Ilias Lalaounis (1920-2013) was born in Athens, the fourth generation of a family of goldsmiths and watchmakers originating from Delphi. He studied economics and business. He was trained in design and did extensively research throughout his life on various subjects for inspiration to his designs.
In 1940 he becomes CEO of the family firm with jewelry “ZOLOTAS” founded in 1895. In the 1950′s Lalaounis’ vision became clear: he decided to breathe new life into Greek museum artefacts and transform them into jewelry by reviving age-old techniques such as granulation, filigree, hand-weaving and hand-hammering, and simultaneously introducing the use of modern technology. As a designer and goldsmith his aim was to produce an object of beauty while seeking to convey the spiritual and symbolic link of his creations to their historical past.
In 1969 he sets up his own firm “Ilias Lalaounis – Greek Gold S.A. Initially branches were opened on several Greek Islands and soon expanded through Europe, USA, and Asia to number more than 38 Lalaounis galleries. Lalaounis was distinguished for reviving ancient Greek goldsmithing, inspired by ancient Greek history from the Pre-historic era to the Byzantine Empire. His creations were exhibited in over 70 solo exhibitions at museums and galleries worldwide.
In 1993, the company’s workshops were moved to new facilities and his factory was transformed in the current establishment to house the first Jewelry Museum in Greece. Today, in its superbly equipped new workshops, Ilias Lalaounis – Greek Gold LTD produces the designs sold in the company’s stores in Greece and abroad. In line with the family tradition, Ilias Lalaounis’ daughters Aikaterini, Demetra, Maria direct the company and Ioanna the museum.