HAND MADE REAL OX BONE SKULL BUDDHIST ROSARY BRACELET BEADS GOTHIC UNIQUE UNUSUAL GIFT IDEA

I'm really pleased with this mala bracelet and have just ordered some more for my friends. It was dispatched very promptly and arrived in just two weeks, which is not bad considering it was posted from Singapore. To address the question of the smell which has so exercised some reviewers, it does smell quite strongly like carbolic soap when you first take it out of the packet, but the smell soon dissipates and it most certainly doesn't smell of rotting meat! I can attest also that I have thus far *not* had any hungry, salivating dogs following me home...The bone is very smooth and stained to a rather darker colour than in the photograph, which I like. Each skull bead is unique; they are hand carved and every one has an individual 'personality'. I'm quite tempted to give them all names, in fact!This is an attractive and unusual item that you can wear every day. It will probably invite comment and inquiry, which is in itself an excellent opportunity to start up a discussion on the Buddhist ideas of 'impermanence' and 'emptiness'. And no, you don't have to be a Goth to appreciate a good Memento Mori!

The item looks exactly as it does on the picture, and everything visually is absolutely fine (e.g. the size, how it is crafted, strength, etc) but I honestly can't stand the smell. I'd love to say I was exaggerating but it's the worst scent I've ever smelt in my life, and it's so overpowering that I can't stand to wear it until the smell is gone or has at least faded. I read some comments saying the smell was unpleasant or smelt like bacon (? I want to know what bacon you eat because... wow) but it's honestly awful. I smelt some really old soap that smelt the same as it once and that's the only thing as bad (I tried looking for the name of the soap but haven't turned up with any luck) and only one person I knew liked the smell of it (the soap) so it may be due to individual differences. It may just be my extreme dislike of the smell but I can't describe in words how awful it is to me. It's a shame because visually it's very nice.

This wrist mala is very nicely made - simple and discreet - much smaller than others I own so ideal for everyday wear in any situation.The reason I give it 4 stars is it has lost some of its original colour within a very short period of time.However, it can be restored to a greater or lesser degree by staining it in a very strong tea infusion from time to time (there are probably other possibly more permanent ways to do this as well).All in all a satisfactory purchase.

This is an unusual bracelet, and for the price, a bargain. Takes a while to arrive through the letterbox due to being posted from the far east, but that's expected.Got to comment on previous reviews regarding a "smell"Well, yes they do have a hint of woodsmoke, obviously through the dyeing process (at least it's organic) but this diminishes after a while. The other reviewers must have the noses of bloodhounds...Not yet had them long enough to quote on the fading review, but if so, then soaking in a cup of tea is no problem. Remember, they are real bone.All in all, for a few quid, if you fancy one of these then go ahead, you will not be disappointed.

I love this. It is clearly hand carved making each skull individual, quirky and the whole bracelet unique. The quality of the carving is somewhat variable but to my mind this just adds to its charm. My bracelet does not smell and the bone is smoothed and appears varnished. I'm not sure, as a Buddhist, whether this will help me work towards the enlightenment of all sentient beings but it may help remind me of the temporary and fragile nature of this existence and the need to meet death with equanimity. The bracelet is recommended, if only as a nice unique piece of jewellry. Peace, compassion and wisdom to you all!

this bracelet looks nice when it arrived, but after using it for two days it started to fade out very easily and looses it colour and quality. Now it looks very old and I do think i would use it in this faded state. If u want to go for it u can go for it, but its has a very poor quality.

Wore this everyday for months. Over time it looses its elasticity but still amazing!

Original but too many beads! The religious purpose is to have a certain amount and my Buddhist friend, for whom it was a gift, found there is one too many!