Piece of the Week: Lalaounis’ Necklace is an Archaeological Revival
The necklace, inspired by ancient artifacts, celebrates strength, endurance, and the natural world.
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.
The Latest
The Brazilian jewelry brand made a home on New York City’s Madison Avenue with exclusive pieces only available at the location.
An Adobe Analytics report explored the rise in mobile shopping, the popularity of Buy Now Pay Later options, and peak shopping hours.
The inaugural Dick Greenwood Memorial Scholarship in Gems Science will cover the fall 2025 and spring 2026 semesters.
For over a century, Jewelers of America has been the voice of the industry and valuable resource to jewelers across the country.
A Piazza Italia pavilion will feature Italian designers and manufacturers while “MJSA Showcase” brings over a piece of the MJSA Expo.
Davis is the director of business development at Select Jewelry Inc., and Mobley is the jewelry and watch editor at the Natural Diamond Council.
The retailer has been upping its marketing spend to drive revenue growth and brand awareness.
While no reputable jeweler would knowingly sell lab-grown stones as natural, it's a growing possibility.
Mike Straub and John Treiber opened Treiber & Straub in 1980 with the goal of bringing Milwaukeeans the best jewelry brands.
The color for 2025, “Mocha Mousse,” embodies thoughtful indulgences and everyday pleasures.
The retailer’s jewelry sales doubled, with branded jewelry performing especially well.
The jewelry retailer addressed the lab-grown diamond “disruption,” the price of gold, and its holiday weekend performance.
A more positive view of the current labor market boosted the Conference Board’s index last month.
The director of the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) will be honored for his impact on gemology and dedication to advancing the science.
Sponsored by 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson
At the annual event, in its second year, the organization honored those making remarkable contributions to the jewelry industry.
Celebrate December babies with 20 pieces of jewelry featuring this month’s birthstones—turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon.
A total of 126 million consumers shopped in stores over the five-day period, about 5 million more than last year.
The FTC’s Jewelry Guides require “clear and conspicuous” disclosure when advertising lab-grown diamonds.
The fine jewelry designer, who came out of retirement in 2017, is putting down his sketchpad for good.
The Type IIa, very light pink colored diamond was the highlight of the recent Hong Kong jewelry auction.
John Willard Craiger, 83, fatally shot jeweler Ghazi “Gus” Michel Osta following an argument in the store.
In his latest column, Smith provides a list of questions every business needs to be asking their next potential leader.
An innovative artist inspired by the natural world, Lehrer is remembered for being a visionary and a shining light.
Jérôme Lambert returns as CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre, while Laurent Perves takes the lead role at Vacheron Constantin.
The extravagant gifts in this year’s “A Neiman’s Fantasy” Holiday Book range from a Messika diamond necklace to pavé diamond cowboy boots.
Owners Greg and Lynn Bires are heading into retirement.