Dholak Bead
A drum-shaped bead, wider at the middle and tapering to both drilled ends. Named after the dholak drum.
Dholak beads are used as spacers and accents between pearls, in plain gold, meenakari enamel or jadau setting.
The barrel shape sits naturally along a strand, since the taper points the way the thread runs.
They are one of the most recognisable elements in Hyderabadi and North Indian pearl necklaces.
When you are buying
Check the drill holes are lined or smooth. A rough metal hole against silk will cut the thread long before the pearls wear.
Pieces with dholak beads
A few from the collection, from ₹2,700.
Elegant String Of Cream Pearls With CZ Kundan Pendant
Dainty String Of Cream Pearls With Elegant Kundan Pendant
Cute String Of Cream Pearls With Elegant Kundan Pendant
Sleek String Of Oval White Pearls With Trinity Kundan Pendant
Sleek String Of White Pearls Centered With Soulful Kundan Pendant
Trendy White Pearl Necklace With Filigree Enamel Beads
Simple & Sweet White Pearl Necklace With Enamel Beads
Versatile Semi-Round White Pearl Necklace With Enamel Beads
Spacer
A small bar with several holes that keeps the rows of a multi-line necklace parallel and untangled.
Meenakari
Coloured enamel fused into engraved metal, most often on the reverse of kundan jewellery.
Kundan
A setting technique where highly refined gold foil is pressed around stones to hold them, with no prongs or claws.
Stringing
The thread a strand is built on, and the craft of assembling it.
Nizami Jewellery
The court style of the Nizams of Hyderabad: pearls in abundance, emeralds, and Persian-influenced form.