The Creation of a Mala
A mala necklace consists of 108 beads plus a guru bead.
The guru bead is larger than the other 108 beads and forms the end of the chain and the transition to the tassel.
Additional accessories such as spacers and other decorative elements such as pendants or bead caps can be used as desired.
The tassel on our mala necklaces is made of silk.
laying out beads
The stones are arranged on the bead board. What makes logical sense is not always what ultimately creates the appeal of a unique design.
Often, during the interpretation, a completely new picture emerges than what was originally planned.
The color, shape and placement of spacers also completely changes the design of a creation.
Threading beads and knotting a necklace
Before you start tying the beads, you have to double and triple check that there are no mistakes in the pattern and the rest of the design. 108 beads, no more and no less, all the spacers symmetrically in the same place. There's nothing worse than a finished necklace and then you realize there's a mistake in the middle.
Once everything has been checked several times, it's time to thread the chain.
Double Control
Once the entire chain is threaded, everything is checked again.
chain knotting
Only after at least the third check can you start tying a knot between each of the 108 beads. The knot must be tied close to the last bead. The smallest mistake here would result in an uneven image at the end, so it is advisable to carry out this work very carefully and with concentration.
Attach Guru Bead
Last chance to choose the right Guru Bead. This is now threaded onto the end of the chain.
Attach pendant and tassel
Finally, any pendants and the tassel are attached.
In order to knot the pearl thread tightly in the hidden part of the tassel, the tassel must first be opened. The knot is pulled tight and the tassel is retied, usually with a glittery thread in a matching color.
mala necklace
Creating a mala necklace from start to finish takes about four hours of highly concentrated work.
Nevertheless, it is one of the most relaxing activities known to man. You immerse yourself in what you are doing and forget the world around you, always knowing that at the end of the day a unique, never-before-seen piece of jewelry awaits you.