We ship all orders via USPS from our Corporate Office in Carlsbad, CA unless another shipping method is requested on your order.

Most orders arrive within 5-7 business days.

Please choose an expedited shipping option at checkout to receive your order faster than our standard shipping which is 5-7 business days.

We hope you love your Mala and Mantra mala beads that we designed with intention. We strive to create a quality product our customers will cherish for years to come. If for any reason you receive a product you are not happy with and would like to return it you can start your online return by clicking HERE to get started.

For merchandise returned within 60 days of purchase date, a refund will be issued to the original form of payment at the original selling price.  If returned after 60 days, a merchandise credit will be issued at the original selling price.We will gladly accept unworn merchandise for return within 60 days of purchase.  If an item arrives which is defective we will be happy to send a replacement at no additional charge. 

A mala, which is Sanskrit for garland, is a string of beads—typically 108, in addition to one guru bead—which are used as a meditation tool while chanting, reciting or silently repeating a mantra. Malas help the wearer focus their mind and are often used to recite mantras in sets of 108 repetitions. Malas are made from various types of materials, including gemstones, wood, seeds or crystals. When not used for specifically meditation, malas can help wearers carry a sense of peace, calm, mindfulness and focus with them throughout the day.

A mantra—Sanskrit for sound, syllable, word or group of words—is a personal “motto” of sorts that is repeated during meditation to help create focus and self-transformation. When repeating a personal mantra, the meditator can calm the mind to allow deeper levels of relaxation and awareness. 

Malas allow the wearer to keep count of mantra recitation, allowing her to stay focused, calm and relaxed while repeating a mantra 108 times. In traditional Tibetan Buddhism, mala beads are often created using 108 beads, as a 108-bead mantra repetition represents the 108 worldly sins in the Buddhist doctrine. In addition, the number 108 is considered to be sacred in many Eastern religions, representing the universe as one thing (1), nothing (0) and everything (8, or infinity). The numbers 9 and 12 also have spiritual significance in many Eastern religions, with 9 times 12 equaling 108. In addition, the numbers 3 and 6 are significant in relation to mala beads, with Buddhist malas coming in three forms: 108, 54 and 27 beads. On a traditional Buddhist mala, the three beads above the guru bead represent the Three Refuges: Homage to the Buddha, Homage to the Dharma and Homage to the Sangha. Traditional 108-bead malas are divided into six groups of 18 beads, with a divider between each bead, while 54-bead malas have six groups of nine beads. Each dividing bead represents a point of pause for silent meditation.

Malas are made using a wide variety of materials, many of which are gemstones. Gemstones have been used for centuries for healing and to reflect energy from the earth. Each gemstone also has a particular meaning and healing properties, and wearers can choose their mala beads based on what they’re seeking from their meditation. Amethyst, for example, promotes spirituality and helps the wearer stay centered, spiritual and serene. Tiger’s Eye, on the other hand, promotes courage and helps the wearer stay powerful, grounded and mindful.

Mala and Mantra mala bead necklaces each contain tassels, while some mala bead bracelets include an Om charm. In traditional Buddhist culture, tassels are symbolic of lotus blossoms, which represent and promote enlightenment. Om charms are representative of a common mantra used in meditation and prayer, and are said to bring luck, harmony and peace to the wearer.

Start by holding your mala beads in your right hand (the left hand in India is considered impure) with the tassel facing you, rest the beads on your middle and keeping your index finger from touching the beads (this finger being the finger used to point and is associated with the ego).  Use your thumb and middle finger to count each bead as you pull the bead towards you . Begin reciting your chosen mantra, counting each repetition by moving to the next bead. When you complete one set of mantra repetition—108 for mala bead necklaces; 27 for mala bead bracelets—and reach the guru bead, flip the mala around 180 degrees, then continue in the same direction.

All of our mala bead jewelry is handcrafted using only the highest-quality materials, such as sustainable wood beads and all-natural, semi-precious gemstones. We use a lead-free pewter metal for elements like our charms, guru beads and cones, and spacer beads. We chose to use pewter because it doesn't tarnish the way metals like sterling silver and brass tend to do, and our pewter is safely manufactured based on the California Jewelry Act standards. For the tassel and cords, we use a high-quality polyester thread, which we chose for its durability, drape and wide array of colors. 

For years, Mantra and Mala creator Judith Compton has made it her mission to help those around her. After launching Mala and Mantra, she found a social entrepreneurship in the Philippines to partner with for production. The women’s co-op provides sustainable income, pays fair wages and provides a safe work environment for a group of Filipino women artisans. By purchasing production from the women’s co-op, Mala and Mantra supports these women and their families and ensures them of sustainable income, while expanding their livelihood.

At Mala and Mantra, we believe in the power of the story and that storytelling is the best way to bring people together to create global change. Our most important story is one deeply rooted in a desire to consciously create high-quality, fashionable products while empowering female artisans around the globe. An equally compelling story is our mission to provide women around the globe with the healing message of wellness via our meaningful and mindful products. This story led to the creation of our global initiative, Women + Wellness (W+W). We believe improving women's resources and promoting wellness can positively affect individuals, families, communities and nations.

Future plans are to expand this W+W initiative into other product categories, as well as other countries around the globe, including the United States. This will allow us to help create ongoing educational, economic and wellness opportunities for women.