Pure Pearls Glossary
Japa Mala
A string of 108 beads used for counting mantra repetitions, with a larger guru bead marking the start.
The count of 108 is fixed by tradition. A guru bead, often tasselled, marks the beginning and end so the practitioner knows a full round is complete.
Materials carry meaning. Rudraksha, tulsi, sandalwood and pearl are each associated with different practices, and pearl malas are linked to the moon and to calming intent.
A japa mala is a devotional object first and jewellery second, so it is knotted between beads for durability and for the tactile pause between counts.
When you are buying
For a mala that will be handled daily, insist on knotting between every bead. It stops the beads abrading each other and keeps the mala usable if the cord breaks.
Japa malas
One piece in the collection right now, from ₹12,000.
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Knotting
A knot tied between each pearl on the thread. It stops pearls rubbing and limits a break to a single lost pearl.
Moti
The Hindi word for pearl, and in Vedic astrology the gemstone of the Moon, worn to strengthen Chandra.
Restringing
Replacing the thread a strand is built on. Routine maintenance, not repair, and overdue on most pearl necklaces.
925 Sterling Silver
An alloy of 92.5% silver with 7.5% other metals, usually copper. The international standard for silver jewellery.
Not sure what you are being sold?
Paste any pearl description — another shop’s listing, a message from a jeweller, an old certificate — and we will break it down term by term.