When it comes to beaded bracelets there's a few things to consider:

• First, the type of beads and if you're looking for any charms or variety in material (for example: onyx AND tiger's eye)
• Second, the chord. Aka the material that passes through the hole of your beads and allows you to wrap it around you wrist like a bracelet.
• Third, the clasp. Some use knots, full malas can be wrapped a few times around your wrist, and others use a spring lobster clasp or T-bar. 
• Last, your price range.

Types of beads in your bracelet.

Let's start with the first. If you already know the exact material you want of your beads you can skip this. Some people have very specific meanings they attribute to materials (mine is steel, as I learned to work the metal with someone I see as an older sister). For others it's tiger's eye or black onyx for their spiritual properties.

Each unto their own. Only you know what's right for you.

That said, I handpicked a couple of pieces that I thought you might like.

Spiritual Beads Alternating Bracelet - David Yurman

This piece is from David Yurman with a price tag of $475. Though they do offer affirm so you can pay with installments, which makes it more affordable for your average Joe.

What I like:

• The alternating black onyx and tiger's eye pairing is very striking and goes well with many masculine outfits.
• The lobster clasp is pain in the a** to get to used to on bracelets, but once you do, it's very secure. It also permits a snug fit to your wrist, so you don't need to worry about it completely sliding off.

What I dislike:

• The steep price tag. Tiger's Eye and Black Onyx aren't terribly expensive. The lobster clasp isn't stock-run-of-the-mill and looks fantastic but even in silver shouldn't justify the price tag. This may be a case of paying more for the brand than the product.
• Can't determine the material of the chord. Their site states stirling silver as a material, but the chord looks more like a woven fiber than metal based on the pictures.

 

Naga Beaded Bracelet, Sterling Silver - John Hardy

Materials: Eagle Eye, Black Volcanic, Blue Sapphire

This beaded bracelet will run you $750. John Hardy also offers affirm.

Which has me thinking I may want to jump on that trend.

What I like:

• Unique design. I see a lot of cookie-cutter bracelets floating around the internet. Between the naga head inlaid with a sapphire, the push clasp (haven't worn one with it, but the idea is cool), and the fact that they claim it's all carved by hand. It has me interested.

What I dislike:

• Oof the price tag. $750 is a lot for me, and I'm clearly not their target audience at this time.
• Lack of reviews. Often times businesses will post reviews below the product, or it will be easy to find them through a quick google search. I had trouble finding either. It could be a solid porduct. At that price point, I hope they offer stellar customer service.

 

Powerful Healing Natural Rutilated Quartz Black Lava Beaded Double Row Adjustable Bracelet Protection Mens Bracelet Women's Crystal Bracelet - ElisaJewelryArt

The super long name stuffed with keywords is a byproduct of optimizing for Etsy's search engine. It goes for $90.

What I like:

• The aesthetic. I would wear this in a heartbeat. I'm a fan of contrast, and the black, gold and white just do it for me.
• The black waxed macrame cord used to bind the bracelet together is a huge plus. I've had mala's last me years through a ton of abuse when put together well with this material. And this was when I was working construction which no person should do.

What I dislike:

• I'm unsure about the adjustable knot in the back. It could be really well constructed and hold up for a long time. I just know on some of the bracelets I wore, that the first thing to go is usually the moving parts.

Dusk's Chains - Short Mala - Midnight's Honor

Materials: Stainless Steel. Price: $39.99

Everything from the clasp to the chain cord and the beads themselves are made out of metal. The beads are hand hammered to produce the texture. 

What I like:

• The feel of the piece. It has a comforting weight to it that I haven't been able to find in any other bracelet I've worn. I've always wanted a handforged mala and it turned out that the best way to to do that is to make it myself.

What I dislike:

• Early models were more susceptable to breaking when they caught on something hard. Since then, I've made some changes to the chain, jump rings, and clasps to make the bracelet sturdier.
• The residue when you first get it. Despite multiple polishing and washing cycles, you still get some black residue for the first few weeks you wear it.

Ntoable mentions: Some other matrials I've loved were rosewood, sandal wood, and oak. Moonstone and lapis lazuli, as well as jasper are common materials in a beaded bracelets.

The chord of your bracelet.

Each material has its benefits and drawbacks. 

• A stretchy cord will slacken and become loose over time, resulting in a fit that's annoyed me. This is why I personally don't own these anymore.
• The waxed cords hold up well as long as they are tied and fastened appropriately. As previously mentioned, I was amazed the first time I bought a mala held together by waxed cord. It proved to be highly durable despite the abuse I put it through.
• Metal. When the chain isn't soldiered, they are susceptable to breaking. Some deisgns more than others. I prefer designs in which multiple links close over others, and in which any jump rings do the same. The saying: "It's only as strong as its weakest link" applies here.
• While maybe not popular among everyone. The beauty about the chain is that it's easy to repair. A part can be swapped in without having to redo the entire cord.

The clasp of your beaded bracelet.

The major fastening devices or clasps are as follows:

• Lobster clasp. These things are a ******* pain in the *** to figure out at first. If your bracelet isn't sized well for you to put it on by yourself, forget about it. But once it's on, it's beautiful.
• T-bar. This connector works a lot like a cufflink. Slide one side of the T in. Then shimmy the T to get the whole thing through. I don't have a lot of experience with these, though I see these every so often.
• Sliding knot. Refer to the ElisaJewelryArt image above. These are pretty easy to get the hang of. My biggest gripe with the adjustable slider, is the durability of them. They don't tend to hold up great in my opinion. I also use my teeth to help me tighten it, so maybe I'm not the perfect role model.
• The wrap. A full mala has 108 beads, which is a lot wider than your average wrist. In fact, ff this was your wrist, you'd be a whole different breed of human. These can often be wrapped 3 to 5 times to be worn as a bracelet and thus technically don't have a fastener. It's been some time since I wore a full mala, but they are beautiful and great for meditation.

Your budget.

I wish I could say you always get what you pay for when it comes to these. Bracelets (rings as well) take a staggering level of abuse on the daily. Some companies are great to work with when things go wrong. Some are absolute nightmares. You can always ask if they have repair policies in place if it's a pricer item.

If you're not looking to spend that much money right now. There are some great sellers on Etsy for under $40.

And there are even others for under $20.

In some cases it isn't always worth repairing the bracelet. And in these cases the bracelets are usually priced low enough where it's easier for all parties to just make a new one. 

In addition, Amazon is always an option. As are sites like Alibabba and Temu.

I generally try to stay away from all three as the quality is usually terrible. I also try to support other artisans when I can.

Beaded Bracelets for under $40

Apartment020 on Etsy - $22.92

SubtleGem on Etsy - $25.75