Stringing materials

[Guest guest]

Hi Tomji:

 

Remember I am in a complete state of ignorance concerning traditional Vedic

stringing materials, so will have to settle with what I have managed to

improvise with Western jewelry making supplies. :-)

 

I have been successful with elastic as well as wire.

It really depends on what you are stringing.

 

Wrist malas that are used for japa really need elastic as clasps get in the

way. (and are difficult to wear)

 

Large rudrakshsa and most gems can be strung on 1mm size.

 

Punch mukhi on .7mm

 

Gems like Coral and Pearl on .5mm.

 

This is because of hole size not weight.

 

The large size is most durable but your knot is larger and more difficult to

hide.

 

I mention in a past posting that Neetaji at Rudra Ctr. Suggested applying a

small amount of Krazy Glue so knot doesn't open. You can hide knot in large

holes of rudraksha as well as between bead and cap or bead and spacers.

 

Head malas I have found work best in elastic.

 

Armulets with 1mm elastic and you have to be precise with arm measurement.

 

Depending on how many rudraksha you string and the size of the beads, a 54 +1

Bead mala sometimes can barely go over the head if you are using only a few

rudraksha and small gem beads. So you will need elastic.

 

Large neck malas or japa malas not to be worn work really well with a

wonderful wire called "Acu - Flex". It is very durable yet very thin and has

a wonderful texture like thread... isn't stiff at all. Comes in all colors

and clear.

 

You have to close it off with these little beads called "crimp beads" and

they are squeezed flat with a pair of crimp pliers.

You can loop the ends together or use a clasp or connect to Meru Bead if it

has been capped and has a loop.

 

It is really easy to do and most jewelry supply places could show you how. I

also have instructions with pictures I could probably scan and send an

attachment to anyone who wants it.

 

Good brands for Elastic are Power Cord and Stretch Magic.

There is a national crafts store called Michael's which has decent

inexpensive 1mm elastic. The .5 mm is pretty awful.

 

Thin elastic can stretch out if long malas are made on it with heavy beads. I

haven't had any break

 

There is a source on-line that I have used that also has a huge catalog that

is for free.

The place is : www.firemountaingems.com.

 

They have tons of stringing supplies and tools and a huge selection of

spacers at different price ranges and some nice gems.

 

I guess that's the dissertation on stringing materials :-)

 

Have fun and let us know what you end up using (and of course post your mala

in photo file) :-)

 

Namaste Kanti

 

In a message dated 10/3/2002 4:33:36 PM Central Daylight Time,

tmicklin writes:

 

 

> Kantiji,

> I would love it if you posted some catalog sources.

> Also, I have a question.

> What material do you prefer for stringing Malas?

> I'm undecided because I wanted something I could knot but that would hold

> up to being cleaned.

> I'm using a waxed thread of some sort but I'm not sure about it.

> Thanks a lot,

> Tom

>

>