• Shinar Jewels Greek Bee Necklace in 18ct gold plated stainless steel, featuring a detailed golden bee pendant inspired by sn ancient Ephesus Greek Bee Coin.
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GREECE IN ANTIQUITY

Greek Bee Necklace

Greek Bee Necklace

£48.00 GBP
£48.00 GBP
Sale Sold out
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The ancient emblem of Ephesos, captured in gold.

Inspired by the ancient bee coinage of Ephesos, where the bee became an enduring emblem of the city and its celebrated sanctuary of Artemis.

DETAILS

HISTORICAL INSPIRATION

The bee imagery of ancient Ephesian coinage, particularly silver coins struck at Ephesos in Ionia from the Archaic and Classical periods onwards. The bee became one of the city's most enduring emblems and was closely associated with the cult of Artemis at Ephesos.

MATERIAL

18ct gold plated stainless steel

PENDANT SIZE

15mm

CHAIN LENGTH

Adjustable to 16", 18" or 20" (40.6 cm, 45.7 cm or 50.8 cm)

CARE

To keep your jewellery looking its best, gently wipe with a soft cloth after wear and store separately when not in use.

Avoid abrasive cleaners, polishing compounds and anything that may scratch or unnecessarily wear the plated surface.

DELIVERY & RETURNS

Your Shinar jewellery will arrive carefully packaged and ready to give — or to keep.

UK and international delivery options, costs and estimated delivery times are shown at checkout.

Eligible unworn jewellery may be returned in accordance with our Returns Policy.

OUR GUARANTEE

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THE STORY

The Bee of Ephesos

For centuries, the bee was one of the defining symbols of Ephesos, the great Ionian city on the western coast of Anatolia.

The image appeared repeatedly on the city's coinage, sometimes occupying almost the entire face of the coin. One surviving silver drachm, struck around 550–500 BC, shows a single bee on its obverse, demonstrating just how early this emblem had become associated with Ephesos.

The bee was closely connected with the city's most famous sanctuary: the Temple of Artemis at Ephesos.

Ancient literary and numismatic traditions also connect the priestesses of Artemis at Ephesos with the word melittai — “bees.” The association became so strong that the bee functioned not merely as decoration, but as a visual emblem of the city and its sanctuary.

Later Ephesian coins continued the tradition, pairing the bee with stags, palms and the letters Ε Φ, identifying the issuing city as Ephesos. The motif endured across centuries of changing coinage, making the bee one of the most recognisable symbols of ancient Ephesos.

Inspired by this remarkable numismatic tradition, the Greek Bee Necklace reimagines the ancient Ephesian bee in gold — carrying an emblem struck on coins more than two thousand years ago into a piece made to be worn today.

WEAR THE PAST.
The Bee of Ephesos
ARCHIVE NOTE
Ionia · c. 550–500 BC · Silver
Bee / incuse punch
Image: Classical Numismatic Group, Inc. · CC BY-SA 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons
DESIGNED FOR EVERYDAY LIFE

MADE FOR THE AGES

THE SHINAR STANDARD

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DURABLE STAINLESS STEEL

Made from hard-wearing stainless steel, chosen for strength and durability.

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18CT GOLD PLATED

Finished in our rich 18ct gold for the warmth and character of fine gold jewellery.

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WATERPROOF

Designed to go wherever you do — waterproof for everyday wear, from the shower to the pool and sea.

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SHINAR GUARANTEE

Designed for lasting wear and supported by the Shinar Jewels guarantee.

ANCIENT INSPIRATION · MODERN MATERIALS · MADE FOR THE AGES