Mala or Set of Meditation Beads by Authentic Spirit

A single carnelian drop glows like an ember at the end of a long run of dark red beads.

This mala, or set of meditation beads, is in zitan, gold and carnelian, by Authentic Spirit. Malas are traditionally used in Buddhist and Hindu practice to count recitations, and zitan, a dense, deep red wood, has long been prized in China for its color and weight. Round zitan beads in wine and chocolate tones make up the strand, punctuated by gold rounds and textured gold bicones. At the end hangs a long, translucent orange carnelian bead, capped top and bottom with small gold fittings. It is 17.5 inches long.

Calm, counted and a little bit warm.