Piece of the Week: Lalaounis’ Necklace is an Archaeological Revival

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.