personal jewelry

A palette of green, turquoise, white and yellow hues takes you to a paradisial shore. Thai artisan Siriporn creates this refreshing wristband bracelet from glass beads and refined leather cords in brown—all crowned by an adjustable button closure and a silver peace pendant.

Braided by hand, strands of cinnamon brown leather encircle the wrist in a bracelet with earthy good looks. Chaloemphon adds dark brown and off-white beads carved of bone to this design. The length can be adjusted by sliding the knot along the cord.

How Incan royalty adorned themselves for ceremonies forms the basis for Andean artisan Dina's design of this beaded bracelet pair. She has included handmade brown ceramic beads in each of the two bracelets which compose the set as well as smooth glass beads in a lilac color. Each stretch bracelet is unique, however, as one is adorned with amethyst and the other features ceramic beads hand-painted with lines and circles.

Volcanic stones and pinewood beads capture the bold essence of the modern man, forming a dapper accessory crafted in Guatemala. Artisans Erick and Ivania work long hours on this beaded bracelet, meticulously arranging each piece around an adjustable nylon cord and finishing it with a hematite bead at the center, a symbol of protection.

Rituu honors Hinduism and Buddhism with a glistening jap mala that is crafted by hand with smoky quartz, nature's stone of endurance. Also known as prayer beads or rosary, it consists of 108 malas or beads, sometimes 109, which are flicked with the thumb during jap or meditation. That way the person may concentrate fully on repeating mantras. In Buddhism, the 108 beads represent the human passions, while in Hinduism their symbolism is more complex. The number may refer to the names of Vishnu and Shiva in the Mahabharat; the 108 Upanishads; the number of deities of knowledge and various sciences; and the various permutations of the soul's defects, among others.

According to Hindu custom, the correct way to hold the jap mala is with the right hand, draped over the middle finger and using the thumb to flick through the beads. Since it is believed the index finger represents ego, the greatest impediment to self-realization, it is best avoided when chanting on a mala.