CollectionsSep 20, 2024
Piece of the Week: A Quokka Covered in Argyle Pink DiamondsCollectionsSep 27, 2024
Piece of the Week: Lalaounis’ Necklace is an Archaeological Revival
The necklace, inspired by ancient artifacts, celebrates strength, endurance, and the natural world.
Museums are filled with jewelry from past times for onlookers to appreciate, but Lalaounis’ necklace presents a way to enjoy ancient styles outside of a display case.
Its 18-karat yellow gold “Archeological Revival” style necklace was created around 1965 by the company’s founder, Greek jeweler Ilias Lalaounis as part of his “Classical and Hellenistic” collection.
In the 1950s, Lalaounis began reviving old and forgotten techniques like granulation, filigree, hand-weaving, and hand-hammering to reimagine museum artifacts from ancient Greece.
“Lalaounis was a master of reviving ancient techniques and drew inspiration from the classical period of Greek art and culture,” explained Amy Burton, the creative director at Hancocks, a London-based antique jewelry dealer.
“This necklace is a perfect example of his ‘Archeological Revival’ style. It’s a jewel that transcends time and style, combining ancient inspiration, intricate craftsmanship, and a touch of Hollywood glamour.”
The necklace pays homage to the splendor of ancient Greece, explained the British jewelry dealer, with symbolic motifs seen throughout the piece.
Its hand-women chain holds round discs with floral wirework. Hanging from each disc are alternating bull’s head and acorn charms.
While these components each have their own beauty, they all have a deeper meaning connected to ancient Greece, where motifs of Greek gods, plants, and animals were prevalent.
The bull’s head and acorn charms were meant to evoke strength, endurance, and the natural world.
The piece has a rich history outside of its deep meaning, with Hollywood star, diplomat, and fine jewelry collector Shirley Temple having owned the same model.
Lalaounis' Archaeological Revival style necklace is available through the Hancocks London website, where it is listed for £14,500, or approximately $19,430.
The Lalaounis brand is still creating contemporary jewelry that reflect ancient Greece, headed by Ilias Lalaounis’ four daughters Aikaterini, Demetra, Maria, and Ioanna, who took over their father’s brand in 1998.
Related stories will be right here …
Its 18-karat yellow gold “Archeological Revival” style necklace was created around 1965 by the company’s founder, Greek jeweler Ilias Lalaounis as part of his “Classical and Hellenistic” collection.
In the 1950s, Lalaounis began reviving old and forgotten techniques like granulation, filigree, hand-weaving, and hand-hammering to reimagine museum artifacts from ancient Greece.
“Lalaounis was a master of reviving ancient techniques and drew inspiration from the classical period of Greek art and culture,” explained Amy Burton, the creative director at Hancocks, a London-based antique jewelry dealer.
“This necklace is a perfect example of his ‘Archeological Revival’ style. It’s a jewel that transcends time and style, combining ancient inspiration, intricate craftsmanship, and a touch of Hollywood glamour.”
The necklace pays homage to the splendor of ancient Greece, explained the British jewelry dealer, with symbolic motifs seen throughout the piece.
Its hand-women chain holds round discs with floral wirework. Hanging from each disc are alternating bull’s head and acorn charms.
While these components each have their own beauty, they all have a deeper meaning connected to ancient Greece, where motifs of Greek gods, plants, and animals were prevalent.
The bull’s head and acorn charms were meant to evoke strength, endurance, and the natural world.
The piece has a rich history outside of its deep meaning, with Hollywood star, diplomat, and fine jewelry collector Shirley Temple having owned the same model.
Lalaounis' Archaeological Revival style necklace is available through the Hancocks London website, where it is listed for £14,500, or approximately $19,430.
The Lalaounis brand is still creating contemporary jewelry that reflect ancient Greece, headed by Ilias Lalaounis’ four daughters Aikaterini, Demetra, Maria, and Ioanna, who took over their father’s brand in 1998.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Collections
The Latest
CrimeNov 09, 2026
Jeweler Pistol-Whipped, $900K in Jewelry Stolen During Home Invasion The incident, which happened in Miami-Dade County, serves as a reminder to jewelers of the dangers of selling and storing jewelry at home.
GradingNov 09, 2026
GIA Acquires Thousands of Gem Specimens With ‘Extraordinary’ InclusionsGIA Analytical Microscopist John Koivula curated the collection of 2,665 crystals, gems, and minerals over a 60-year span.
EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
Brought to you by
DSF Antique Jewelry: Fine Jewelry, Signed Designers, and a World of Rare DiscoveriesWith over 50 years experience in the trade, DSF Antique Jewelry offers quality, craftsmanship, condition, and remarkable variety.
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday AdJost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition YetThe citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet GiveawayTo enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
