A color change log of a 108-bead Old Tree King mala after half a year of breaking-in (patina process). Half a year is neither too long nor too short, but the changes to the mala are tangible. Looking back at this six-month color journey, every day of consistent breaking-in is etched into the mala.

Color Half a Year Ago

Half a year ago, right after the initial base preparation, the mala was pale yellow with white undertones—dry and lusterless. Back then, I kept wondering when it would turn red, wishing time would pass faster. Looking at the old photos now, it feels like a completely different mala; the one from half a year ago was as green as I was when I first got into this hobby.

Current Color

Now, half a year later, the color has changed noticeably. The pale yellow has faded, replaced by a subtle red hue; some beads have started to darken, and natural color variation is emerging—uneven depth is a normal part of the coloration process. A thin layer of patina has also formed, making the mala surface feel oilier and glow softly in the light. The color change isn't drastic, but compared to half a year ago, it's like a whole new mala—consistency really shows.

Expectations for the Next Half Year

My hope for the next six months is for the color to deepen a bit more and for the color variation to even out. Evening out the color takes patience: spend more time breaking in lighter beads and brush darker ones more—there's no rushing it. This color change log for my half-year-old 108-bead Old Tree King mala tracks both the mala's journey and my own perseverance. Half a year is already behind us; let's keep breaking it in in the months to come—the mala's color will only get more beautiful.