In silver & gold
Miniature Musical Carousels
Crafted by hand from the finest materials, the Balgara carousels hold all the wonder of a fairground carousel — exquisite detail, colourful lighting, joyous movement and music — small enough to sit on a table.
See a Balgara carousel turn, light and play.
Each of the eighteen horses has a finely detailed body, mane, tail, saddle, reins and stirrups, designed and created by master jewellers. The horses rise and fall as they travel, accompanied by music that recalls the fairgrounds and circuses of childhood. A sleigh and gondola add to the charm.
Every carousel is a work of art with a personality of its own, taking several months to complete. They are made only in small numbers each year, and each is individually named and hallmarked — a guarantee of its uniqueness.
Conceived by George Rotenstein and brought to life with a team of specialist craftsmen: skilled jewellers, a designer, an engineer, experienced silversmiths, an electronics expert, an artist and a fine-metal casting company.
The Kindertraum
The Kindertraum (“Child’s Dream”) was created exclusively for the 125th anniversary of the German jeweller Wempe. A unique piece, crafted from gold and silver, studded with gems and pearls, and playing four different melodies.
Its making required fourteen assistants, nine pounds of sterling silver, two ounces of gold, 134 diamonds, 37 pearls — and eighteen months of devotion.
The Kindertraum in motion.
How it’s made
Inside a Balgara carousel
Materials
Sterling silver and 18ct gold, Australian opals and gemstones, optical-quality hand-cut crystal, and a fine wooden floor. The roof, horses, sleigh, gondola and outside ornamentation are all silver and gold.
Light & music
88 flashing coloured LEDs around the outside, 40 incandescent lights on the ceiling, bevelled ceiling mirrors and an electronic music movement — all on a 12-volt supply.
Dimensions
Roughly 32 cm wide and 34 cm tall, weighing about 6 kg. Each piece varies, as every carousel is made individually.
Made to request
Carousels could be crafted to individual wishes — particular animals, music or finishes — so that no two were ever quite alike.
Gallery
A closer look
