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
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit JewelryThe package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
IndependentsAug 27, 2026
Jessica McCormack to Open First West Coast StoreThe new location in Costa Mesa, California, marks the brand’s second store in the United States and fourth standalone location worldwide.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
FinancialsAug 27, 2026
Movado’s Q2 Sales Up As Younger Consumers Take Interest in WatchesThe fashion watch category was once threatened by the Apple Watch, but consumers are now opting for new wearables, said Movado’s CEO.
Weekly QuizAug 20, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysAug 26, 2026
5 Jewelry Insights From The RealReal’s Resale ReportThe report delves into trending styles, the most popular jewelry brands by city, and why Belle Époque jewelry could be the next big thing.
Lab-GrownAug 26, 2026
AGTA Now Requiring Members to Call Lab-Grown Gems ‘Synthetic’The association added the requirement to its revised "Code of Ethics" and released the 17th edition of its “Gemstone Information Manual.”
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
SurveysAug 26, 2026
Consumer Confidence Dips in August Amid Anticipatory Anxieties Respondents were concerned about the future of the labor market and their income as well as the rising prices of gas and groceries.
TrendsAug 26, 2026
Boucheron’s New Campaign Celebrates Its ‘Question Mark’ NecklacesThe campaign highlights the asymmetrical high jewelry necklace style that the jeweler first created in 1879.
Events & AwardsAug 26, 2026
Harry Winston Exhibition to Open in ShanghaiIt will explore the life of “The King of Diamonds” and showcase more than 165 creations from the brand.
CrimeAug 25, 2026
Florida Woman Scammed Out of $1.5M in Jewelry, Precious MetalsTwo suspects have been arrested in connection with the complex phone scam.
ColumnistsAug 25, 2026
Proof Before Purchase: The Gen Z Way to BuyIn her first column for National Jeweler, Jennifer Shaheen asks jewelers if they know how to connect with the next generation of consumers.
Events & AwardsAug 25, 2026
SSEF Opens 2026 Applications for Gemology Education ScholarshipsThe annual awards cover tuition for an on-site educational course at the Swiss lab, as well as flights and lodging.
TrendsAug 25, 2026
Brent Neale Celebrates Blackberry Farm’s Anniversary With JewelryThe jeweler partnered with the Tennessee resort to honor its 50th anniversary with limited-edition blackberry pendants and earrings.
EditorsAug 24, 2026
Q&A: Reeds Jewelers VP Genna Zimmer on 80 Years in BusinessThe third-generation jeweler shared how the North Carolina retailer is celebrating this milestone and the love story that started it all.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
Rio Grande, MetalWerx Host Argentium Silver WorkshopThe class, led by renowned metalsmith Cynthia Eid, highlighted Argentium silver as an alternative to gold amid high prices.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
JIS Miami Opens Fall 2026 RegistrationThe show is slated for Oct. 16-19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRFThe retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMODaniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US OpenIn our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLindenThe industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
TechnologyAug 20, 2026
A New AI-Powered Gemstone Identification App Is HereFounder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.
AuctionsAug 20, 2026
Storied Unicorn Brooch Up for Auction Gallops to New Home The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2026
MJSA Education Foundation Names 5 Scholarship WinnersThe five students were awarded a total of $10,000 through the nonprofit’s 2026 “Future of Jewelry Making” scholarship.
MajorsAug 20, 2026
Plumb Club Elects 2026-2027 BoardSteven Lerche is now beginning his term as the youngest member to become president of The Plumb Club’s elected executive committee.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Mike Alexander To Succeed Scott Murphy as Jewelers Mutual CEO Murphy will retire at the end of the year and Alexander, currently the company’s president, will take over at the start of 2027.
