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.
More on Collections
The Latest
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers DownsizesRocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 EventThe event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight ContinuesThe Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef JewelryAgents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus PerformersThe designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund RecipientsThe trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for EntriesThe organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local RetailerLori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CollectionThe “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural DiamondsSignatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry DesignersThe winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement RingThe singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ BraceletThe bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.
CrimeJun 18, 2025
7 Men Indicted in $100M Brinks Jewelry HeistThe heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
Historic ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink’ Diamond Fetches $14M at Christie’sThe 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week.
