Design Your Mala
Hand-knotted by our artisans in New Delhi, cleansed and energised before dispatch and we send you a photo of the finished mala to approve before it ships.
Why GemKrishna
- One flat price per size. All 31 natural stones and beads cost the same. Mix up to nine of them and the price never moves.
- Money-back authenticity guarantee. If any bead in your mala is shown by an independent laboratory not to be the natural material we sold you, we refund you in full.
- A free GJSPC lab report. Your mala gets its own independent report with a unique identification number, at no extra charge.
- Cleansed and energised. Every mala is cleansed and energised in the traditional way before it is packed.
- AAA-grade beads. Every bead is inspected by our staff and measured with tools before it is strung.
- Real silver, if you want it. Choose German silver or 925 sterling silver wire and capping on every bead.
- Your approval first. We share a photo of the finished mala and dispatch only once you confirm it.
- A free gift with every order. Choose one in step 9, or we send raw Selenite.
- Clear treatment disclosure. Gemstone options are natural and untreated except the Howlite option, which is high-quality dyed magnesite and is labelled clearly. Beliefs about crystal energy are traditional and are not scientifically established.
A well-made japa mala should not be a luxury. We price the way we do so that anyone can hold a genuinely good one.
8 mm is the traditional japa size. 10 mm feels heavier in the hand.
27 for hand jaap, 54 for a half mala, 108 for a full mala.
Which bead count should I choose?
108 beads is the full traditional japa mala and completes one round of 108 repetitions.
54 beads is a half mala. Two rounds make 108, and it is lighter to carry or wear.
27 beads is a hand jaap mala or wrist mala. Four rounds make 108, and it sits comfortably on the wrist.
A Guru bead (Sumeru) is counted separately and is never counted in the recitation, so a 108 bead mala with a Guru bead has 109 beads in total.
Thread alone, or metal wire with a cap on every single bead.
What does capping mean?
Capped malas are built on metal wire rather than thread. Each bead is held between two small metal caps and linked to the next, so the mala keeps its shape, the beads never rub against each other and the strand cannot snap and scatter.
German silver is a nickel-brass alloy with a bright silver-white finish. It contains no silver, costs far less and is a popular everyday choice.
925 sterling silver is real silver, 92.5% pure. It is the heirloom option: heavier, warmer in tone, and it can be polished for decades.
Capping is priced per bead count because a 108 bead mala needs four times the wire and caps of a 27 bead mala.
Pick 1 to 9 stones. All 31 cost the same — the price never rises as you add.
What each stone is traditionally used for
These associations come from traditional crystal and Vedic practice. They are beliefs, not medical or scientific claims, and nothing here is a substitute for professional advice.
How should the mala finish? All three options are free.
What is a Guru bead (Sumeru)?
The Guru bead, also called the Sumeru or Meru bead, is the larger bead that closes the circle of the mala. It is never counted in japa: on reaching it you pause, turn the mala around and count back the other way.
It is added on top of your bead count, so a 108 bead mala with a Guru bead carries 109 beads. In this builder the Guru bead is made from your first selected stone unless your note asks for something else.
The tassel hangs below the Guru bead and uses the same colour as the thread you choose in step 7.
Hand-knotting between every bead, or beads sitting flush.
Which should I pick?
Knotted puts a hand-tied knot between every bead. Each knot gives the thumb a natural stop while counting, keeps the beads from rubbing, and means a broken thread cannot spill the whole mala. It is the traditional japa choice and adds roughly 10–15% to the strand length.
Unknotted lets the beads sit flush against each other for a shorter, sleeker strand that wears well as a necklace.
Knotting is not available on capped malas: a capped mala is linked on metal wire, so there is no thread to knot.
Choose one colour for both the thread and tassel, or let us match them to your stones.
How should your stones be laid out around the strand?
Pick one gift, free with your mala.
One gift per order. If you don't pick one, we send raw Selenite.
Tell us anything about the design here. If a request is too detailed to follow from a note, we message you on WhatsApp before we start work.
Every mala gets its own report with a unique identification number. No extra charge.
See a sample report
Samples shown for reference only. Your report will carry its own identification number, issued by an independent laboratory.
If any bead in your mala is shown by an independent laboratory not to be the natural material we sold you, we refund you in full.
How the guarantee works
Have your mala tested at any independent gemmological laboratory within 30 days of delivery. If the report shows a bead is not the natural material named on your order, send us the report at contact@gemkrishna.com and we refund the full amount you paid, including the cost of the test.
The guarantee covers material identity. It does not cover natural variation in colour, banding, size or inclusions, which are normal in natural stone, and it does not cover the Howlite option, which is sold and labelled as high-quality dyed magnesite.
Each mala is cleansed and energised in the traditional way, then packed with a care card. Handcrafted and dispatched within 0–2 business days.
What we do, and what it means
Finished malas are cleansed with incense and kept overnight on a bed of raw Selenite before packing, following traditional practice.
This is a devotional and traditional step, not a scientifically measurable treatment, and it makes no difference to the physical material you receive. We describe it plainly so you know exactly what is and is not being claimed.
Malas we have made for customers
See malas we have made
Real custom orders hand-strung at our workshop in New Delhi. Use them for inspiration, then build your own above.
Custom gemstone mala builder by GemKrishna India
The GemKrishna Custom Mala Builder is a free online tool that lets you design a natural gemstone japa mala and have it hand-strung to order in New Delhi, India. You choose an 8 mm or 10 mm bead size, a bead count of 27, 54 or 108, plain thread or German silver or 925 sterling silver wire and capping, one to nine stones from 31 natural stones and beads, the Guru bead (Sumeru) and tassel finish, knotted or unknotted stringing, the shared thread-and-tassel colour and the arrangement of the beads. Prices start at ₹1,450 for an 8 mm 27 bead mala. Every mala is cleansed and energised, ships with a free independent GJSPC laboratory report carrying a unique identification number, is covered by a money-back authenticity guarantee, and is dispatched within 0–2 business days with free delivery across India.
There is no per-stone surcharge. All 31 stones and beads cost the same in any combination of one to nine, so an 8 mm 108 bead mala is ₹5,999 whether you choose one stone or nine. The price changes only with bead size, bead count and the capping metal you select.
How the custom mala builder works
- Choose your bead size. 8 mm is the traditional japa size; 10 mm is heavier in the hand.
- Choose your bead count. 27 beads for hand jaap, 54 for a half mala, 108 for a full mala. A Guru bead is added on top of the count.
- Choose the wire and capping. Thread only, German silver capping, or 925 sterling silver capping on every bead.
- Choose 1 to 9 stones. Search by name, Hindi name or intention. A live preview updates as you select.
- Choose the Guru bead and tassel finish. Tassel with a Guru bead (Sumeru), Guru bead only, or tassel only. All free.
- Choose knotted or unknotted. Hand-knotting between every bead, or beads sitting flush. Knotting is free and is not available on capped malas.
- Choose one thread and tassel colour. Match both to your stones, or pick one of 18 colours. The tassel always matches the thread.
- Choose an arrangement. Classic equal, alternating, Guru-side highlight, or leave it to our design team.
- Pick a free gift. One gift with every order; raw Selenite by default.
- Review and order. The summary shows every choice and the estimated price before checkout.
Mala prices
Every price below includes the GJSPC lab report, cleansing and energising, a free gift, and free delivery across India.
8 mm beads
| Mala | Thread only | German silver capping | 925 sterling silver capping |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 beads (hand jaap) | ₹1,450 | ₹3,999 | ₹8,999 |
| 54 beads (half mala) | ₹2,999 | ₹7,999 | ₹17,999 |
| 108 beads (full mala) | ₹5,999 | ₹13,499 | ₹35,999 |
10 mm beads
| Mala | Thread only | German silver capping | 925 sterling silver capping |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 beads (hand jaap) | ₹1,849 | ₹4,399 | ₹9,399 |
| 54 beads (half mala) | ₹3,749 | ₹8,799 | ₹18,749 |
| 108 beads (full mala) | ₹7,499 | ₹14,999 | ₹37,499 |
Capping is priced by bead count because a 108 bead mala uses four times the wire and caps of a 27 bead mala. German silver is a nickel-brass alloy and contains no silver; 925 sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver.
Gemstones available in the custom mala builder, and what each is traditionally used for
Thirty-one natural stones and beads can be combined in any mix of one to nine. Traditional Indian names are given in brackets where established, and the builder's search box matches either name. The associations below come from traditional crystal and Vedic practice. They are beliefs, not medical or scientific claims.
- Amazonite — calm and truth. Traditionally worn to soothe the nerves and to speak honestly without heat.
- Amethyst (Katela / Jamunia) — calm and clarity. A classic meditation stone, traditionally used to quieten an overactive mind and support restful sleep.
- Aquamarine (Beruj) — clarity and courage. Associated with steady emotion, clear speech and composure under pressure.
- Black Banded Agate (Kala Sulemani Hakik) — stability and courage. Long worn in India against nazar and for steadiness in difficult times.
- Black Obsidian — protection and truth. Traditionally used to cut through self-deception and to shield from negativity.
- Black Tourmaline (Kali Turmali) — protection and power. The best known protective stone, associated with grounding and with deflecting negative energy.
- Bloodstone (Rakt Mani) — courage and vitality. Associated with stamina, determination and physical energy.
- Carnelian (Lal Hakik) — energy and courage. Traditionally used for motivation, drive and creative confidence.
- Citrine (Sunela) — joy and abundance. The classic prosperity stone, associated with optimism and money intentions.
- Clear Quartz (Sphatik) — amplification and clarity. The traditional sphatik japa bead, said to amplify intention and clear the mind.
- Evil Eye Bead (Nazariya / Nazar Battu) — protection and luck. Worn across India to turn away the evil eye.
- Fluorite — focus and clarity. Associated with study, concentration and mental organisation.
- Garnet — vitality and commitment. Associated with steady energy, loyalty and devotion.
- Green Aventurine (Hara Aventurine) — growth, luck and prosperity. Traditionally carried for new ventures and good fortune.
- Green Jade (Hara Yashab) — harmony and balance. Associated with calm prosperity, health and long life.
- Hematite (Kaant Loha) — grounding and strength. Associated with willpower, focus and staying rooted.
- Howlite option — patience and calm. High-quality dyed magnesite, traditionally used for the same calming intention as Howlite, for cooling the temper and for sleep (traditional belief, not a scientifically proven effect).
- Karungali (Ebony Wood) — grounding and protection. A revered South Indian wood bead, traditionally worn for discipline, protection and grounding.
- Labradorite — intuition and magic. Associated with protecting the aura and strengthening intuition.
- Lapis Lazuli (Lajward) — wisdom and truth. Associated with learning, truthful speech and inner authority.
- Lepidolite — peace and transition. Traditionally used for calm during periods of change.
- Malachite — growth and healing. Associated with transformation and the courage to change.
- Moonstone (Chandrakant Mani) — intuition and calm. Associated with emotional balance, cycles and new beginnings.
- Pyrite (Swarna Makshik) — wealth and confidence. Traditionally kept for money, ambition and assertiveness.
- Red Jasper (Lal Jasper) — vitality and courage. Associated with stamina and steady, unshowy strength.
- Rose Quartz (Gulabi Sphatik) — love and harmony. The classic stone of self-love, compassion and relationships.
- 5 Mukhi Rudraksha (Rudraksh) — spiritual and divine. The most widely worn rudraksha, associated with Lord Shiva, calm and clarity in japa.
- Selenite — peace and purification. Traditionally used to cleanse a space, and other crystals, of heaviness.
- Smoky Quartz (Dhumra Sphatik) — clarity and calm. Associated with releasing worry and staying grounded.
- Sunstone (Suryakant Mani) — joy and vitality. Associated with confidence, warmth and leadership.
- Tiger's Eye (Bagha Chakshu) — strength and focus. Associated with courage, discipline and seeing a situation clearly.
Guru bead (Sumeru) and tassel options
- Tassel with Guru bead (Sumeru) — the complete traditional finish. One extra Guru bead closes the circle and a hand-tied tassel hangs below it. Free.
- Guru bead (Sumeru), no tassel — the Guru bead without a tassel, so the mala wears easily as a necklace. Free.
- Tassel, no Guru bead — a tassel finish with no Sumeru bead, for a lighter, more contemporary strand. Free.
The Guru bead is never counted in japa. On reaching it you pause, turn the mala and count back the other way. It is added on top of your bead count, so a 108 bead mala with a Guru bead carries 109 beads in total.
Knotted or unknotted
A knotted mala has a hand-tied knot between every bead. Each knot gives the thumb a natural stop while counting, stops the beads rubbing against each other, and means a broken thread cannot scatter the beads. It is the traditional japa choice and adds roughly 10–15% to the strand length. An unknotted mala has the beads sitting flush for a shorter, sleeker strand. Both are free. Knotting is not offered on capped malas, which are linked on metal wire rather than thread.
Thread and tassel colours
Choose "match my stones" and our artisans select the thread that sits best against the stones you picked, or choose your own from black, white, off-white cream, red, maroon, saffron, yellow, green, sky blue, royal blue, purple, pink, peach, brown, grey, turquoise, gold and silver. The selected colour is used for both the thread and tassel.
Wire and capping
- Thread only — the traditional build. Beads are strung on strong cord, knotted or unknotted as you choose.
- German silver capping — every bead is held between two German silver caps and linked on German silver wire. German silver is a nickel-brass alloy with a silver-white finish and contains no silver.
- 925 sterling silver capping — every bead is capped and linked in 92.5% pure sterling silver. Heavier, warmer in tone, and polishable for decades.
Certification, guarantee and delivery
- Every mala ships with a free independent GJSPC laboratory report carrying its own unique identification number. There is nothing to choose and nothing extra to pay.
- Money-back authenticity guarantee: if an independent laboratory shows a bead is not the natural material named on your order, we refund the full amount, including the cost of the test.
- Every mala is cleansed and energised in the traditional way before packing.
- Handmade by expert artisans in New Delhi, one at a time, never machine-assembled.
- Handcrafted and dispatched within 0–2 business days, with free delivery across India.
- A photograph of the finished mala is shared for your approval before dispatch.
- GemKrishna offers a 30-day easy return policy across its range, but a custom mala is made to order and is not eligible for return. Anything that arrives damaged or incorrect is always put right.
- Across the wider GemKrishna range, reports can be issued by GIA, IGI, GJSPC, GRS Swiss, IIGJ or GSI.
- Questions can be sent to contact@gemkrishna.com, or on WhatsApp at +91 76782 75972, 11am–9pm IST.
Frequently asked questions
How many gemstones can I put in one mala?
Between one and nine different stones. The builder repeats them around the strand according to the arrangement you pick, so a single-stone mala and a nine-stone mala both fill the full bead count.
Does the price go up as I add more stones?
No. All 31 stones and beads cost the same in any combination of one to nine. The price depends only on bead size, bead count and the capping metal. The lab report, cleansing, a free gift and delivery are included.
How much does a custom gemstone mala cost?
On thread, an 8 mm mala is ₹1,450 for 27 beads, ₹2,999 for 54 beads and ₹5,999 for 108 beads; a 10 mm mala is ₹1,849, ₹3,749 and ₹7,499. German silver capping and 925 sterling silver capping are priced separately for each bead count — the full table is above.
What is a Guru bead or Sumeru bead?
It is the larger bead that closes the circle of the mala. It is never counted in japa: on reaching it you pause, turn the mala and count back. It is added on top of your bead count, so a 108 bead mala with a Guru bead has 109 beads.
Should I choose a knotted or an unknotted mala?
Knotted is traditional for japa: the knot between each bead gives the thumb a stop while counting, protects the beads and stops a broken thread scattering them. Unknotted is shorter and sleeker and wears well as a necklace. Both are free, and knotting is not available on capped malas.
What is the difference between German silver and 925 sterling silver capping?
German silver is a nickel-brass alloy with a bright silver-white finish and contains no silver at all; it is the affordable everyday option. 925 sterling silver is real silver, 92.5% pure, heavier and warmer in tone, and it can be polished for decades. Both cap every single bead and link it on matching wire.
Do malas come with a lab certificate?
Yes, and it is included in the price. Every custom mala receives its own separate GJSPC laboratory report with a unique identification number, issued by an independent laboratory.
What is the money-back authenticity guarantee?
Have your mala tested at any independent gemmological laboratory within 30 days of delivery. If a bead is shown not to be the natural material named on your order, email the report to contact@gemkrishna.com and we refund the full amount you paid, including the cost of the test. The guarantee covers material identity, not natural variation in colour, banding or size, and it does not cover the Howlite option, which is sold and labelled as dyed magnesite.
Is the mala cleansed and energised?
Yes. Each finished mala is cleansed with incense and kept overnight on raw Selenite before packing, following traditional practice. This is a devotional step rather than a measurable treatment, and we describe it plainly so you know what is and is not being claimed.
Are the beads natural or dyed glass?
Gemstone options are natural and untreated except the Howlite option, which is high-quality dyed magnesite and is labelled clearly in the builder. Karungali is natural ebony wood and the 5 Mukhi Rudraksha is a natural seed bead. Natural materials vary slightly in colour, banding and size, and bead diameter can differ by up to 0.5 mm.
Can I choose the thread and tassel colour?
Yes. Choose "match my stones" and our artisans pick one colour that suits your stones, or select your own from 18 colours. The tassel always uses the same colour as the thread.
How long does a mala take to make and ship?
Each mala is handmade to order by our artisans and dispatched within 0–2 business days, with free delivery across India.
Can I leave detailed design instructions?
Yes. Use the custom note field before checkout for anything specific — which stone sits beside the Guru bead, tassel length, a particular repeating pattern. If a request is too detailed to follow from a note, we message you on WhatsApp before we begin work.
Will I see the mala before it is dispatched?
Yes. Once your mala is finished we share a photograph with you and dispatch only after you confirm you are happy with it. If anything is not as you pictured, it is corrected before the parcel leaves.
Can I return a custom mala?
GemKrishna offers a 30-day easy return policy across its range, but a custom mala is made to order specifically for you, so it is not eligible for return. If it arrives damaged, incorrect or not as ordered, contact contact@gemkrishna.com or WhatsApp +91 76782 75972 and it will be put right.
Which bead count should I choose?
108 beads is the full traditional japa mala. 54 beads is a half mala, lighter to wear, and two rounds make 108. 27 beads is a hand jaap or wrist mala, and four rounds make 108.
