This mala is a beautiful combinatin of rudraksha seed beads and riverstone. The rudraksha is approximately 7-8mm and the riverstone beads at the neck are 6mm. I've consciously palced the riverstone around the neck of the mala so that they are comfrtable against the skin. The guru bead is also 12mm riverstone.
 
This is a mala of simplicity, to hold the power of your intention and the energetic imprint of your mantra chanting or meditation practice. 
 
RUDRAKSHA (seed beads with ‘faces’ typically 5 faced)
The name stems from Hindu mythology and means “the eyes of Shiva.” It’s believed that Shiva meditated on the welfare of mankind and emerged crying tears of compassion. The tears, upon hitting the Earth, crystallised to form the trees that grow rudrakshas. Medicinally, they are known to heal the mind and body ailments, reduce heart disease and lower blood pressure. They are also believed to increase clarity and general awareness, calm the central nervous system, help quiet the mind, and free negative thought. In addition, they are said to be cooling when worn against the skin, and increase energy and stamina while providing rejuvenating qualities.
 
RIVERSTONE (aka fossilstone, creamy)
Riverstone is made from the fossilised material of a riverbed. It therefore holds the energy of water and earth. It can be soothing, gentle, stabilising and calming, or it can be an accelerator of change, sweeping away anything in its path with great power and ease. It is easily programmable, as water is, so it is important to imprint it with an intention to give it direction. It will easily imprint with the energy of any mantra that you use it for. It is versatile and full of wisdom, holding the frequency of ancient earth in its structure too.
 
As with all natural beads, after years of handling, rudraksha will absorb the oils of the skin and will likely darken in colour.