Good question, Linda. As a "Kafir", a non-believer in religious mythology, I am not the best source to answer.

My (amateur) evaluation is based on personal observation, for the most part. During travels in Muslim countries, I have NEVER seen a believer using such a strand to help him count.

The avarage prayer strand (for Muslims !!!!!!) contains 33 or 99 beads (for the number of names of god) of more or less precious material and gets some blessing from a trusted cleric.

This is neither a complete nor a satisfying answer, and is actually none at all to answer your question regarding "religious significance".
I am not saying a prayer-strand (for Muslims) has to be of costly/precious materials to get any "holy" properties. As previously said, the strand is ultimately nothing but a tool to help counting. Still, the strand should breath some traditional aura, for the lack of a better description. Your strand yells China and smells like a tourist store.

I trust you do not take this harsh description personal.

It must also be said prayer-strands do not only differ from religion to religion (Muslims, Christians, Buddhists), but differ also inside the various Muslemic countries.

I hope Ali(persia) can shed some more (and some better) light to this.

Should it turn out that I was completely wrong, I submit myself to crucifixion, with you, Linda, having the last nail!