Everything about beads — in one place
A reference to the worry beads of the world: how they are built, what the bead counts mean, how the traditions differ. We are compiling the most complete, honest encyclopedia on the subject — from masters who have handled thousands of pieces.
Compare every material
Price, rarity and the character of each worry-bead material — in one table.
Fundamentals
Anatomy of a rosary: beads, count, head, tassel, threading
What a rosary is made of: working beads, counting grains, the head bead, the threading cord, and the tassel — every part explained with its names across traditions.
OpenBead counts and their meaning (17, 19, 23, 33, 99, 108)
Why do rosaries have 33, 99, or 108 beads? A clear guide to the main counting traditions — Islamic, Orthodox, Buddhist, and secular — and what each number means.
OpenGlossary of rosary terms
A concise glossary of rosary terminology: komboloi, begleri, tasbih, misbaha, mala, imam, threading, tassel, facet, and more — clearly defined.
OpenTraditions of the world
Catholic rosary
The Catholic rosary: the structure of the strand, its bead count (59), how the prayer is said by decades, the history of the practice and common materials.
OpenOrthodox prayer rope
Orthodox prayer beads: the knotted prayer rope (komboskini) and the Old Believers' leather lestovka. Knot counts, the link to the Jesus Prayer, history and materials.
OpenTasbih (misbaha): Islamic prayer beads
Islamic prayer beads, the tasbih (misbaha): 99 beads for the names of Allah, the shorter 33-bead form, how dhikr is recited, the history and collectible materials.
OpenJapa mala: Buddhist & Hindu beads
The japa mala — Buddhist and Hindu prayer beads: 108 beads, the meru bead, how a mantra is repeated, the meaning of 108, history and materials (rudraksha, bodhi, sandalwood).
OpenKomboloi: Greek worry beads
Komboloi, the Greek worry beads for the hands with no religious purpose: history, odd bead counts, amber and faturan, and the culture of unhurried handling.
OpenBegleri
Begleri, the short Greek worry beads of two weights on an open strand: descent from komboloi, the mangas subculture, and the modern fidget skill of flipping.
OpenFlip worry beads & the spinning culture
Flip worry beads and the spinning culture: how komboloi, begleri, and worry beads became a hand skill, a fidget, and a form of everyday meditation.
OpenExplore by material and model
Mammoth ivory, ebonite, buffalo horn, titanium, juma — and models: pogon, mosaic, narkomanki, peribory. Each material and model has its own deep-dive in the catalog.