Mala or Set of Meditation Beads by Authentic Spirit

A banded agate drop hangs below two gold cones like a very small chandelier.

This mala, or set of meditation beads, is by Authentic Spirit, in zitan, gold, glass, feather and agate. Malas are strings of beads used in Hindu and Buddhist practice to count repetitions of a mantra or prayer. Here a long strand of matte reddish zitan wood beads is spaced with gold rondelles and pale, faceted agate nuggets. Two long dark beads striped in white sit near the back of the loop. At the front, textured gold cones and a gold bead lead to a creamy banded agate pendant, capped with granulated gold. It is 18 inches long.

Counting, it turns out, can be quite decorative.