Pure Pearls Glossary
Spacer
A small bar with several holes that keeps the rows of a multi-line necklace parallel and untangled.
Without spacers, multi-line strands twist around each other within minutes of wear.
Spacers are placed at intervals along the piece, usually at the sides where they sit out of view.
In taar malas with many rows, the spacer bars are substantial engineering, and their quality decides whether the piece hangs correctly.
When you are buying
On any multi-line piece, count the spacers. Two, at the ends only, is not enough for anything above three rows.
Read next
Lines
How many parallel strands a necklace is made from. A 3-line necklace has three rows running together into one clasp.
Taar Mala
A necklace of many fine parallel strands gathered into one clasp. Traditional Hyderabadi pearl work.
Clasp
The fastening that closes a necklace or bracelet. The most common point of failure and the most overlooked part of a purchase.
Choker
A necklace that sits high and close around the neck. Both a length and, in Indian jewellery, a distinct style.
Not sure what you are being sold?
Paste any pearl description — another shop’s listing, a message from a jeweller, an old certificate — and we will break it down term by term.