The spirit of Ilias’ original approach to jewelry design embodied a sense of intellectualism and altruism; he was not simply creating beautiful items of adornment, but rather, he showcased a commitment to bolstering the relevance of lost art forms and advancing his country’s rich cultural heritage. Under the direction of Ilias’ four daughters, this philosophy remains at the heart of LALAoUNIS’ distinctive DNA. Maria Lalaouni, the company’s Creative Director, perpetuates the ethos that “Every piece of jewelry has a story to tell,” and draws inspiration from the art and culture of civilizations past, as well as from nature and the cosmos that surround us.

With a mission to not just preserve and exhibit jewelry and decorative arts, but also to inspire new creations, the Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum (ILJM), located under the sacred hill of the Acropolis, is one of three of its kind in the world and the first museum devoted to the art of jewelry in Greece. The core of the permanent collection on display features 50 collections by Ilias Lalaounis created between 1940 and 2002, as well as temporary exhibits that showcase decorative arts from the 17^th century onwards. The museum caters to educational and cultural institutions, as well as individual enthusiasts who desire to gain a deeper understanding of the art of Greek jewelry design and fabrication.

Each piece of jewelry in the LALAoUNIS collection is handmade with unparalleled craftsmanship in the company’s atelier in Athens. Its unique gold creations represent a synthesis of the splendor of the past with the creativity and artistry of the present, resulting in an enduring aesthetic that is both contemporary and timeless. While the brand continues to evolve creatively, this family-owned and operated business steadfastly maintains its connection with the foundations on which it was established.