First Flight : Victorian Era Hot Air Balloon Harlequin Necklace

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A most whimsical late Victorian Era lavalier necklace circa 1890 formed in the shape of a hot air balloon, and set with a medley of harlequin gemstones in pastel shades of pink, yellow and blue, finished with a Keshi pearl drop.

The lightness and charm of this fanciful piece encompass the zeitgeist of turn of the century jewels, as people looked to the new century with hope and faith in technology. At this junction in time hot air balloons and gas balloons were the first forays into air travel. Those who were lucky enough to experience an ascent into the heavens remarked upon the tranquility and peacefulness, the diffusion of light and intensity of colours, the dreamlike quality of gazing down upon the world below, cushioned in silence.

Then as now, this remarkable and unusual jewel will be quite the conversation starter.

Manufacture: 
The pendant section is modelled in 14ct yellow gold, with an 18ct gold chain. There are no hallmarks present on the piece, the gold fineness has been verified by XRF test.
All gemstones have been verified as natural by an independent gemologist.

Old cut gemstones pink tourmaline, yellow topaz and aquamarine have been set into golden bezels with fine milgrain edging. Each gemstone is connected to its neighbour with a rail of gold. The pendant is made in two sections, the top is an inverted v shape set with gemstones. A rail is suspended vertically from the centre of the v giving the two sections independent movement. Golden swags with pearl stations connect the two sections. From the bottom of the vertical rail is a Keshi pearl dangle, a replacement for the original baroque pearl, lost to time.

The necklace is 46.4cm (18.25″) long and closes with a small bolt ring.
The pendant has a drop of 45.5cm.
Weighs 5.94 grams

Condition: 
Excellent. The gemstones are free from chips and scratches, the gold settings show no signs of repair or alteration. Ready for immediate wear.