Tassel
A bunch of threads or beaded strands hanging from a cord end or a pendant. Latkan in the north, kuchu in the south.
On a dori-closed necklace the tassels finish the two cord ends and stop them fraying.
As ornament, a tassel hangs from a pendant or from the end of a plait, where the South Indian kunjalam is worn.
Pearl tassels replace thread with strands of seed pearls, which swing and catch light as the wearer moves.
When you are buying
Look at how the strands are bound at the head. A tassel bound with thread alone will loosen; one capped in metal will not.
Tasselled pieces
A few from the collection, from ₹1,200.
Lustrous Gold Finish Pendant Accentuated With 7mm Oval White Pearl
Twirled Knot Pendant Accentuated With 7mm Oval White Pearl & CZ
Artistic Silver Finish Pendant Accentuated With White Baroque Pearl & CZ
Surreal Pendant Accentuated With 10.5mm Round Pink Pearl & CZ
Artsy Pendant Accentuated With 11mm Button Light Pink Pearl & CZ
Elegant CZ Heart Pendant Accentuated With 10.5mm Peach Button Pearl
Classy 925 Silver Pendant With 10.5mm Peach Button Pearl
Unique Abalone Mother of Pearl Heart Shaped Pendant With A Filigree Clasp
Dori
A silk or cotton cord closing the back of a necklace, tied rather than clasped, so the length adjusts to the wearer.
Seed Pearl
A very small pearl, under about 2mm, used in clusters, embroidery and temple work.
Hair Pin
A decorative pin worn in a bun or plait. Juda pin in the north, and part of the jadai set in the south.
Briolette
A faceted teardrop, cut all the way round with no flat face, drilled at the top so it hangs and turns.