Tassels, or shall we say, "Trimmings", are everywhere, from handbags to shoes, to scarves, to clothes....and of course, jewelry!
It used to be, the only place I saw tassels were in curtain details, my father's Florsheim shoes, and rugs.
Some history for you.... From a simple knot to a decorative addition, it has come a long way since its first use. Seen as far back as biblical times, it could be found on garments and heavier items such as blankets and camel rugs. In Egypt, the simple tassel can be traced back to the ancient tombs of the pharaohs. Almost half a world away, the Chinese were known to incorporate them into their woven silks.
But it is the French who are credited with the evolution of the tassel into an ornamentation. In the 16th century, the first Guild of the Passementiers was established and so the art of passementerie had begun. Practitioners, known as "Passementiers", had to gain the skill with a seven year apprenticeship in order to become a Master in one of the many guilds. As each tassel was made from such valued material like silk or metallic gold and silver threads, they became a symbol of wealth, power and prestige. With at least 300 threads per tassel, it is no wonder that the 'Passementiers' took such great pride in their work. The art of 'passementiere' or the making of trims and braids, continued to grow over the centuries as artisans from places such as Ancient Greece, the Orient, Persia and Rome as well as England, France and Italy, practiced and perfected their skill.
This season, in jewelry fashion, feel free to mix it up! Tassel inspiration can come in many forms, from fabric, to beads, to chain. Come in the store and find what speaks to you and accents that perfect outfit!