-Lalaounis 1970 Akragas Crabs Clips-On Earrings In 18Kt Yellow Gold and Sterling

A pair of zodiacal earrings designed by Ilias Lalaounis.

Beautiful clips-on earrings, created in Greece by the jewelry house of Ilias Lalaounis back in the 1970. These beautiful vintage pair are rare and have been carefully crafted in two tones, a center in solid yellow gold of 18 karats framed in solid .925/.999 sterling with high polished finish. The main element in the centers is a pair of highly defined medallions with crabs in high relief. These medallions are in allusion to the ancient coins from the city of Akragas (Agrigento) in southern Italy in Sicily. They are fitted at the reverse with hinged omega backs for fastening clips and the option of posts for pierced ears can be easily added. 

City of Akragas

The city was founded around 582 BC by Greek colonists from Gela, Agrigento, then known as Akragas, was one of the leading cities during the golden age of Ancient Greece. The city flourished under Theron's leadership in the 5th century BC, marked by ambitious public works and the construction of renowned temples. Despite periods of dormancy during the Punic Wars, Agrigento emerged as one of Sicily's largest cities in the Republican era. During the Principate, Agrigento's strategic port and diverse economic ventures, including sulfur mining, trade and agriculture, sustained its importance throughout the high and late Empire. Economic prosperity persisted in the 3rd to 4th centuries AD, but excavations show decline in activity after the 7th century.

Zodiac: The symbol for Cancer.

Weight: 27.20 Grams, (17.45 Dwt).

Measurements: Diameter of 35 mm (1.38 Inches).

Hallmarks: They are both stamped with the maker's monogram mark associated to Lalaounis, the workshop mark A21, the Greek gold and silver assay marks and signed in full "LALAOUNIS A21 .750 GREECE". 

Ilias Lalaounis

He was a pioneer of Greek jewelry and an internationally renowned goldsmith. He is especially known for his collections inspired by Greek history. In 1990 he became the only jeweler ever to be inducted into the Académie des Beaux-Arts. 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 founded the Greek Jewelers' Association and exhibited his first collection, the Archaeological Collection, at the Thessaloniki International Fair in 1957. It was inspired by Classical, Hellenistic and Minoan Mycenaean art. In 1969 he started his own firm, Greek Gold - Ilias Lalaounis S.A. In 1994, he founded the Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum, located under the Acropolis, in the center of Athens. The permanent exhibition displays jewelry and micro-sculptures from forty-five collections, designed by Lalaounis in the period 1940–1992. Some special commissions are also kept on permanent display, such as the Olympic torch, designed by Ilias Lalaounis, used to start the Olympic torch rally before every Olympic Games.

Literature: Ilias Lalaounis, Metamorphoses, book, in the Minoans and Mycenaeans Greece chapter, for similar pieces illustrated.

Note: Lalaounis jewelry pieces from this period are great collector's item.

Collateral: They are accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.

Condition: The overall condition of these earrings is good. Beside the little normal wear, there are no damage to the gold. or the silver. This pair has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and the authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: E043024XTEN/.6538