Tunic length Daisy Tassel pendant
Ocean Jasper and Rhinestone Pendant
There has never been a better time to wear tassels. There is freedom in the sway of tassels and an implied joy. At least I think so.
San Juan Capistrano - with garnet
Tassels were orginally used (and still are) as a way to stop the unraveling of a weaving. It was seen as a sign of prestige, because only the wealthy wore fine woven cloth. In the 16th century the French started the art of passementerie. It took 7 years to be fully trained and the tassels would be sold for thousands of dollars made in fine silks. Now everyone can create a tassel out of threads, leather, and cloth.
Leather tassels remind me of the fringe on leather cowboy and cowgirl jackets and I can imagine the rider atop their horse with the fringe bouncing and flowing freely.
Again the blackbirds sings; the streams Wake, laughing, from their winter dreams, And tremble in the April showers The tassels of the maple flowers. ~John Greenleaf Whittier