Metal Glossy Gourd Tassel Bracelet Side Charm

A side charm is an attachment for a bracelet. The main strand sits on the wrist, the charm hangs to one side, and the tassel brushes the back of the hand as you walk — all the movement in that one small piece. It has to be light so it does not drag the strand down. Weight it and the whole bracelet tilts to one side; half a day of that and you are turning it back into place. Tassel length to the side of the wrist is enough. Longer and it sweeps the desk and gets in the way of writing. The polished gourd should be buffed until no waves are left in it, because waves show worst under a lamp and read as scratches.

Polish is the first thing anyone sees. Buffed to a mirror, the whole tassel lights up when light falls on it; the price is fingerprints and scratches. Bright goods sell well and get tried on a great deal, and two days at home will mark them, which is normal. The outer edge marks first, because that is what meets the desk. Over time fine circular hairlines appear, visible only under lamplight, and that is ordinary wear. The head of the tassel has to be hidden inside its cap; loose thread ends look rough.

The number of threads in a tassel matters. Too few looks sparse, too many hangs heavy; usually an even count, gathered under a small metal cap. Tassel thread dislikes sweat, so air it after a summer day rather than closing it in a box, where it yellows. Singe the ends with a lighter before tucking them in and fewer strands work loose. Polyester holds a straighter fall than cotton, pills less, and keeps its shape. Use a spring clasp rather than a split ring so the charm can be moved without tools.

Gourd above, tassel below, the weight low, so the swing runs true. Join with a split ring, and either solder it shut or crimp it, or a few swings will open it. The bracelet itself should not be loose; add a side charm and the whole strand slides down the wrist. It can hang on either side of the guru bead, but directly under it, it covers the three-hole bead. Set slightly to the rear it stays out of the way when you work and does not catch the edge of a desk. Polished metal fears hard objects: one day in a pocket with keys and it is marked.

This piece carries no meaning. It is a bit of sound and a bit of colour. The gourd gives the excuse and the tassel gives the movement, and people who like to handle their beads enjoy it. For a gift, choose by colour: bright on a dark strand, dark on a light one. The reverse works too, it just does not stand out. Do not scrub a dirty tassel — comb it straight and shake the dust out. One side charm to a strand, no more, or the balance scatters and the wrist tires. On plain clothing, the bright version lifts the whole thing.