Frequently Asked Questions
Lalaounis is a renowned Greek jewelry brand known for its luxurious, intricate designs inspired by ancient Greek art and mythology. The brand's history is rooted in the work of its founder, Ilias Lalaounis, who established the company in the 1940s.
Lalaounis’ passion for history and archaeology led him to create collections that revived ancient techniques and motifs, merging them with modern aesthetics. He is credited with bringing gold jewelry back into fashion, using 18k gold as a medium for his intricate, handcrafted pieces.
The official establishment of the Lalaounis brand occurred in 1969 when Ilias Lalaounis opened his first atelier in Athens. Since then, Lalaounis jewelry has become renowned for its craftsmanship and historical motifs, making it a celebrated name in the world of fine jewelry. Lalaounis jewelry is highly sought after in the vintage market, recognized for its historical significance and artistic craftsmanship. The brand is still family-run, with Lalaounis’ four daughters continuing his legacy through their work at the Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum in Athens.
We guarantee the authenticity of all our jewelry pieces, including our collection of Lalaounis vintage jewelry. Our experts carefully verify all pieces to ensure you are getting a true, authentic Lalaounis treasure.
Here are a few ways we identify genuine Lalaounis pieces:
- Signature Hallmark: Authentic Lalaounis jewelry will typically have the brand’s hallmark stamped on it. Look for “Lalaounis” or “ILIAS LALAOUNIS,” along with an 18k or 22k gold mark.
- Craftsmanship: Genuine Lalaounis pieces exhibit high-quality craftsmanship, especially in intricate details like filigree work, granulation, and the use of ancient Greek motifs. The designs are typically bold and rich in symbolism, inspired by classical art and culture.
- Historical Accuracy: Lalaounis pieces often reflect elements from Greek antiquity, Byzantine art, and mythology. If the design is historically inspired with these features, it is more likely to be authentic.
- Documentation: Authentic pieces are often accompanied by original certificates of authenticity, or records from the Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum, especially for limited or special collections.
Lalaounis is renowned for its signature collections, each deeply rooted in Greek history, mythology, and art. Each of the signature collections carries the hallmark of Lalaounis' craftsmanship, blending ancient inspirations with contemporary luxury.
Some of the most iconic collections include:
- Minoan and Mycenaean Collection
- Alexander the Great Collection
- Byzantine Collection
- Nature and Fauna Collection
- The Cycladic Collection
- The Astral Collection
We guarantee the authenticity of all our jewelry, including Lalaounis vintage jewelry.
Authenticating Lalaounis vintage jewelry involves a combination of examining craftsmanship, hallmarks, and design characteristics. We ensure the authenticity of Lalaounis pieces by looking for clear stamps or engravings on the jewelry that read “ILIAS LALAOUNIS” or “Lalaounis,” along with gold purity marks like 18k or 22k.
Authentic pieces feature historical design motifs from Greek, Byzantine, and Minoan cultures, alongside intricate craftsmanship using techniques like filigree and granulation. Provenance or documentation, such as certificates from the Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum, adds credibility. Finally, we may consult with experts familiar with Lalaounis to ensure accurate verification of authenticity.
Lalaounis jewelry is renowned for its use of high-quality materials, primarily 18k and 22k gold, which is often crafted using ancient techniques like filigree, repoussé, and granulation. The brand incorporates a range of gemstones, including diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and semi-precious stones like turquoise, amethyst, and coral. Lalaounis also draws inspiration from nature and history, sometimes using pearls, cameos, and lapis lazuli to enhance the timeless elegance and symbolic significance of its designs.
To care for Lalaounis vintage jewelry, store it in a soft-lined box or pouch, away from sunlight and moisture, and keep pieces separate to avoid scratches. Clean gently with a soft cloth or a mild soap solution and avoid harsh chemicals. Always remove jewelry before swimming, bathing, or using household cleaners. Regularly inspect for loose stones or wear and consider professional cleaning by a jeweler familiar with Lalaounis designs to maintain its beauty and integrity.
Yes, Lalaounis vintage pieces are considered a good investment due to their high-quality craftsmanship, historical significance, and rarity. Lalaounis jewelry is renowned for its intricate designs inspired by ancient Greek, Byzantine, and other historical motifs, which makes these pieces highly collectible.
Over time, the value of authentic vintage Lalaounis jewelry tends to appreciate, particularly for unique or limited-edition pieces. Additionally, the brand’s reputation and the demand for timeless, handcrafted gold jewelry further enhance its investment potential.
Lalaounis does not typically offer a warranty or after-sales service for jewelry purchased from third-party retailers.
At 47jewelry.com, we offer alterations for most Lalaounis rings to fit any size, though some rings cannot be modified. Please refer to the product description for specific details. We do not accept returns for rings altered by third parties. Customer satisfaction is our priority, and we provide hassle-free returns for peace of mind.
Return Policy:
- Time Frame: You may return any item within 14 days of purchase, if it is in its original, unaltered condition.
- Restocking Fee: Items returned after 14 days are subject to a 10% restocking fee.
- Deadline: Returns are not accepted after 30 days from the purchase date.
- Shipping: Customers are responsible for shipping the item back to us, fully insured, with a signature required upon delivery.
- Documentation: Include a copy of your receipt with the returned item.
- Refund Process: Refunds will be issued within 7 business days after we inspect and approve the returned item.
- Condition: We will not accept items returned in a damaged, defective, or altered condition.
- Notification: Please notify us via email or phone before returning any item to ensure it is processed correctly.
- Transaction Fee: Cash or credit card refunds are subject to a 3% transaction fee, but this will be waived for successfully exchanged items.
- Installment Payments: Returns for orders paid via an installment plan are subject to a 10% restocking fee.
We provide competitively priced Lalaounis jewelry to our customers, ensuring authenticity and value. To determine the value of your Lalaounis vintage piece, key factors include its condition, rarity, and materials used, such as high-carat gold and gemstones. Well-preserved pieces, especially from sought-after or limited-edition collections, are more valuable. Authentic hallmarks and original documentation, like certificates of authenticity, also add to a piece's worth.
For the most accurate assessment, a professional evaluation by a vintage jewelry expert is essential, as market trends can influence value over time.
Lalaounis vintage jewelry refers to the exquisite creations of Greek jewelry designer Ilias Lalaounis, known for his unique designs that draw inspiration from ancient civilizations, nature, and Greek history. These pieces are highly valued for their craftsmanship, cultural significance, and timeless beauty.
Lalaounis jewelry is unique for its historical inspirations, often incorporating elements from ancient Greek, Byzantine, and other cultural motifs. The use of traditional techniques, intricate designs, and high-quality materials like 18k gold contribute to the distinctiveness of these pieces.