Custom double-dragon grain

I picked out this Rudraksha (large) strand recently, and the client specifically asked for double dragon-ridge (ridge line). What I received was a batch of raw Nepal Rudraksha (large) seeds, around two hundred or so. I need to make a 20mm mala (prayer beads), so first I pick out the ones with the right size.

The seed selection process is actually quite grueling. Step one is checking the size, step two is looking at density and skin color, step three is checking the bead shape, step four is examining the grain / texture. Every step requires careful attention. It took several days back and forth before I picked out a satisfactory strand.

Custom double-dragon grain Rudraksha mala for a client

When selecting seeds I have a few criteria. First is density — it should feel weighty in the hand; if it feels light and flimsy, it's an immediate pass. Second is skin color — yellow skin or red skin are both fine, but there must be no shaded patches or mottled skin. Third is bead shape consistency — you can't have one bead tall and another short. Fourth is that the grain / texture style should be similar.

After this strand of seeds was selected, each bead's size, shape, and grain / texture were very close, and strung together the overall effect is great. When drilling, I use a 1.5mm drill bit at a slow speed to avoid cracking. When stringing, each bead faces the same direction so it looks neat when rotated.

Finished result

After stringing, I looked over the whole strand — uniform size, consistent bead shape, similar grain / texture style, and it feels great on the wrist. Friends who saw it all said this strand was well selected, far better than randomly buying one at a physical store.

Actually, selecting seeds and stringing a mala (prayer beads) is just like this — it takes time and strains the eyes, but the strand you pick out is comfortable to wear and pleasing to look at. With cultural playthings, what matters is the care you put in. If you put your heart into it, it will reward you.

Random Thoughts on Playing with mala

If anyone wants to pick out a Rudraksha mala, I'd suggest being patient and not rushing. Compare more, look more, and the beads you pick won't be bad. With collectibles like this, it's all about the process—you can't rush it.

Hope everyone can pick out their ideal mala (prayer beads) and enjoy the breaking-in (patina process).