Amber prayer beads guide

Each tradition has its own bead count: 59 for a rosary, 33 or 99 for a misbaha, 108 for a mala.

Catholic rosary · 59 + crucifix
5 decades of 10, with separator beads and a centre medal
Hail Mary and Our Father prayers

Islamic misbaha (tasbih) · 33 or 99
Long "imam" bead; 33-bead sets often have 2 dividers
Dhikr; the 99 names of God

Buddhist mala · 108
Plus a larger "guru" bead
Counting mantras

Japanese juzu · 108, or shorter versions
Two main beads and tassels; style depends on the Buddhist school
Chanting sutras

Orthodox prayer rope · 33, 50 or 100 knots or beads
Ends with a cross
The Jesus Prayer

How do I choose amber prayer beads?

• Natural single-piece beads last longest and are valued most; ask for the category.
• Olive and round beads are comfortable for counting.

Shop: Catholic rosaries · Islamic misbaha · Buddhist mala · Japanese juzu · Orthodox · All prayer beads