Vintage Ilias Lalaounis Sterling Silver Necklace 16" Choker Wide Knot Links

Overview:

Stylish Ilias Lalaounis necklace crafted in sterling silver (circa 1980s).  

A striking vintage sterling silver necklace by celebrated Greek jewelry designer Ilias Lalaounis (1920–2013), composed of a continuous series of large, intricately worked openwork links. Each articulated link is conceived almost as a miniature piece of sculpture. Silver strands twist, cross and loop over one another in a dense composition of interlaced knots, scrolling tendrils and stylized foliate forms. 

The individual elements have the appearance of ancient metalwork or carved architectural ornament translated into silver, while the open spaces between the strands keep the substantial necklace visually light. Throughout his career, the Greek goldsmith looked to archaeology, Byzantine art and architecture, Classical and Hellenistic Greece, and other ancient civilizations, reviving historic motifs and traditional metalworking ideas in jewelry intended for a modern wearer. The vintage Lalaounis necklace measures 16 inches in length and is designed as a choker length, great worn alone as a statement piece or layered. 

The necklace is in good condition with light patina evident. It was lightly cleaned and polished.