Pure Pearls Glossary
Guttapusalu
A South Indian necklace where clusters of small pearls hang in bunches from a metal frame, said to resemble a fish's roe.
Guttapusalu comes from Andhra and Telangana, and the name refers to the grape-like clusters of tiny pearls that hang beneath the main body of the necklace.
The clusters are built strand by strand and knotted so each bunch moves independently, which gives the piece its distinctive shimmer.
It is one of the few traditional forms where pearls are the structural element rather than the trim.
When you are buying
The value is in the cluster work, not the pearls themselves. Count the bunches and check that each hangs freely rather than being glued or fused into a solid mass.
Read next
Rani Haar
A long, elaborate necklace worn below a choker, reaching the chest or stomach. The centrepiece of a bridal set.
Temple Jewellery
South Indian jewellery in a deity and motif vocabulary, originally made to adorn temple idols and now worn by dancers and brides.
Seed Pearl
A very small pearl, under about 2mm, used in clusters, embroidery and temple work.
Taar Mala
A necklace of many fine parallel strands gathered into one clasp. Traditional Hyderabadi pearl work.
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