Archaeological designers revered the simplicity and pure styles of the Ancients. However, they also created new jewellery. Drawing freely from the sources that were available to them, they mixed motifs and used them in new ways. Rome, Naples, London, Paris, Berlin, St Petersburg and New York were quick to adapt ancient designs to modern taste, life and dress.

This gold jewellery in the archaeological style, made by the Castellani and their many followers, was welcomed in artistic circles as a contrast to the opulence of diamond-encrusted naturalism.