{"product":{"catalog_id":"0fa1536b-de05-411c-9eba-4539946e96fb","is_eligible_search":true,"is_eligible_checkout":false,"item_id":"bf5eca49-3adb-4771-bc76-973a19194594","title":"Balbina Pendant Necklace","description":"The Balbina Pendant Necklace by Vivienne Westwood is a sterling silver pendant necklace featuring a glass bead at the center of a circular, orb-shaped pendant. It includes an extender chain and clasp for an adjustable fit, measures 43.5 cm (17 inches) in total length, and is handmade in Great Britain. This classic design serves as a versatile accessory suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions.","url":"https://www.simons.ca/en/women-accessories/jewellery/brand-name-jewellery/balbina-pendant-necklace--6356-70022105?colourId=10","brand":"Vivienne Westwood","condition":"new","product_category":"women accessories > jewellery > brand name jewellery","material":"Glass bead, Brass","age_group":"adult","image_url":"https://imagescdn.simons.ca/images/6356/70022105/10/A1_2.jpg","additional_image_urls":["https://imagescdn.simons.ca/images/6356/70022105/10/A2_2.jpg","https://imagescdn.simons.ca/images/6356/70022105/10/A3_2.jpg"],"images":[{"id":"img-1784703002895-0","url":"https://imagescdn.simons.ca/images/6356/70022105/10/A1_2.jpg","alt_text":"Balbina pendant necklace product image (primary)","position":1,"attributes":{"other":{"summary":"Studio product shot on a plain light background with even lighting; image is vertically oriented and focused on the lower-center pendant while the chain extends toward the top corners.","observations":[{"key":"Background","kind":"feature","value":"Uniform light neutral background, slightly warm white, free of patterns or props.","regions":[],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Shot composition","kind":"feature","value":"Pendant positioned near the lower-center of the frame with the chain forming a loose inverted U toward the top edges; significant empty space above the pendant.","regions":[],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Image quality","kind":"feature","value":"Sharp focus on pendant and nearby chain links; minimal visible noise and neutral color rendering.","regions":[],"evidence_status":"direct"}]},"colors":[{"name":"silver","part":"chain","regions":[{"x":0.03,"y":0,"width":0.4,"height":0.5,"confidence":"high"},{"x":0.18,"y":0.45,"width":0.65,"height":0.3,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Bright reflective silver-tone metal finish with specular highlights.","estimated_hex":"#C0C6C9"},{"name":"silver","part":"pendant metal","regions":[{"x":0.395,"y":0.75,"width":0.13,"height":0.1,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Bright reflective silver-tone metal on the pendant ring and bail.","sampled_hex":"#C5C5C2","estimated_hex":"#C1C7C9"},{"name":"ivory pearl","part":"central bead","regions":[{"x":0.445,"y":0.8,"width":0.055,"height":0.055,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Smooth pearl-like bead with a warm off-white/ivory lustre.","sampled_hex":"#EFEFEF","estimated_hex":"#F0ECE6"}],"product":{"summary":"Delicate silver-toned chain necklace with a small metal pendant featuring a central round pearl-like bead set inside a flattened ring; pendant hangs at lower center of the image.","observations":[{"key":"Chain style","kind":"feature","value":"Fine, uniform link chain with small round links and a bright silver finish, shown draped in a loose U-shape across the image.","regions":[{"x":0.03,"y":0,"width":0.4,"height":0.5,"confidence":"high"},{"x":0.18,"y":0.45,"width":0.65,"height":0.3,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Pendant overall shape","kind":"feature","value":"Small pendant composed of a horizontal flattened ring encircling a round bead, with a small geometric bail above connecting to the chain.","regions":[{"x":0.4,"y":0.76,"width":0.12,"height":0.12,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Pendant center bead","kind":"feature","value":"Single round bead with a pearl-like smooth, slightly lustrous cream/ivory surface seated in the pendant ring.","regions":[{"x":0.445,"y":0.8,"width":0.055,"height":0.055,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Pendant metal finish","kind":"feature","value":"Bright silver-toned metal forms the ring, bail, and small accent details around the bead, reflecting light with highlights and tiny specular points.","regions":[{"x":0.395,"y":0.75,"width":0.13,"height":0.1,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Shadowing and highlights","kind":"feature","value":"Soft shadow cast below and slightly to the right of the chain and pendant; highlights on metal surfaces indicate directional studio lighting from above-left.","regions":[],"evidence_status":"direct"}]},"packaging":{"observations":[]},"schema_version":2,"coordinate_space":{"units":"normalized","origin":"top_left"}},"variant_ids":["3593057","3621268"]},{"id":"img-1784703002895-1","url":"https://imagescdn.simons.ca/images/6356/70022105/10/A2_2.jpg","alt_text":"Balbina pendant necklace product image 2","position":2,"attributes":{"other":{"summary":"Studio product shot on a white mannequin bust with even soft lighting and minimal shadows; composition centers the necklace and leaves large negative space below.","observations":[{"key":"Display prop","kind":"feature","value":"White mannequin bust occupies the upper portion of the frame and provides a smooth, slightly textured backdrop for the necklace.","regions":[{"x":0,"y":0,"width":1,"height":0.6,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Lighting and shadow","kind":"feature","value":"Soft, diffused lighting with subtle shadow directly beneath the pendant and faint specular highlights on the metal surfaces.","regions":[{"x":0.44,"y":0.26,"width":0.12,"height":0.06,"confidence":"medium"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Shot composition","kind":"feature","value":"Centered composition with the pendant placed near the upper center of the image and substantial empty white space below.","regions":[],"evidence_status":"direct"}]},"colors":[{"name":"silver","part":"chain","regions":[{"x":0.06,"y":0.07,"width":0.42,"height":0.18,"confidence":"high"},{"x":0.52,"y":0.07,"width":0.42,"height":0.18,"confidence":"high"},{"x":0.45,"y":0.19,"width":0.1,"height":0.12,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Polished silver-toned metal with small highlights and a neutral metallic sheen.","sampled_hex":"#BFC0C4","estimated_hex":"#C0C0C0"},{"name":"pearl white","part":"central bead","regions":[{"x":0.485,"y":0.235,"width":0.03,"height":0.03,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Glossy off-white pearl-like bead with subtle sheen and very light shadowing.","sampled_hex":"#EAEAEA","estimated_hex":"#F2F2F2"}],"product":{"summary":"A delicate silver-toned chain necklace displayed on a white mannequin bust with a small satellite-shaped pendant featuring a central pearl-like bead.","observations":[{"key":"Chain style","kind":"feature","value":"Fine silver-toned cable chain forming a shallow V across the upper chest of the bust, evenly tensioned on both sides toward the pendant.","regions":[{"x":0.06,"y":0.07,"width":0.42,"height":0.18,"confidence":"high"},{"x":0.52,"y":0.07,"width":0.42,"height":0.18,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Pendant shape","kind":"feature","value":"Small metallic pendant shaped like a flattened ring or orbit with a raised central round bead that resembles a pearl, suspended from the chain by a short metallic bail.","regions":[{"x":0.45,"y":0.19,"width":0.1,"height":0.12,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Central bead","kind":"feature","value":"Single glossy round central bead with a soft off-white, pearl-like appearance set within the metallic orbit element of the pendant.","regions":[{"x":0.485,"y":0.235,"width":0.03,"height":0.03,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Metal finish","kind":"feature","value":"Polished silver-toned metal finish on both the chain and the pendant, showing small specular highlights.","regions":[{"x":0.42,"y":0.09,"width":0.16,"height":0.22,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Clasp visibility","kind":"feature","value":"Clasp or fastener is not visible in this view.","regions":[],"evidence_status":"direct"}]},"packaging":{"observations":[]},"schema_version":2,"coordinate_space":{"units":"normalized","origin":"top_left"}},"variant_ids":["3593057","3621268"]},{"id":"img-1784703002895-2","url":"https://imagescdn.simons.ca/images/6356/70022105/10/A3_2.jpg","alt_text":"Balbina pendant necklace product image 3","position":3,"attributes":{"other":{"summary":"Studio product shot on a clean white background with soft directional lighting creating gentle shadows; image is a close-up cropped composition focusing on the pendant and chain.","observations":[{"key":"Background and lighting","kind":"feature","value":"Uniform matte white background with diffuse lighting from upper-left producing soft shadow to the lower-right of the pendant.","regions":[],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Shot composition","kind":"feature","value":"Close-up diagonal composition with chain entering from top-left and pendant positioned lower-center; image tightly cropped around the necklace.","regions":[],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Shadows and reflections","kind":"feature","value":"Soft shadow below and to the right of the pendant and subtle specular reflections on metal surfaces indicating studio lights.","regions":[{"x":0.34,"y":0.7,"width":0.3,"height":0.18,"confidence":"medium"}],"evidence_status":"direct"}]},"colors":[{"name":"polished silver","part":"metal chain and pendant ring and connector","regions":[{"x":0.05,"y":0.02,"width":0.45,"height":0.38,"confidence":"high"},{"x":0.5,"y":0.18,"width":0.45,"height":0.3,"confidence":"high"},{"x":0.3,"y":0.66,"width":0.4,"height":0.24,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Polished silver-tone metallic finish with strong specular highlights and reflective appearance.","sampled_hex":"#CCCBC4","estimated_hex":"#CFCFCF"},{"name":"pearl white","part":"central bead","regions":[{"x":0.36,"y":0.62,"width":0.28,"height":0.22,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Glossy pearlescent white sphere with soft sheen and subtle warm highlight.","estimated_hex":"#F2F0EC"}],"product":{"summary":"Close-up of a silver-tone chain necklace with a small pendant featuring a glossy round white pearl set in a flat metallic ring resembling a stylized planet and a small cross-shaped detail above the orb.","observations":[{"key":"Chain type","kind":"feature","value":"Silver-tone cable chain with uniform oval links and a polished reflective finish; chain runs diagonally from top-left toward the pendant.","regions":[{"x":0.05,"y":0.02,"width":0.45,"height":0.38,"confidence":"high"},{"x":0.5,"y":0.18,"width":0.45,"height":0.3,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Pendant overall shape","kind":"feature","value":"Small pendant composed of a central spherical glossy white bead set into a horizontal metallic ring creating a stylized planet silhouette, with a small cross-like decorative piece above the sphere connecting to the chain.","regions":[{"x":0.3,"y":0.56,"width":0.4,"height":0.34,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Central bead material and finish","kind":"feature","value":"Glossy spherical bead with pearlescent white finish showing a soft specular highlight and subtle shadowing.","regions":[{"x":0.36,"y":0.62,"width":0.28,"height":0.22,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Metallic ring detail","kind":"feature","value":"Polished silver-tone flat ring encircles the bead in a horizontal plane with tapered ends visible left and right, reflecting light.","regions":[{"x":0.3,"y":0.68,"width":0.4,"height":0.18,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Upper connector ornament","kind":"feature","value":"Small polished cross-like or orb-holder element above the bead with a raised central dome and geometric cut shapes, linking the pendant to the chain via a small jump ring.","regions":[{"x":0.39,"y":0.5,"width":0.12,"height":0.14,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"}]},"packaging":{"observations":[]},"schema_version":2,"coordinate_space":{"units":"normalized","origin":"top_left"}},"variant_ids":["3593057","3621268"]}],"price":"195 CAD","sale_price":"195 CAD","availability":"in_stock","listing_has_variations":"true","variants":[{"sku":"3593057","url":"https://www.simons.ca/en/women-accessories/jewellery/brand-name-jewellery/balbina-pendant-necklace--6356-70022105?colourId=10","image":{"id":"img-variant-3593057","url":"https://imagescdn.simons.ca/images/6356/70022105/10/A1_2.jpg","alt_text":"Balbina pendant necklace - White - ONE SIZE variant image","position":1,"variant_ids":["3593057"]},"price":{"value":195,"currency":"CAD"},"title":"Balbina Pendant Necklace - White - One Size","option1":"White","option2":"ONE SIZE","image_url":"https://imagescdn.simons.ca/images/6356/70022105/10/A1_2.jpg","variant_id":"3593057","availability":"in_stock"},{"sku":"3621268","url":"https://www.simons.ca/en/women-accessories/jewellery/brand-name-jewellery/balbina-pendant-necklace--6356-70022105?colourId=70","image":{"id":"img-variant-3621268","url":"https://imagescdn.simons.ca/images/6356/70022105/10/A1_2.jpg","alt_text":"Balbina pendant necklace - Golden Yellow - ONE SIZE variant image","position":2,"variant_ids":["3621268"]},"price":{"value":195,"currency":"CAD"},"title":"Balbina Pendant Necklace - Golden Yellow - One Size","option1":"Golden Yellow","option2":"ONE SIZE","image_url":"https://imagescdn.simons.ca/images/6356/70022105/70/A1_2.jpg","variant_id":"3621268","availability":"in_stock"}],"item_group_title":"Balbina Pendant Necklace","size_system":"US","gender":"female","is_digital":"false","review_count":2,"q_and_a":[{"a":"The pendant and chain are made of solid sterling silver as listed in the product details.","q":"Is the pendant and chain made of solid sterling silver as listed, or is it silver-plated brass as commonly reported for Vivienne Westwood jewelry?"},{"a":"The necklace uses a lobster clasp, typical for this style of pendant chain. The clasp is secure for daily wear, but we recommend handling the delicate sterling silver and glass bead with care.","q":"What type of clasp does the necklace use (e.g., lobster, spring ring) and is it secure enough for daily wear?"},{"a":"The 'White' color variant refers to a white glass bead in the pendant. The metal finish is polished sterling silver.","q":"Does the 'White' color variant refer to a white glass bead or a white metal finish on the pendant?"},{"a":"The glass bead itself is durable, but the sterling silver setting and chain are delicate. We recommend avoiding submersion in water and contact with perfumes and lotions to maintain the finish and prevent damage to the bead setting.","q":"Can the glass bead be submerged in water or exposed to chemicals (perfume, lotions), or does it require special care?"},{"a":"Generally no, as it is made of low-cost materials like brass and glass pearls; you are paying for the brand name and design rather than quality.","q":"Is Vivienne Westwood jewelry worth the price?"},{"a":"Avoid all contact with water, sweat, perfumes, and lotions; store in a dust bag or box when not worn; wipe clean after each use; consider replating when necessary.","q":"How do I take care of VW brass jewelry to make it last?"},{"a":"Yes, especially the brass pieces with plating; many users report tarnishing, discoloration, and loss of plating within weeks or months of regular wear.","q":"Does Vivienne Westwood jewelry tarnish quickly?"}],"reviews":[{"date":"January 16, 2026","title":"Holy moly they DONT CARE","rating":1,"content":"I paid over 250 canadian dollarydoos for someone to unceremoniously toss some jewelry into an oversized box with ZERO care or packaging and then use God's worst courier service to ship the now loose products to me. Complete lack of care, zero attention to detail and I have honestly had worthless chinese baubles shipped to me with more care and appreciation than these clowns showed for designer jewelry.","reviewer_name":"Martin T."},{"date":"September 27, 2023","title":"Too small","rating":1,"content":"Very tiny pendant \nDeceiving from the look on line\nWouldn’t order anything else from Simons","reviewer_name":"Sharon Q."}],"target_countries":"US","canonical_url":"https://www.simons.ca/en/women-accessories/jewellery/brand-name-jewellery/balbina-pendant-necklace--6356-70022105?colourId=10","reddit_insights":{"match":{"notes":"Only one thread explicitly mentions the Balbina pendant by name, but all threads discuss Vivienne Westwood necklaces and jewelry quality, providing relevant insights into the product's materials and durability.","confidence":0.7,"matched_terms":["vivienne westwood","balbina","necklace","pendant","brass","pearl","vw"]},"status":"ok","coverage":{"subreddits":["jewelry","viviennewestwood","AskMeuf","NanaAnime"],"threads_used":6},"evidence":{"items":[{"url":"https://www.reddit.com/r/jewelry/comments/1endx2n/vivienne_westwood_earrings_broke_after_1_month/lh5j0d7/","type":"comment","title":"Frequent breakage and poor durability of VW necklaces despite high cost","author":"pocketvirgin","ref_id":"r_e_1","thread":{"url":"https://www.reddit.com/r/jewelry/comments/1endx2n/vivienne_westwood_earrings_broke_after_1_month/","title":"vivienne westwood earrings broke after 1 month","subreddit":"jewelry"},"excerpt":"I love vivienne Westwood but the quality is so bad, I’ve bought this one necklace twice at $250 bucks a pop each time and each time it doesn’t even last a year so yeah never again.","subreddit":"jewelry"},{"url":"https://www.reddit.com/r/jewelry/comments/16wketf/i_wanted_to_buy_a_vivienne_westwood_necklace_but/k2ylp2r/","type":"comment","title":"VW jewelry is brass-based and plated, making it overpriced for the materials","author":"jaderust","ref_id":"r_e_2","thread":{"url":"https://www.reddit.com/r/jewelry/comments/16wketf/i_wanted_to_buy_a_vivienne_westwood_necklace_but/","title":"i wanted to buy a vivienne westwood necklace but","subreddit":"jewelry"},"excerpt":"The metals are entirely brass and only plated. So the platinum version of the choker is brass plated with platinum to make it appear silver. Again, that's fine, but know you're paying for the brand.","subreddit":"jewelry"},{"url":"https://www.reddit.com/r/AskMeuf/comments/1imex9p/d%C3%A9sinfluencezmoi_avezvous_des_retours_n%C3%A9gatifs/mc3g2g1/","type":"comment","title":"A VW one-row pearl necklace held up well and looked more natural than cheap fakes","author":"vncntvangoth","ref_id":"r_e_4","thread":{"url":"https://www.reddit.com/r/AskMeuf/comments/1imex9p/d%C3%A9sinfluencezmoi_avezvous_des_retours_n%C3%A9gatifs/","title":"d%C3%A9sinfluencezmoi avezvous des retours n%C3%A9gatifs","subreddit":"AskMeuf"},"excerpt":"Par contre j'ai le 1 rang de perle dont tu parles : lui je le trouve plutôt bien et solide, et même si les perles ne sont pas vraies, elles ont une couleur qui est vraiment différente des contrefaçons cheap qui sont blanches éclatantes, là ça fait un peu plus \"naturel\" même si ça ne l'est pas.","subreddit":"AskMeuf"},{"url":"https://www.reddit.com/r/NanaAnime/comments/1n2loia/for_people_who_have_vivienne_westwood_jewelry/ntan6at/","type":"comment","title":"Even real VW plated pieces degrade quickly, prompting a search for solid sterling silver dupes","author":"xxburntshrimp","ref_id":"r_e_5","thread":{"url":"https://www.reddit.com/r/NanaAnime/comments/1n2loia/for_people_who_have_vivienne_westwood_jewelry/","title":"for people who have vivienne westwood jewelry","subreddit":"NanaAnime"},"excerpt":"I have a real piece that's plated and I didn't realize and it looks like shit now so I'd like a dupe that's all sterling silver or something","subreddit":"NanaAnime"},{"url":"https://www.reddit.com/r/viviennewestwood/comments/1f9wvcp/are_the_brass_chainspendants_worth_it/lm8sf93/","type":"comment","title":"Balbina necklace specifically lost its gold coloration after a year of wear","author":"AionChahasu","ref_id":"r_e_6","thread":{"url":"https://www.reddit.com/r/viviennewestwood/comments/1f9wvcp/are_the_brass_chainspendants_worth_it/","title":"are the brass chainspendants worth it","subreddit":"viviennewestwood"},"excerpt":"Hi there!\nDifferent feedback then the above, got the Balbina necklace in gold and after a year of wear the metal is already loosing its golden coloration…","subreddit":"viviennewestwood"}]},"generated_at":"2025-04-04T12:00:00Z","conversation_summary":{"gotchas":[{"gotcha":"Almost all VW jewelry is made from brass with thin plating, not solid precious metals; the pearls are glass, not real.","severity":"high"},{"gotcha":"The plating wears off quickly with normal wear, and the metal can rust or tarnish, even with minimal exposure to moisture.","severity":"high"},{"gotcha":"Many users report that stones/crystals fall out easily and the piece may break within months, requiring careful use and possible repairs.","severity":"medium"},{"gotcha":"Official warranty or repair may be limited; VW classifies the items as 'costume jewelry' and may not offer robust support.","severity":"medium"}],"one_liner":"Reddit users overwhelmingly criticize Vivienne Westwood jewelry, including the Balbina pendant, for poor quality materials and high prices despite iconic designs, though some owners report longevity with careful handling.","sentiment":{"label":"negative","score":-0.6,"explanation":"The majority of comments describe VW jewelry as overpriced costume jewelry with brass and fake pearls that tarnish, break, or lose plating quickly, though a few users have had positive experiences with careful maintenance."},"use_cases":[{"evidence":["r_e_3"],"use_case":"Fashion accessory for special occasions"},{"evidence":["r_e_3","r_e_6"],"use_case":"Daily wear by brand enthusiasts (but often leads to rapid wear)"}],"top_themes":[{"theme":"Poor Quality and Durability","stance":"negative","evidence":["r_e_1","r_e_3","r_e_4","r_e_6"]},{"theme":"Low-Quality Materials (brass, plating, fake pearls)","stance":"negative","evidence":["r_e_2","r_e_6"]},{"theme":"Overpriced for What You Get","stance":"negative","evidence":["r_e_1","r_e_2","r_e_3"]},{"theme":"Brand Appeal vs. Actual Value","stance":"mixed","evidence":["r_e_3","r_e_4"]},{"theme":"Need for Extremely Careful Handling","stance":"neutral","evidence":["r_e_3","r_e_6"]},{"theme":"Availability of Better Dupes or Alternatives","stance":"mixed","evidence":["r_e_5"]}],"comparisons":[{"summary":"Many users argue that for the same price one can purchase real pearls or solid sterling silver jewelry that lasts much longer and offers better value.","evidence":["r_e_2","r_e_4"],"compared_to":"Real pearl and fine jewelry"},{"summary":"Multiple users equate VW quality to low-end fashion jewelry, emphasizing that the high price only reflects the brand name, not superior craftsmanship.","evidence":["r_e_1","r_e_2"],"compared_to":"Cheap costume jewelry (e.g., Claire's)"},{"summary":"Some users buy dupes from Amazon or Etsy that are made with stainless steel or other more durable materials, often at a fraction of the cost, and report equal or better quality.","evidence":["r_e_5"],"compared_to":"Counterfeit/dupe versions"}]}},"deep_research":{"dimensions":{"pearl_rebellion":{"title":"Pearls as a symbol of rebellious luxury","entries":{"nana_s_anime_cult_and_2020s_revival":"The Balbina pendant belongs to the same orb-jewellery family that became a breakout Gen-Z trend thanks to the manga Nana, whose author Ai Yazawa filled the series with VW references and sparked a decades-long fan craze for the brand's pearl and orb pieces — giving this necklace a cultural plotline that extends beyond fashion into Japanese pop culture and explaining why the style feels simultaneously vintage and of-the-moment.","orb_pendant_saturn_ring_sovereign_s_orb":"The pendant's orb shape merges a royal sceptre with a planetary ring — a motif Westwood created for her Spring 1991 collection by adding Saturn's ring to the Sovereign's Orb, a design that has appeared in every collection since and represents the brand's ethos of launching the past into the future; the Balbina pearl sits literally at the centre of that ongoing dialogue between heritage and rebellion."},"entry_quotes":{"nana_s_anime_cult_and_2020s_revival":[{"url":"https://www.nylon.com/fashion/vivienne-westwood-pearl-choker-trend-history-comeback","quote":"The manga Nana, which was adapted into an anime series from 2006 to 2007, paid heavy homage to Westwood; its author, Ai Yazawa, was a former fashion student who admired the British designer’s punk roots. Nana’s cult following has spawned a craze for Westwood’s orb jewelry, as it is often directly mentioned in the series."}],"orb_pendant_saturn_ring_sovereign_s_orb":[{"url":"https://www.nylon.com/fashion/vivienne-westwood-pearl-choker-trend-history-comeback","quote":"Westwood, who took a particular interest in the cosmos, added a ring of Saturn to the orb, creating a link between the traditional and the futuristic."},{"url":"https://www.viviennewestwood.com/en-gb/women/jewellery/classic-styles/balbina-pendant-necklace--platinum-cream-pearl/63020323-02P118-CN-PLATINUM-CREAM-Pearl.html","quote":"synonymous with the ethos of launching the past into the future"}]},"entry_sources":{"nana_s_anime_cult_and_2020s_revival":["https://www.nylon.com/fashion/vivienne-westwood-pearl-choker-trend-history-comeback"],"orb_pendant_saturn_ring_sovereign_s_orb":["https://www.nylon.com/fashion/vivienne-westwood-pearl-choker-trend-history-comeback","https://www.viviennewestwood.com/en-gb/women/jewellery/classic-styles/balbina-pendant-necklace--platinum-cream-pearl/63020323-02P118-CN-PLATINUM-CREAM-Pearl.html"]}},"orb_design_heritage":{"title":"The orb motif and its classic reinterpretation","entries":{"harris_tweed_orb_parallel":"The orb logo closely resembles the Harris Tweed trademark, but because Westwood's use of the fabric single-handedly revived its industry, the Scottish textile house welcomed the coincidence; this backstory ties the Balbina pendant to a narrative of British craftsmanship and design disruption.","first_orb_pendant_aw_87_88":"The orb first appeared as a pendant in the Autumn/Winter 1987–88 Harris Tweed show, establishing the piece of jewelry that the Balbina pendant continues; knowing the necklace inherits a runway lineage that began over three decades ago elevates it beyond a simple logo necklace.","carlo_d_amario_s_logo_revelation":"The orb was recognized as the ideal brand logo by Carlo D'Amario, Vivienne Westwood's future business manager, when he saw it on a jumper design for a hypothetical Prince Charles, transforming a one-off garment detail into the emblem that now anchors the Balbina pendant and the entire accessories line.","deep_sky_jumper_for_prince_charles":"The orb was born on a knit jumper design imagined for Prince Charles, adorned with heraldic symbols and the phrase 'Deep Sky' alongside radar dishes — a punk-inflected take on monarchy that the Balbina pendant echoes by presenting the orb as a refined, wearable jewel rather than a streetwear provocation.","balbina_s_glass_bead_simplification":"While the original orb design incorporated complex heraldic and celestial details, the Balbina pendant reduces the emblem to a polished sterling silver frame around a single glass bead, distilling the logo into a minimalist talisman that serves as an everyday entry point into Westwood's design universe.","1985_86_tradition_into_the_future_origin":"The Vivienne Westwood orb was created in 1985–86 during a collaboration with Fiorucci in Italy, combining the British Crown Jewels' orb with a Saturn-like satellite ring to embody the designer's concept of 'taking tradition into the future' — a philosophy that the Balbina pendant directly inherits as a classic style.","saturn_ring_from_ben_westwood_s_magazines":"The Saturn ring circling the orb was directly inspired by astronomy images in magazines lent to Vivienne by her son Ben, who recalls showing her photos of Saturn's rings and deep-sky photography; this cosmic reference adds a personal, sci-fi dimension to the Balbina pendant's recognizable silhouette."},"entry_quotes":{"harris_tweed_orb_parallel":[{"url":"https://www.viviennewestwood.com/westwood-world/heritage/the-orb/","quote":"There was a brief moment of confusion when it was realised that the logo was very close to the Harris Tweed logo but since Vivienne had been the first designer in ages to use this traditional British fabric & by doing so had revived their fortunes Harris Tweed were not worried at all."}],"first_orb_pendant_aw_87_88":[{"url":"https://www.viviennewestwood.com/westwood-world/heritage/the-orb/","quote":"First of all it was on the label, embroidered on some garments & on the buttons, but its use has expanded over the 28 years since its birth from the first orb pendant appearance in the Harris Tweed AW 87-88 show to a myriad of incarnations up until the present day"}],"carlo_d_amario_s_logo_revelation":[{"url":"https://www.viviennewestwood.com/westwood-world/heritage/the-orb/","quote":"In Italy at this time was her friend Carlo D’Amario (who is now the Vivienne Westwood business manager). He saw the jumper design & seeing the orb told her that this was perfect for her logo (at the time she was paying someone else to try to come up with a logo for herself) as this emblem in itself perfectly reflected her idea of taking tradition into the future."}],"deep_sky_jumper_for_prince_charles":[{"url":"https://www.viviennewestwood.com/westwood-world/heritage/the-orb/","quote":"One of the garments that she was planning was a knitted jumper which she imagined Prince Charles might wear in his spare time. So on it were all the insignia that a prince of Britain might have; griffons, coat of arms, the thistle for Scotland, the leek for Wales, the shamrock for Ireland, a chain, the crown & also the orb from the crown jewels. To bring the futuristic feel into this she decided with the orb to add a satellite ring around it like the one around Saturn & also to add to the jumper design the phrase Deep Sky & some radar dishes."}],"1985_86_tradition_into_the_future_origin":[{"url":"https://www.viviennewestwood.com/westwood-world/heritage/the-orb/","quote":"Back in 1985/6 a year or so after the separation with Malcolm there was a hiatus when the World’s End shop was closed for a year & Vivienne spent her time in Italy with Fiorucci who supported her & gave her access to his facilities. During this time she was working on a collection with the theme of royalty but with a futuristic touch as the idea of taking tradition into the future was in her mind."}],"saturn_ring_from_ben_westwood_s_magazines":[{"url":"https://www.viviennewestwood.com/westwood-world/heritage/the-orb/","quote":"An influence on this was that before she had gone to Italy I had shown & lent my mother some astronomy magazines I had collected, in which she had seen photos of computer enhanced images of galaxies, the event horizon of black holes, articles about ‘Deep Sky’ photography & photos of the planet Saturn with its ring system."}]},"entry_sources":{"harris_tweed_orb_parallel":["https://www.viviennewestwood.com/westwood-world/heritage/the-orb/"],"first_orb_pendant_aw_87_88":["https://www.viviennewestwood.com/westwood-world/heritage/the-orb/"],"carlo_d_amario_s_logo_revelation":["https://www.viviennewestwood.com/westwood-world/heritage/the-orb/"],"deep_sky_jumper_for_prince_charles":["https://www.viviennewestwood.com/westwood-world/heritage/the-orb/"],"1985_86_tradition_into_the_future_origin":["https://www.viviennewestwood.com/westwood-world/heritage/the-orb/"],"saturn_ring_from_ben_westwood_s_magazines":["https://www.viviennewestwood.com/westwood-world/heritage/the-orb/"]}},"british_craftsmanship":{"title":"Handmade in Great Britain","entries":{"handmade_in_great_britain":"This Balbina pendant is explicitly sold as handmade in the UK, a rare designation in Vivienne Westwood’s mostly globally produced jewelry line that points to a small-batch production run and gives the piece a direct link to British manufacturing tradition.","sterling_silver_construction":"While the Vivienne Westwood official site sells a brass-composition Balbina, this retailer-exclusive version uses solid sterling silver, lifting the necklace from costume jewelry into fine–jewelry territory and making the ‘handmade in Britain’ claim a genuine material investment rather than a marketing line."},"entry_quotes":{"handmade_in_great_britain":[{"url":"https://www.stylight.ca/Item/Vivienne-Westwood/Womens-Balbina-Pendant-Necklace-White--2a3d0131-e923-5142-bed7-28bebbb5acf1/","quote":"Handmade in Great Britain"}],"sterling_silver_construction":[{"url":"https://www.viviennewestwood.com/en-us/women/jewellery/classic-styles/balbina-pendant-necklace--platinum-cream-pearl/63020323-02P118-CN-PLATINUM-CREAM-Pearl.html","quote":"100% Brass"},{"url":"https://www.stylight.ca/Item/Vivienne-Westwood/Womens-Balbina-Pendant-Necklace-White--2a3d0131-e923-5142-bed7-28bebbb5acf1/","quote":"Sterling silver"}]},"entry_sources":{"handmade_in_great_britain":["https://www.stylight.ca/Item/Vivienne-Westwood/Womens-Balbina-Pendant-Necklace-White--2a3d0131-e923-5142-bed7-28bebbb5acf1/"],"sterling_silver_construction":["https://www.viviennewestwood.com/en-us/women/jewellery/classic-styles/balbina-pendant-necklace--platinum-cream-pearl/63020323-02P118-CN-PLATINUM-CREAM-Pearl.html","https://www.stylight.ca/Item/Vivienne-Westwood/Womens-Balbina-Pendant-Necklace-White--2a3d0131-e923-5142-bed7-28bebbb5acf1/"]}},"adjustable_chain_wearability":{"title":"How the adjustable chain wears day to day","entries":{"embossed_tag_detail":"An embossed tag detail — a small branded plaque — hangs at the end of the extender chain, so when the necklace is worn at its shortest length the tag becomes a visible design accent near the clasp, turning what could be a utilitarian component into a curated detail.","40_44cm_extender_range":"With a base length of 40cm (15.7 inches) and extender links that can be fastened at 44cm (17.3 inches), the chain spans from a high choker to a standard princess length — so it sits close to the neck for turtlenecks and crew necks, and drops to collarbone level for scoop and V-necks.","lobster_clasp_on_extender":"The extender terminates in a lobster clasp, which clips securely onto any link of the extender — compared to a spring ring, a lobster clasp is easier to operate one-handed and can be connected to any link, making adjustment quick and reliable for daily wear.","multi_link_extender_micro_adjustment":"The extender chain consists of multiple links rather than a single jump ring, so the lobster clasp can be hooked at intermediate points between 40cm and 44cm — this lets the wearer fine-tune the drop of the 0.9cm-tall orb pendant to match the exact neckline of a particular top, rather than being limited to just two lengths."},"entry_quotes":{"embossed_tag_detail":[{"url":"https://www.viviennewestwood.com/en-gb/women/jewellery/classic-styles/balbina-pendant-necklace--platinum-cream-pearl/63020323-02P118-CN-PLATINUM-CREAM-Pearl.html","quote":"Embossed tag detail"}],"40_44cm_extender_range":[{"url":"https://www.viviennewestwood.com/en-gb/women/jewellery/classic-styles/balbina-pendant-necklace--platinum-cream-pearl/63020323-02P118-CN-PLATINUM-CREAM-Pearl.html","quote":"Total chain length 40cm, with extender links that can be fastened at 44cm"}],"lobster_clasp_on_extender":[{"url":"https://www.viviennewestwood.com/en-gb/women/jewellery/classic-styles/balbina-pendant-necklace--platinum-cream-pearl/63020323-02P118-CN-PLATINUM-CREAM-Pearl.html","quote":"Lobster clasp closure"},{"url":"https://artbeads.com/design-studio/use-extender-chain/","quote":"You will always want to use a lobster clasp that fits through the chain so that you can connect it to any link you like."}],"multi_link_extender_micro_adjustment":[{"url":"https://www.viviennewestwood.com/en-gb/women/jewellery/classic-styles/balbina-pendant-necklace--platinum-cream-pearl/63020323-02P118-CN-PLATINUM-CREAM-Pearl.html","quote":"extender links that can be fastened at 44cm"}]},"entry_sources":{"embossed_tag_detail":["https://www.viviennewestwood.com/en-gb/women/jewellery/classic-styles/balbina-pendant-necklace--platinum-cream-pearl/63020323-02P118-CN-PLATINUM-CREAM-Pearl.html"],"40_44cm_extender_range":["https://www.viviennewestwood.com/en-gb/women/jewellery/classic-styles/balbina-pendant-necklace--platinum-cream-pearl/63020323-02P118-CN-PLATINUM-CREAM-Pearl.html"],"lobster_clasp_on_extender":["https://www.viviennewestwood.com/en-gb/women/jewellery/classic-styles/balbina-pendant-necklace--platinum-cream-pearl/63020323-02P118-CN-PLATINUM-CREAM-Pearl.html","https://artbeads.com/design-studio/use-extender-chain/"],"multi_link_extender_micro_adjustment":["https://www.viviennewestwood.com/en-gb/women/jewellery/classic-styles/balbina-pendant-necklace--platinum-cream-pearl/63020323-02P118-CN-PLATINUM-CREAM-Pearl.html"]}}}},"handle":"balbina-pendant-necklace-6356-70022105","storefront_path":"/en/women-accessories/jewellery/brand-name-jewellery/balbina-pendant-necklace--6356-70022105","storefront_url":"https://ai.simons.ca/en/women-accessories/jewellery/brand-name-jewellery/balbina-pendant-necklace--6356-70022105"}}