For my friend Lew Wackler, renowned lapidary artist, I designed, and strung this precious double chromium British Columbian Nephrite. 1.5mm perforations allowed for two .8mm braided nylon to be knotted into a tight snake knot between each beautiful jade bead. A four strand turks head stopper knot is the crescendo before the tassel finale, so beautiful.

What is the bead size, and length of the mala?

First time I see one with the beads knotted in between -- instead of being allowed to freely slide along the stringing cord, as is rutinely done...

The pictured one --not 100% orthodox-- was made several years ago.

The antique Mongolian printing block was turned into an effective pendant.
The beads are made of rosewood and black coral, with silver accents.
Strung on (eight*) cotton strings.

* A wink to the Eightfold Noble Path of Buddhism.

Nice quality counters are hard to come by. I had these two pendants, Dorje, and Phurba, both which had bails on the end for suspension. First I removed the bails, then drilled through the center, which is when I discovered the Phurba is fabricated, not cast, very cool these days. I also (Regrettably) had to drill the twenty antique silver beads in order to have the exact size perforation, counter beads must slide, then stay where placed. Double Turks head knot at top, Tibetan snake knot (Third strand core) at end, finally a sterling binding knot.

Hi Jake - did you tie the Turk's head knot into the main cord, or did you create it as a separate piece and slide it over the double cord?

It's a very nice detail! Mind if I copy it?

Exactly! Either way would work. I used the four cords exiting the Guru bead, but if you used a separate cord, you could use a larger cord. I guess I will try that sometime, and I look forward to seeing your creations too!

Hi Jake nice prayer beads.it reaminds me to 8 years ago that I sold a 33 pieces tesbih to an american sufi from colorado .he was a Pir.this is title for a sufi like imam or leader.it was first time for me seeing a white pir .because I have seen many midel eastern pirs but he was first american pir I saw so I gave him a nice red agate tesbih all beads from BC period.and I have been designed them as a prayer bead.in shia faith people mostly use 99 pieces and in suni faith 33.but it is not a rull and depends on people.I always wish to see that pir again.he was so spirtual. Good luck Ali

Dear FRiend.Head is nothing to lose for the sake of friend.iam so sorry because there isn't any of those beads left.my collecting beads has been like this story anbout shirazian poet.. I am so blessed to be born in shiraz capital of persian literature and capital of ancient persia.growimg in cities like this you become familiar with many human values.our famous shirazian poet Hafiz has a poem and says.if that shirazian turk would captivate my heart.I will give the entire territories of samarkand and BUkhara in return for.in that time Timur lane conquered SHiraz and questioned Hafiz about that poem saying it was insult to his royal majesty.he mentioned Bukhara and Samarkand.for hafiz to think so little of those cities.the poet replied.ALas O prince.it is his prodiglity which is the cause of the misery in which you find me.charmed Timur dismmissed Hafiz with rich gifts. All the best . Ali