Malas
Malas and prayer beads made from gemstones and rudraksha seeds. Choose a 108 bead mala in amethyst, rose quartz, tiger eye or jade for meditation, mantra practice, or as meaningful gemstone jewellery to wear every day.
What is a mala?
A mala is a loop of 108 beads, traditionally used in Hindu and Buddhist practice to count mantras, breaths or prayers. A single larger bead, often called the guru bead, marks where you start and finish. Many people also wear a mala simply as a necklace or wrap it around the wrist.
How to choose a mala
Begin with the material. Our 108 Rudraksha Malas in natural, brown and dark have an earthy, traditional feel, as the seeds have long been used in prayer beads. Our 108 Bead Malas in gemstones such as Amethyst, Rose Quartz, Carnelian, Lapis, Black Agate, Jade and Tiger Eye offer colour and a range of traditional meanings.
In crystal lore, amethyst is linked with calm, rose quartz with affection, and tiger eye with confidence, and the 9 Planet Astro mala brings several stones together. You can read more on our crystal meanings page.
How to use mala beads
Hold the mala in your right hand and move one bead at a time between thumb and middle finger, saying a mantra or counting a breath. Work around the circle, stopping at the guru bead rather than crossing over it.
If you prefer a simpler piece to wear, take a look at our bracelets and bangles. Or explore all of our jewellery.
Questions and answers
How many beads are on a mala?
A traditional mala has 108 beads, a number considered sacred in Hindu and Buddhist traditions, plus a larger guru bead. Some people use smaller malas of 27 or 54 beads, counting around the loop several times.
How do I use a mala for meditation?
Sit comfortably, hold the mala in one hand and start at the bead next to the guru bead. Move one bead with each repetition of a mantra or each breath, and work around the loop. Stop at the guru bead instead of crossing it.
Can I wear a mala as a necklace?
Yes. Many people wear a mala as a long necklace or wind it twice around the wrist as a bracelet. Some prefer to keep their mala for meditation only, so the choice is yours and there is no single correct way.
What is a rudraksha mala?
A rudraksha mala is made from the dried seeds of the rudraksha tree, which have been used as prayer beads in Hindu tradition for centuries. The beads are textured and earthy, and each bead is slightly different in size and shape.