Lalaounis NecklaceVintage Greek Designer Ilias Lalaouinis For Zolotas, Original Double Chimera Heads Design Torque Necklace In 18k Yellow Gold

S520079

Vintage Greek designer Ilias Lalaouinis for Zolotas, original double Chimera heads design Torque necklace in 18K yellow gold. Chimera heads have approx 1.00 carat round brilliant cut diamonds collar and pair of brilliant cut rubies eyes each. Torque necklace is 16". Ilias Lalaounis (10/4/1920 −12/30/2013) was a pioneer of Greek jewelry and an internationally renowned goldsmith. Ilias Lalaounis started his career working for the jewelry business of his uncle Xenophon Zolotas. In 1940 he took over the administration of the firm, which he managed and designed all jewelry for, until 1968. He is especially known for his collections inspired by Greek mythology and history. In 1990 he became the only jeweler ever to be inducted into the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Very similar double Chimera heads Torque necklace are in display in the Ilias Lalaouinis museum in Athens.