in 1969, he founded his own firm "Greek Gold- Ilias Lalaounis S.A.". From 1957 until 2001, he counted more than 18.000 jewelry and micro-sculptures from 50 collections. Over the years, he opened more than 30 shops around the whole world. In 1986, he became the only jeweller ever to be inducted into the Académie des Beaux-Arts.[1][2]
His work was inspired by ancient Greece.[2] In 1994, he founded the Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum, located under the Acropolis rock in Athens. The Museum houses more than 4.000 exhibits, jewels and micro-sculptures. The museum building includes also a prototype jewelry workshop, coffee shop and the museum offices.
He was a member of the Rotary Club of Athens.[2]
Personal life
In 1957, he married Lila Altitzoglou.[2] They had four daughters, Aikaterini, Demetra, Maria and Ioanna.[2]
Death and legacy
Lalaounis died on December 30, 2013 in Athens, Greece.[1] His daughters have taken over the administration of the firm.