{"product_id":"chinese-vintage-amber-guru-bead-sets-from-giant-malas-sold-by-set-of-2","title":"Chinese Vintage \"Amber\" Guru Bead Sets from Giant Malas, Sold by Set of 2","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThese guru bead\/tassel holders are priced by the set of 2 set (4 individual parts)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVintage, or possibly antique, Chinese \"amber\" guru bead sets. Also known as stupa, bindu or sumaru beads, these make the connection between the rest of a typical 108 bead mala or prayer strand and the tassel.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEach of the two round beads (19 and 21mm) has 3 holes, two for being strung with the rest of the mala and one for the strand that attaches to the tassel through capstan shaped bead.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThese slightly matte finish (from wear) beads are a warm dark brown. They are quite light for their size, but not as light as modern plastics. They are a mystery, but definitely attractive\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThese beads have an interesting story: My sister Pat bought them as part of a collection from the owner of a Chinatown antiques store that recently closed. These beads were among a group of giant 108 bead malas mostly broken.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eI've given these the hot pin test and they don't smell like pine, but neither do they have the acrid smell of plastic.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn the translucent verison of these beads ((ASO-105)you can see that they have been drilled from both ends, which means they are more likely a natural material, as opposed to molded plastic or glass.  These aren't glass, so I think they must be an early synthetic material similar to bakelite and the other early resins that became African Amber.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnly one set available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Beadazzled.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50286602748213,"sku":"ORR-204","price":9.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/4388\/1301\/files\/ORR-204.jpg?v=1732146931","url":"https:\/\/www.beadazzled.com\/products\/chinese-vintage-amber-guru-bead-sets-from-giant-malas-sold-by-set-of-2","provider":"Beadazzled.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}