One-year change record
I’ve worn this mala for a long time but never took good photos. Today the weather is nice with good light, so I took a few shots by the windowsill, sharing them for everyone to evaluate.
I acquired this strand two years ago. Back then, it was just an ordinary yellow-hued large Rudraksha strand, with decent grain / texture, good density, and no particularly outstanding features. I never expected that after such a long period of breaking-in (patina process), its current color and patina are far better than what I anticipated.
One-year transformation record of a Rudraksha mala (prayer beads) during the breaking-in (patina process)
When the new strand first arrived, it had a yellowish tint and a rough, unsmooth surface. I was just getting into the hobby back then, and read online that I should break it in as much as possible, so I rubbed it nonstop every day. As a result, it got darker and duller, and I later realized I was using the wrong method.
I later realized I rushed to start breaking-in without cleaning the surface residue. I re-did the base preparation, dry-brushed vigorously for a month, 20 minutes of brushing daily, to get all residue out of the grain. The seeds felt different after that.
After the base preparation, I followed the normal routine: for the first three months, I brushed more and handled less, then switched to the opposite after the glossy sheen formed. After about half a year, the color deepened, and the surface luster became more and more smooth and rich — there's no need to deliberately chase a specific result.
Current Appearance
Now this Rudraksha (Large) has a deep, rich red color, bright and translucent. It has a thick patina and strong jade-like texture. Under sunlight, each seed glows with a warm luster, the dragon-ridge lines are translucent, the grooves are slightly darker, and the grain has a very strong three-dimensional feel. It feels heavy in the hand and has a great texture.
A while ago, someone asked me if this strand was a vintage piece, saying that its patina did not look like it came from a newly started breaking-in (patina process). I told him it was not that old, but he did not quite believe me.
Looking back at the breaking-in process over these two years, there's actually no special secret—just patience. I break-in and brush every day, no rush, no over-manipulation. When I encountered problems, I looked up information and found solutions, never giving up. Over time, the mala naturally rewards you.
Closing remarks
Many beginners start off by asking what oil to use or how to get a glossy sheen, but the question they should really be asking is whether they can stick with brushing for twenty minutes every day. Methods are secondary; persistence is what matters most.
I'll keep wearing this mala, and I welcome everyone to share their own malas in the comments so we can all exchange tips. With wenwan, playing solo isn't much fun—it's better with company.
