What is passementerie in jewellery?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
Passementerie is a term borrowed from the world of soft furnishings and upholstery, where it refers to decorative braids, cords, tassels and fringe trimmings. In jewellery it describes pieces inspired by or directly replicating these textile forms, so you might see a gold necklace with a pendant shaped like a tassel, a bracelet with a braided rope motif, or earrings with fringe drops that evoke decorative cording. The style appears in Victorian jewellery and in later periods whenever decorative excess came back into fashion.
Frequently asked questions
- What does passementerie look like as jewellery?
- It tends to involve flowing, textured motifs such as tassels, knotted cords, fringe and braided forms, translated into gold, silver or set with gemstones. The goal is to capture in metal the softness and movement of woven and plaited textiles.
- When was passementerie jewellery popular?
- It was popular in the Victorian era and has seen revivals whenever fashion has looked to decorative or maximalist influences. Tassel earrings and rope-motif necklaces are the most widely worn contemporary versions.
- What materials are used in passementerie jewellery?
- Gold and silver are the most common metals for passementerie-style pieces. Some jewellers combine actual silk or thread cords with gold components, blending the textile origin of the style with precious materials.
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