Show Your Devotion: Handmade Silver Bracelets with Spiritual Meaning

Many are the religions that have developed some type of string of beads to aid in meditation or meditative prayer. We don’t want to be irreverent, but we think it’s possible to adapt some of these as handmade silver bracelets, with gemstone or silver beads. When worn on the wrist, such handmade silver bracelets will both make an attractive adornment, and remind you of your connection to the spiritual. Here’s a brief review of some of the prayer beads in use by different cultures, and our ideas for how you can wear them as devotional jewellery.

The handmade silver bracelet mala: The mala is used in Eastern traditions, chiefly Buddhism and Hinduism. In Buddhism it is used as an aid in meditation, and in Hinduism it is used in reciting mantras.  Although the devotional mala is a string of 108 beads with a head bead called a ‘sumeru’, you can use a handmade silver bracelet, perhaps one with all-silver beads, as your own bracelet-mala, to help you keep your mind on your puja, or meditation practice.

The handmade silver bracelet misbaha:  The misbaha or tasbih – taken from the Arabic “subhan Allah”, meaning “all praise to Allah” – is used in Muslim prayer. The traditional misbaha contains 99 beads (for the 99 names of Allah); usually these are arranged in groupings of 33 beads separated by a disk. Each set of 33 beads is used for the repetition of a devotional phrase which, if recited after prayers, is said to increase the sayer’s holiness.  A smaller misbaha of 33 beads separated into three sets of 11 beads is also acceptable.  As a silver bracelet, the misbaha can be worn on the wrist as a reminder of Allah’s constant presence. The beads on this kind of handmade silver bracelet can be made of gemstone, silver or goldfill.

The handmade silver bracelet rosary (“garland of roses”): The rosary is perhaps the easiest of the devotional beads to adapt as a handmade silver bracelet, as it is almost always made of some silver, and is commonly displayed by the faithful. Roasries come in various lengths and sizes, and usually have their beads organized into “decades” or groups of ten beads. Various prayers, including the Hail Mary, the Our Father, and the Jesus Prayer, may be “assigned” to certain of the beads on the rosary. Rosary rings and rosary bracelets exist, with a rosary in the form of a handmade silver bracelet consisting of ten beads, and perhaps a cross or saint’s medallion, as well.

The handmade silver bracelet komboskini:  The komboskini is the Eastern Orthodox equivalent of the Catholic and Anglican rosary. Although it is traditionally made of twined rope – containing 33, 50, or 100 knots which are used to aid in prayer – most kombuskini also contain beads.  As a handmade silver bracelet, you could use a combination of rope and silver, either silver links or silver beads.

In adapting prayer beads as handmade silver bracelets, it is important to remember that these are not meant to be “just jewellery”, but that they are also a source of reverence and devotion, and should be worn appropriately. Nevertheless, that does not mean that devotion can’t be beautiful… and devotional handmade silver bracelets are an excellent way to remind yourself, and others, of your spiritual beauty.

About the Author

Sapir Topazi – writer and blogger (handmade silver jewellery)

A question of reasonable fashion – rosaries?

I was curious mainly about one item – the rosary. I did a little research, and it seems to be a big debate on if it’s acceptable to wear rosaries for fashion. However, that is not my question – my main question is, is there jewelry similar to actual rosaries (a full necklace spread out with glass or faceted beads, and a string usually ending in a cross – these vary a little, of course) that are NOT religious and alright to wear as you wish.. mainly the same bead idea, but instead of a cross, perhaps a heart, or an angel, or any other type of charm. Has anyone heard of them being sold somewhere (mainly online, since unless you live here, you’re a bit far away!), or perhaps handmade? Any good answers appreciated.

Yes, lots of places sell necklaces in that style. Google Y necklaces, you will find lots of them.