Georgian Hot Air Balloon Miniature Pendant of 14k Gold

This remarkable pendant showcases a Georgian-era enamel miniature (circa 1783–1800), exquisitely hand-painted with a scene of spectators gathered to witness a hot air balloon ascent—a dazzling innovation of the time and a powerful symbol of Enlightenment-era curiosity and progress.

We acquired this piece as an incomplete jewelry component, likely once part of a larger Georgian necklace. The enamel centerpiece was originally set in silver, and its craftsmanship and scale suggest it served as a decorative element within a more elaborate framework.

To preserve and elevate the beauty of the miniature, we re-mounted it in a custom-made 14k gold frame, carefully designed to honor its historical form while allowing it to be worn as a standalone pendant. The result is a one-of-a-kind fusion of 18th-century artistry and modern craftsmanship.

The pendant measures approximately 1.7 inches from the top of the bail to the bottom, 1.1 inches wide, and weighs 8.25 grams. The enamel scene is exceptionally well-preserved, and the gold has been professionally verified as 14k through X-ray fluorescence (XRF) testing and jeweler’s acid.

Watch the video HERE

A rare and wearable narrative piece, this pendant is ideal for collectors of fine Georgian jewelry, lovers of historical miniatures, or anyone drawn to jewelry that tells a story.