Constantly evolving, but always true to its roots, Lalaounis adds important coloured gemstones to the Neolithic sculptural series. Thus adding new glamour to these exquisite collectible jewellery pieces.
The new designs reflect the most dynamic jewellery trend of the year: bold, minimalist gold silhouettes in soft, sensual shapes. Think oversized cuffs on the catwalk, striking drop-shaped earrings and soft spirals of gold encircling the neck.
Flexibility is a key feature for the longevity of Lalaounis' designs. The new Link pendant with a citrine can be worn dangling from a neolithic curved choker or on a longer chain.
The ubiquitous trend highlights the enduring appeal of sophisticated gold jewellery where design and technique take precedence. While trends come and go, the absolute master of this look is Lalaounis. The Greek jewellery house that has been making gold jewellery for generations.
Creative director Maria Lalaouni is often inspired by figures that are thousands of years old. Think of the Neolithic or Minoan era, confirming the adage that good things stand the test of time. Lalaounis names her collection for the culture that inspired the design.
The classic Neolithic torque necklace comes to life with the sparkle of citrines, enhancing the timeless charm of this design. The almost invisible settings of the framed gemstones allow the fluid line of the choker to flow uninterrupted.
The founder Elias Lalaounis created the first Neolithic jewellery in the 1960s. He was fascinated by the strikingly simple forms of Neolithic jewellery and tools. As an avid historian, he therefore searched for them in museums in Greece and beyond. Today, Lalaounis adapts the house's heritage of iconic designs with great sensitivity into jewellery with fresh appeal.
The latest collections vary on the house's classic themes. The famous torque choker is filled with deeply saturated citrines and amethysts. Bracelets, earrings and rings complete the group. The giant-sized jewelry has a soft anatomical contour. This is reflected in the simple settings of gemstones in a frame that almost look pressed into the gold. This subtle technique allows the fluid, sinuous gold forms to flow seamlessly.
The new Neolithic citrine ring is a bold proposal in itself. But also easy to wear thanks to its soft contour that sits easily on the finger.
Dimitra Lalaouni Auersperg, co-CEO and director of international operations, says. «In the past we have often used precious and semi-precious stones such as citrine. We generally use stones to complement design and gold art. We found a batch of lovely citrines and wondered how we could incorporate them into jewellery in the Lalaounis style. The citrines create an attractive contrast with the gold. So we decided that amethyst would also work well with these designs. We kept the boldness and character of the Neolithic collection by making the gemstones secondary to the design.».
When Elias ran the business, the jewellery business had a clear hierarchy and an unwritten code of conduct. Today, the next generation is taking advantage of the fact that Lalaounis jewellery lends itself wonderfully to mixing - welcome news for those whose grandmothers collected Lalaounis jewellery, expecting to find a new life beyond the safe.
Sleek and relaxed despite its imposing size, the statement five-storey choker can be worn with a white shirt alongside a Hellenistic diamond pavé bracelet.
The consistency of Lalaounis' design language creates jewellery that has lived for generations and will continue to live on. Designed to have a lifetime of wear and beyond, Lalaounis' design ethos allows for the mixing of old and new pieces. But also oversized volumes with tiny proportions or statement designs with casual coloured beads.
Take the impressive five-storey choker (above), previously reserved for special occasions. It looks great worn with a white shirt alongside a Hellenistic pavé diamond bracelet with a sparkling diamond pavé. The Neolithic Ripple bracelet (below), inspired by a shell, was first made in the 1960s. But today it has been thoughtfully transformed into proportions that resonate with our times.
These jewels encourage self-confidence, enabling women to wear them exactly as they like. Trusting that the language that unites each piece of Lalaounis jewellery speaks through each piece. Lalaounis Auersperg urges women to «not think too seriously about jewellery. Play with their pieces, mix and match them. Don't follow the rules and combine your jewellery unpredictably to create a more interesting look’.
Whether hand-forged, hand-knitted or hand-twisted from wire, Lalaounis jewellery all share a common design language. This makes them ideal for mixing and matching.
Beyond the classic roots of its design elements, the distinctive patina and hand-finished texture of the gold finishes in either 18 or 22 carat gold blend pleasantly with each other, further encouraging layering.
The trademark of the house, the hand-struck stamp used on the surface of the 22-carat gold. It is also applied to 18-carat gold to simulate the appearance of the higher-carat finish. This technique creates the characteristic deep yellow-gold tone of hundreds of small dents that catch the light and create a rich aura. This is why a bundle of bracelets (above), each different and either hand forged, hand woven gold or twisted from wire, creates a pleasing ensemble.
Worn with a simple white top on a sunny day, even the most substantial jewellery, such as Celtic pearl earrings and neolithic bracelets, can be worn with casual ease.
The latest photo shoot shows how. The spicy green and sea blue stone beads match perfectly with the new Neolithic jumbo bombé ring in citrine. But also the Hellenistic bird ring with delicate filigree details. Celtic earring pads (above) with delicate pearl complete a heavy bundle of Neolithic bracelets for a goddess-like aura.
With absolute respect to the trust of its customers, Lalaounis jewellery looks great alone or mixed and matched. Which is what makes them so highly collectible and has created the house a long line of loyal customers.
Source: thejewelleryeditor.com
